Creamy Mushroom Bites with Bacon and Cheese

This delightful appetizer features juicy mushrooms stuffed with a creamy cheese and bacon filling, then topped with melted cheese for a savory treat. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your dietary needs or taste preferences. The combination of flavors from the mushrooms, bacon, and two types of cheese creates a rich and satisfying bite. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a family appetizer. They can be prepared quickly, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful texture while the cream cheese brings a tangy creaminess. Topped with a more robustly flavored cheese that melts beautifully, this dish is sure to impress. Serve them hot straight from the oven and watch them disappear from the plate in no time. Easy to make, yet elegant enough for special occasions, these creamy mushroom bites are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Fresh mushrooms (Champignons) - 12 large pieces
Bacon or smoked meat - 100g
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Philadelphia cream cheese - 100g
Hard cheese (that melts well), sliced - 100g

Preparation Time

30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the onions and bacon. If you're short on time, you can substitute with a piece of smoked squid tentacle for a quick fix.
Clean the mushrooms: Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely.
Cook the filling: In a skillet, sauté the chopped mushroom stems, bacon, and onions over medium heat until the onions become translucent and cooked through. This typically takes about 5 minutes.
Stuff the mushrooms: Fill each mushroom cap with the sautéed mixture. Be sure to pack them tightly for maximum flavor.
Add the cheese: Top each filled mushroom with a dollop of Philadelphia cream cheese and a slice of hard cheese. Ensure the cheese slices cover the filling thoroughly.
Bake the mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Cooking time: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the mushrooms hot straight from the oven.
Enjoy your creation! These tasty bites are perfect for any occasion or as a delicious snack.

Tips

Substitutions: You can substitute Philadelphia cream cheese with any other spreadable cream cheese. If you want to make it vegetarian, use grilled vegetable strips instead of bacon.
Cheese alternatives: Try mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Preparation ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.

Nutritions

Calories: 220 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 5g

Variations

Vegetarian option: Omit bacon and add sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use a spiced cheese to give a kick.
Gluten-free: Ensure all cheese and smoked meat used are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings: Serve with a fresh salad or crunchy bread on the side.
Garnishes: Top with fresh herbs like chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Best Places

Chez Janou - A charming spot offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, known for their cheese and mushroom appetizers. Location: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, Paris, France.
The Ledbury - An elegant eatery known for innovative dishes, where stuffed mushrooms are a star appetizer. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
Quince - Offers a refined dining experience with exceptional mushroom-based dishes. Location: 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, USA.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet - A unique dining adventure focusing on multisensory experiences, including tantalizing small bites. Location: 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Shanghai, China.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - Known for historic British gastronomy with creative ingredients. Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London, UK.
Narisawa - A Japanese restaurant that incorporates local ingredients in contemporary ways. Location: 2-6-15 MinamiAoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan.
El Celler de Can Roca - Renowned for exquisite flavors and innovative presentations, featuring diverse mushroom dishes. Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona, Spain.
Eleven Madison Park - A luxury dining destination capturing sophisticated mushroom arrangements. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
Attica - Known for its avant-garde approach and locally sourced ingredients. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, Australia.
Arpège - Celebrated for vegetable-forward dishes, including exceptional mushroom offerings. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.