Name: Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 9 ounces mushrooms ((preferably large, for stuffing)); 6 ounces clams ((drained)); 1 tablespoon green onion ((chopped fine)); 1 large egg ((beaten)); 1/2 teaspoon garlic ((minced)); 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon oregano leaves; 1 tablespoon butter ((melted and cooled)); 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ((finely grated)); 1 tablespoon Romano cheese ((finely grated)); 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese ((finely grated, for stuffing)); 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese ((finely grated, for garnish)); 1/4 cup butter ((melted))

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know their stuffed mushrooms are a delightful start to any meal. With a perfect blend of savory clams, cheese, and aromatic herbs, these little bites are packed with flavor. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms that you can easily recreate at home. This recipe is not only simple but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes my version of Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms stand out is the combination of tender mushrooms with a rich, cheesy filling featuring clams and fresh herbs. This recipe is straightforward and uses readily available ingredients, ensuring that you can whip up this dish anytime you crave a taste of Olive Garden. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests with minimal effort!

What We’re Using

To create these delicious stuffed mushrooms, we need the following ingredients:

9 ounces of mushrooms (preferably large, for stuffing)
6 ounces of clams, drained
1 tablespoon of green onion, chopped fine
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon of garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon of garlic salt
1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon of oregano leaves
1 tablespoon of butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 tablespoon of Romano cheese, finely grated
2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese, finely grated (for stuffing)
1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, finely grated (for garnish)
1/4 cup of butter, melted

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following equipment:

Baking dish – to hold the stuffed mushrooms while they bake.
Mixing bowl – for combining the filling ingredients.
Spoon – to scoop out the mushroom stems and fill them.
Oven – preheated to 350°F for baking.

Cooking Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms: The Process

Now, let’s get to the exciting part—making those delicious Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms!

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Gently wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems and set them aside. You’ll need the caps for stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Chop the mushroom stems finely and add them to a mixing bowl. To this, add the drained clams, chopped green onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, garlic salt, Italian breadcrumbs, oregano leaves, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and mozzarella cheese for stuffing. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms

Take the mushroom caps and fill each one generously with the clam and cheese mixture. Be sure to pack them tightly for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bake

Place the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish. Drizzle the remaining melted butter on top of the mushrooms. Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese over the stuffed caps for that gooey, cheesy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re done baking, remove the stuffed mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or a side dish. Your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms will surely impress everyone at the table!

What to Use Instead

If you’re missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, consider the following:

For clams: You can use shrimp or crab meat for a different seafood flavor.
For breadcrumbs: If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian seasoning.
For cheese: Feel free to substitute the cheeses with any melty cheese you prefer, like cheddar or gouda.
For herbs: If you lack oregano, try using basil or thyme for a different taste profile.

What Not to Do

To ensure your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

Don’t overcook the mushrooms; they should be tender but not mushy.
Be careful not to overfill the caps, as the stuffing may spill over during baking.
Avoid using raw clams; make sure they are properly drained and cooked if necessary.
Don’t skip the cheese topping—it’s what gives that delicious baked finish!

Save for Later: Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt that will happen!), here are some tips for storage:

Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking. Just ensure they are well-wrapped. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned clams?

Yes, you can use fresh clams. Just make sure they are cleaned and cooked before adding them to the filling mixture.

What can I serve with stuffed mushrooms?

Stuffed mushrooms pair well with a variety of dishes, including salads, pasta, or even as a side to Best Ever Fettuccine Alfredo.

Can I make these stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Are there vegetarian options for stuffed mushrooms?

Yes! You can omit the clams and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version of Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms.

More Recipes You’ll Love

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Before You Go

Cooking at home can be a delightful experience, especially with recipes like Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms that bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a tasty snack, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to please. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!