Red Lobster Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Red Lobster Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that brings the flavors of a seafood feast right to your table. With their tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of crab meat, herbs, and Parmesan, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests at any gathering or special occasion. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they are the perfect combination of creamy and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup finely diced green onions
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 pound crab meat
• 1 pound white mushrooms

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the green onions, celery, garlic, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and crab meat. Mix until well combined.
5. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the insides of the mushroom caps.
6. Stuff each mushroom cap with the crab mixture and place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan cheese with Asiago or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crab mixture to spice up the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: For a non-seafood version, replace the crab meat with a vegetable or cheese mixture, like spinach or artichokes, for a savory stuffing.
• Herb Mix: You can change up the herbs in this recipe by using tarragon, parsley, or dill for different flavor combinations.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover crab stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: These mushrooms can be frozen before baking. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the stuffed mushrooms at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat? Yes, imitation crab (also called surimi) can be used as a substitute for real crab meat in this recipe.
2. Can I prepare these mushrooms ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them right before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of mushroom? While white button mushrooms are traditional, you can also use cremini or portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
4. What can I serve with crab stuffed mushrooms? These mushrooms pair well with a light salad, seafood dishes, or as part of a seafood appetizer platter.
5. Can I make these mushrooms spicier? Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce will give them a spicy kick.
6. Can I use fresh crab meat in this recipe? Yes, fresh crab meat can be used in place of canned or frozen crab meat for an even more flavorful result.
7. Do I have to remove the mushroom stems? Yes, the stems should be removed to create space for the stuffing and to ensure even cooking.
8. Can I bake the mushrooms at a different temperature? While the recipe calls for 375°F, you can bake them at 350°F or 400°F if needed. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
9. Can I freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking. Just make sure to bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
10. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Red Lobster Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a flavorful, savory appetizer that brings a touch of elegance to any meal or celebration. With their rich crab filling, aromatic herbs, and crispy Parmesan topping, these mushrooms are sure to be a hit. Whether served at a holiday gathering, family dinner, or dinner party, they offer a delicious seafood twist on a classic stuffed mushroom recipe. Enjoy these scrumptious bites as an appetizer or snack, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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