A creamy crab filling paired with mushrooms make these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms the perfect appetizer.
If you’ve had Red Lobster crab stuffed mushrooms you’ll know that these appetizers are amazing! These stuffed mushrooms are filled with a rich, cheesy filling, delicious crab and are an easy side dish for dinner or lunch or elegant enough for fancy party.
Types of Crab Meat
Choosing a crabmeat can be bit complicated but it doesn’t have to be. Generally, I’d suggest choosing fresh crabmeat but you can also use refrigerated, frozen or canned crab meat, if you prefer. Just remember the crabmeat is part of a recipe with other ingredients so quality matters but it doesn’t have to be the best to taste great.
- Jumbo Lump – Jumbo lump crab meat comes from two large muscles connected to the swimming fins of the crab and is usually the most expensive variety at the grocery store.
- Lump – Lump is a blend of broken pieces of jumbo lump and special grade crab meat.
- Special – Special crab meat consists of the smaller pieces of white meat from the body of the crab
- Claw – This is a brown meat with a stronger flavor profile and a little more stringy than other varieties.
Crab varieties is also up to you and I suggest you choose your favorite or what’s available in your area. Again, this dish has other ingredients so it’s not as important that the crabmeat is the absolute best and most expensive as it would matter with a crab cocktail.
- Alaskan King Crab
- Blue Crab
- Dungeness Crab
- Horsehair Crab
- Peekytoe Crab
- Snow Crab
- Stone Crab
Frozen or imitation crab can also work for recipe too if that is what is available to you. You can also make any seafood stuffed mushrooms with this recipe by substituting the crab with shrimp, lobster, scallops or other seafood delicacy.
Types of Mushrooms
This recipe calls for large mushrooms so large white button mushrooms will work fine. You can also use Baby Bella mushrooms. a.k.a. cremini mushrooms and even portobello mushrooms, if you’re looking for an entrée sized stuffed mushrooms.
I’d suggest choosing the mushrooms you like best or what’s readily available. Just be sure to choose similarly sized mushrooms for even cooking or reduce or increase your cooking time by a few minutes, if using larger or smaller mushrooms.
How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms
Whether you’re making crab stuffed mushrooms or another kind, the method is almost always the same. Here we’re making a filling with cream cheese, garlic, parsley, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, plus some finely chopped green onion to balance the flavors.
Once your filling is mixed together, you’ll fill your mushroom caps equally and bake them for about 20 minutes. They’re delicious straight from the oven but are also very good at room temperature, which makes them a great choice for a party.
Variations
You can also add a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce if you have some on hand. Be sure to season your filling well with a coarse salt, too.
If you like your food a little spicey add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño for some kick.
How to Clean Mushrooms?
There are two main schools of thought on how to clean mushrooms. One is that you either run the mushrooms under running water or dunk them completely in water to remove the dirt and grit. This is a fast, easy option that many people use, however, I feel that the mushroom’s texture changes to a bit more spongy using this method, so I avoid it whenever possible.
The method that I like to use is to dampen a paper towel and gently wipe off the dirt. It takes a few more minutes, but the end result is worth it to me. When I’m only making one batch of mushrooms, it really doesn’t take much time at all, especially if the mushrooms are relatively clean to start with.
Make Ahead of Time
This crab stuffed mushroom recipe can be made up to a day in advance and baked before serving. Just cover and store the stuffed mushrooms in the fridge.
You can also prepare stuffed mushrooms ahead of time without baking and freeze them. I don’t recommend freezing them after baking as they will not hold up well.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place mushrooms in a baking dish and warm at 375° until the tops are crisp.
Are Mushrooms Good For You?
Yes! Mushrooms are low in calories yet high in fiber and protein. This is especially great for the Keto diet (which we’ve been following for a few months now and love it). They’re also high in B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and even Vitamin C and D. And they’re high in antioxidants!
How Many Carbs in Mushrooms?
One cup of mushrooms has approximately 2.5 carbs, but after subtracting the fiber you’ll end up with only 1.5 net carbs. Which means you can easily enjoy these crab stuffed mushrooms and stay within your carb macros.
One of the many reasons I adore crab stuffed mushrooms is because they’re a good balance between healthy and indulgent. They taste like you’re treating yourself (and you are!) yet you’re still getting some good vitamins into your body. And since they’re so simple to make, there’s no reason not to enjoy them often! Watch the short video at the of this page to see just how quick and easy they are to make!
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
A creamy crab filling paired with earthy mushrooms make these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms the best appetizer.
Ingredients
- 16 large mushrooms, stems removed and discarded; caps cleaned gently with a damp cloth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 8 oz crab meat
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl except mushrooms and crab. If mixing is too difficult, microwave for 30 seconds and continue mixing. Gently fold in crab meat.
- Place mushrooms on a baking sheet. Stuff each mushroom with filling, distributing evenly between mushrooms. Gently spray mushrooms with cooking spray to prevent from drying out (optional; can also baste with melted butter).
- Bake mushrooms for 20 minutes or until filling is heated through and mushrooms are cooked completely. Enjoy immediately or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 966mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 20g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
Here are a few more recipes for you mushroom lovers!
- Keto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Buffalo Chicken & Spinach)
- Garlic Portobello Mushrooms with Pecorino Romano
- Wild Mushroom Brie Soup with Parmesan-Pepper Croutons
- Smoked Cream Cheese - May 14, 2024
- Caprese Bites Appetizer Recipe - March 10, 2024
- Bruschetta Caprese Recipe - March 6, 2024
Marion
Sunday 3rd of November 2019
Love this recipe and was very popular. Now requested for every gathering.
Kristy
Monday 4th of November 2019
Love it! Thanks for letting me know, Marion :)
Erin
Monday 27th of August 2018
Mushrooms are one of my favorite things ever - these are amazing with all the crab in there!
Katie
Friday 24th of August 2018
SO amazing looking! I love the textures and the flavors. Yum!
Lindsay Cotter
Friday 24th of August 2018
Love how quick and easy this appetizer is to make! I bet these disappear fast at parties!