These bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The mushrooms are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. The bacon is cooked until crispy and adds a savory flavor to the dish. The mushrooms are baked until they are tender and the bacon is crispy.
The origins of the bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushroom are shrouded in mystery. Some say that it was invented by a group of housewives in the 1950s who were looking for a way to use up leftover bacon and cream cheese. Others claim that it was created by a chef at a restaurant in the 1960s. Whatever its origins, the bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushroom has become a popular appetizer at parties and gatherings. It is a simple dish to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
12 large mushrooms
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop. Set caps aside.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and chopped mushroom stems.
Fill mushroom caps with cream cheese mixture.
Wrap each mushroom cap with a slice of bacon.
Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and mushrooms are tender.
Serve hot.
Why It Works
The combination of bacon and cream cheese is a classic for a reason. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy flavor of the cream cheese.
The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor to the filling and helps to bind the ingredients together.
The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
The salt and pepper help to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients.
The mushrooms provide a sturdy base for the filling and are also a good source of fiber and nutrients.