Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

DifficultyBeginner

Tender mushroom caps filled with a rich, herbaceous crab mixture and baked until golden and bubbling. A warm, crowd-pleasing starter with coastal flair and umami-packed depth.

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Yields6 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins
For the Mushrooms
 20 cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
 2 tbsp olive oil
 Pinch of salt
For the Crab Filling
 7 oz lump crab meat, drained
 2 oz cream cheese, softened
 ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
 2 tbsp mayonnaise
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 1 cup garlic, minced
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 Zest of ½ lemon
 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
 1 tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
 Salt & pepper, to taste
 Optional: pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning
Optional Topping
 2 tbsp parmesan or gruyère, grated
 A drizzle of melted butter (for added richness)
Prep the Mushrooms
1
  1. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.

  2. Gently wipe mushrooms clean and remove stems.

  3. Lightly brush mushroom caps with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

  4. Arrange on a lined baking tray, hollow side up.

Make the Crab Filling
2
  1. In a bowl, combine:

    • Crab meat (check for shell fragments)

    • Cream cheese

    • Mayonnaise

    • Dijon mustard

    • Garlic

    • Lemon juice & zest

    • Chopped herbs

    • Breadcrumbs

  2. Mix until fully combined — it should be creamy but hold its shape.

  3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or Old Bay.

Stuff the Mushrooms
3
  1. Use a spoon or small scoop to fill each mushroom generously.

  2. Optional: Top with a pinch of parmesan or gruyère.

Bake
4
  1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until tops are golden and mushrooms are tender.

  2. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if a crispier top is desired.

Serve
5
  • Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a final squeeze of lemon juice.

  • Serve warm on a platter, optionally with toothpicks or mini forks.

Variations
6
  • Add finely diced red pepper or celery to the filling for texture.

  • Use shrimp, lobster, or tinned smoked trout instead of crab.

  • Swap cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter feel.

Pairing Suggestions
7
  • Wine: Chablis, Champagne, or Viognier

  • Cocktail: Dirty martini or lemon-basil gimlet

  • NA: Chilled cucumber mint tonic or citrus spritzer

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms
 20 cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
 2 tbsp olive oil
 Pinch of salt
For the Crab Filling
 7 oz lump crab meat, drained
 2 oz cream cheese, softened
 ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
 2 tbsp mayonnaise
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 1 cup garlic, minced
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 Zest of ½ lemon
 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
 1 tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
 Salt & pepper, to taste
 Optional: pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning
Optional Topping
 2 tbsp parmesan or gruyère, grated
 A drizzle of melted butter (for added richness)
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms