Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

As I write this, I can almost taste the melange of savory cheeses, the tender bite of fresh mushrooms, and that unmistakable hint of seafood that transports me straight to the cozy booth of a Red Lobster. I’ll confess, there’s a certain magic to the eatery’s Stuffed Mushrooms — a dish that has beckoned me repeatedly. But what if I told you that you could capture that magic right in your kitchen?

Stay with me as we embark on a culinary adventure, re-creating the iconic Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms. I’ve spent countless evenings perfecting the recipe, determined to bring that touch of restaurant elegance to our family dinners and social gatherings. At last, I believe I’ve nailed it! And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple.

How to make Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms

Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms are a popular appetizer served at the Red Lobster restaurant. They consist of large mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture typically made with seafood, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. The exact recipe may vary slightly from one restaurant to another, but the basic idea is to create a flavorful and indulgent dish that highlights the natural umami of mushrooms while incorporating delicious seafood flavors. These stuffed mushrooms are often baked until golden and served hot, providing a satisfying start to a meal at Red Lobster.

Ingredients

For the Mushroom Caps:

• 12-16 large white mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter (for brushing)

For the Seafood Stuffing:

• 3/4 cup of crabmeat (imitation crab can work for a budget-friendly option)
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs (they add a wonderful crispness)
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning (for that authentic seafood flair)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (to bind our ingredients)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (or one fresh garlic clove, minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes

Optional for Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preparing the Filling:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, fold together the crabmeat, onion, red pepper, panko breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until neatly blended. Then, gently stir in the beaten egg.
3. Prep the Mushroom Caps: Lightly brush the outside of each mushroom cap with melted butter. This will help in getting them perfectly golden and delicious when they bake.

Filling the Mushrooms:

1. Stuff Each Mushroom: Spoon a generous portion of the seafood stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap. This is where you get to be a bit artistic—mound it high and make it look as irresistible as it tastes.

Baking:

1. Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms: Place your stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the mushrooms to become tender and the tops to be slightly browned.

Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter:

1. Melt and Mix the Butter: While the mushrooms are baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Final Touches: Once the mushrooms are done baking, immediately brush them with the garlic herb butter mixture for a glossy, flavorful finish.
3. Garnish: Spruce things up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

• Choosing Your Mushrooms: Look for mushrooms that are roughly the same size for even cooking and presentation.
• Removing Stems: Twist the stems gently to remove them, but be careful not to break the caps. If you dislike waste, the stems can be finely chopped and added to the stuffing.
• Consistent Baking: Baking times may vary based on your oven and the size of the mushroom caps. Keep an eye on them, especially toward the end of the baking time.
• Avoid Soggy Mushrooms: Mushrooms release water when they cook, so don’t be alarmed if there’s some liquid in the pan. For best results, avoid overstuffing them, as too much filling can cause excess moisture.
• Serving: Serve the stuffed mushrooms hot, fresh out of the oven, for peak flavor and texture.

What to serve with

With their rich and savory flavor, Red Lobster’s Stuffed Mushrooms pair perfectly with various dishes to complete your table spread.

• Cheddar Bay Biscuits: No visit (real or virtual) to Red Lobster is complete without a bite of their warm and cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Whip up a batch of these to serve alongside your stuffed mushrooms—it’s a culinary match made in heaven.
• Mixed Salad: With the richness of the cheese and crabmeat stuffing, a fresh salad can provide the perfect counterpoint. Opt for mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and a light, tangy dressing.
• Grilled or Baked Fish: Consider balancing the hearty stuffed mushrooms with a lighter main course, such as grilled or baked white fish. Consider simple lemon and herb seasonings to let the seafood shine.
• Steamed Lobster Tails: Steamed lobster tails are succulent, easy to prepare, and a great way to keep the seafood theme throughout the dinner.
• Garlic Shrimp Pasta: For a more indulgent spread, serve the mushrooms with garlic shrimp pasta—just remember, it’s a meal designed for lovers of rich and bold flavors.
• White Wines: The savory flavors of the stuffed mushrooms pair wonderfully with white wines. Opt for a Chardonnay with hints of buttery oak or a crisp Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast.
• Non-Alcoholic: Try a cool, lightly sweetened iced tea or fruit-infused sparkling water for non-alcoholic choices.
• Classic Cheesecake: End your seafood-filled meal on a sweet note with some classic cheesecake. Its creamy and slightly tangy flavor will be a delightful finale to your meal.

Ingredients substitute

Sometimes, the perfect recipe meets an imperfect pantry. Not to worry! Here are some possible ingredient substitutes to keep your culinary course steady and flavor-filled.

1. Mushroom Species: If white mushrooms aren’t available, use baby bella (cremini) or portobello mushrooms—they’ll bring a slightly earthier flavor.
2. Crabmeat: If you want a vegetarian version, try replacing the crabmeat with finely chopped artichoke hearts, cooked quinoa, or additional mushrooms for a similar texture. For seafood fans, canned tuna or small cooked shrimp are also alternative options.
3. Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which is slightly lower in fat, or soft goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
4. Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace panko, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the stuffing’s texture.
5. Old Bay Seasoning: Don’t have Old Bay on hand? Make your blend using a mix of celery salt, paprika, dry mustard, and a touch of ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg.
6. Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheddar with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella. If you want a stronger flavor, try Gouda or Swiss.
7. For the Garlic Herb Butter: In the absence of garlic powder, you can substitute with fresh garlic. Similarly, fresh parsley and a bit of fresh thyme or oregano can replace the dried parsley for a more vibrant flavor.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Red Lobster’s Stuffed Mushrooms takes you on a culinary journey straight to the seashore, where the scent of the ocean mingles with the enticing aroma of fresh herbs and savory cheeses.

These delectable morsels elevate simple mushroom caps into a feast for the senses, brimming with the delicious combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and aromatic spices. Each piece is an indulgent tidal wave of taste, replete with gusts of garlic and glimpses of bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms—all harmonized under the warming embrace of the oven.

More Seafood Recipes:

• Outback Steakhouse Coconut Shrimp
• Easy Seafood Bread
• Smoked Mahi Mahi