Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe with Bacon, Onions, Spinach and Cheese

Introduction

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to fit various dietary preferences. This particular recipe features a savory filling of bacon, onions, spinach, and cheese, making it a rich and flavorful option for an appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

  • Large portobello mushrooms
  • Diced white onion
  • Pancetta (Italian bacon, not smoked)
  • Baby spinach
  • Gruyere cheese (Swiss style, known for its excellent melting properties)
  • Olive oil

Preparation Steps

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the portobello mushrooms by gently removing the stem and cleaning up the edges. Optionally, remove the gills to create more space for the filling.
  2. Chop and Use Leftover Parts: Chop the removed stem and any other leftover parts of the mushrooms to include them back into the filling for zero waste.
  3. Season the Mushroom Caps: Add a touch of olive oil inside each mushroom cap. This will help create steam and keep the mushrooms moist while baking.
  4. Bake the Mushroom Caps: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the prepared mushroom caps in the oven to start the cooking process. They should take about 25 minutes to bake.
  5. Prepare the Filling: While the mushroom caps are baking, prepare the filling by cooking the pancetta, onions, and baby spinach. Once cooked, mix in the chopped mushroom stems and grated Gruyere cheese.
  6. Stuff the Mushrooms: Once the filling is ready and the mushroom caps have partially baked, stuff the caps with the filling mixture.
  7. Final Bake: Return the stuffed mushrooms to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the mushrooms are fully cooked.

Conclusion

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a delightful treat, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet meal at home. The combination of pancetta, onions, spinach, and Gruyere cheese provides a rich and satisfying flavor, while the portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture and an excellent vessel for the savory filling.