Dive into the rich and luxurious flavors of these Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, perfect for adding a touch of seaside elegance to your Christmas table. The earthy mushrooms, filled with a savory crab and panko stuffing, topped with melted cheese, create a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. This dish is a festive showstopper that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for your holiday menu. 🌊🦀🍄
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushroom caps
- 8 oz pasteurized crab meat (lump or backfin)
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sweet onion, minced
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1-1/2 tablespoons)
- 2/3 cup mild shredded cheese, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a shallow baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Remove the stems from the portobello caps, dice them, and add to a mixing bowl. Scrape the gills from the mushroom caps, brush them clean, and arrange on the prepared baking pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Filling: Add the crab meat, panko, minced onion, garlic, thyme, and lemon juice to the bowl with the diced mushroom stems. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese and add the remainder to the mixture. Gently mix, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the beaten egg.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Divide the stuffing mixture among the mushroom caps, forming slight mounds.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crab mixture is set and light golden brown.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Top each mushroom with the reserved cheese and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.
These Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a sophisticated addition to your Christmas celebrations, bringing a taste of the sea to your festive feast. Enjoy this elegant dish with family and friends! 🎄🌊🦀✨