Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe with you because it truly hits all the right notes: rich, savory, a little crunchy, and oh-so comforting. These stuffed mushrooms are one of those dishes I love bringing out when friends are over or when I want a little fancy snack without too much fuss. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser – whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side, or even a light meal.
What makes this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe stand out is that nutty crunch from the pecans combined with the garlicky, creamy filling. I promise, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds before the platter’s even empty. And the best part? It’s an easy recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar every time. Trust me, if you’ve got a soft spot for mushrooms like I do, you’ll love this one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe plays a special role – from the umami-packed mushrooms to the creamy cream cheese and crunchy pecans. Here’s a quick rundown plus some shopping tips to get the best flavors in your dish.
- Baby bell or cremini mushrooms: Look for clean, firm mushrooms with intact caps; these hold the filling perfectly.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels in the dish precisely.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds that sharp punch; avoid pre-minced for better flavor.
- Onion: A half medium onion gives a sweet, savory base – finely diced for even cooking.
- Kosher salt: Essential for balancing all those rich flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- Cream cheese: Soften beforehand; it makes the filling silky and lends tangy richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and delivers nuttier flavor than pre-packaged.
- Whole pecans: Roughly chopped to keep their crunch and flavor without overpowering the filling.
- Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color, chopped finely for the filling and more to garnish.
Variations
One of the best things about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. I often switch up the nuts or cheeses depending on what’s in my pantry or the guests’ dietary needs.
- Nut swap: I’ve tried walnuts or even toasted pine nuts instead of pecans, which give a slightly different but equally delightful crunch.
- Cheese variations: Mixing in some mozzarella or goat cheese adds a new creamy twist I love experimenting with.
- Herb adjustments: Fresh thyme or basil can be great substitutes or additions to parsley for more herbaceous flavor.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan parmesan alternatives if dairy’s off your list.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Mushrooms Like a Pro
Start by gently cleaning your mushrooms with a damp paper towel – avoid rinsing them directly under water to prevent sogginess. Carefully remove the stems (you can save those for another recipe!) and set the caps on a baking sheet. This makes room for that amazing filling while keeping the mushrooms intact when baked.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen smells heavenly – about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to start building depth in the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
Transfer your sautéed mixture to a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Then add softened cream cheese, freshly grated parmesan, chopped pecans, and finely chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together until you get a smooth and creamy blend with a little bit of texture from the nuts.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Spoon generous amounts of the creamy filling into each mushroom cap. Don’t be shy – they look small but hold a lot of flavor! Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top right after baking – it brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives it just a tiny kick that’s wonderful.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside grilled chicken or as part of a holiday appetizer spread—it feels festive but not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the stuffed mushrooms on a pretty platter lined with fresh herbs or edible flowers to make them extra festive. You could also serve them in mini muffin tins to keep everything neatly in place and easy to grab at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They keep well but because of the cream cheese, I recommend reheating gently to preserve their creaminess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. While freezing is possible, I find the texture of the mushrooms changes slightly, so fresh is best when you can.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the filling creamy without drying out the mushroom caps or nuts.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby bell or cremini mushrooms are ideal for stuffing due to their size and firmness, you can also use white button mushrooms or portobello caps if you want a bigger bite. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since larger mushrooms will take a few more minutes to bake.
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Is it necessary to use fresh parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese really enhances the flavor and melts better in the filling, giving a smoother texture and richer taste. Pre-grated parmesan can work in a pinch but might not provide the same depth of flavor or mouthfeel.
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Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling mixture a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before stuffing your mushrooms for easier spreading and better baking results.
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What’s the best way to avoid soggy stuffed mushrooms?
Make sure to clean mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of washing under water. Also, removing the stems and preheating the oven ensures they bake quickly to tender perfection without releasing too much water. You can also roast the mushroom caps briefly before stuffing if you want extra protection against sogginess.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap out cream cheese for a vegan alternative and choose a dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to sauté the aromatics, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe is one of those reliable crowd-pleasers I keep coming back to. It’s warm, full of flavor, and the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy that makes every bite satisfying. If you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a cozy snack, give this recipe a go. I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your house as it did in mine!
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Recipe
A delightful appetizer featuring baby bell or cremini mushrooms stuffed with a savory blend of butter, garlic, onion, cream cheese, parmesan, and pecans, garnished with fresh parsley for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed mushrooms (serves 6–8 as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 20 baby bell or cremini mushrooms
Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup whole pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems. Set the caps aside and finely chop the stems for the stuffing.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped mushroom stems. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the filling: Transfer the sautéed mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Add the softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, chopped pecans, and finely chopped parsley. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stuff the mushrooms: Using a spoon, fill each mushroom cap generously with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressing it in gently to pack it well.
- Bake the mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for garnish, and serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, ensure the parmesan cheese used is vegetarian (without animal rennet).
- The mushrooms should be wiped clean rather than washed to prevent sogginess.
- You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the filling.
Keywords: stuffed mushrooms, appetizer, cream cheese, pecans, garlic mushrooms, baked stuffed mushrooms, party appetizer
