Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs

These Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms make an irresistible savory appetizer. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, they come together quickly and bake to a golden, bubbly finish. Follow the clear steps below to serve a crowd-pleasing starter or an elegant side.

We Love Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a classic appetizer for a reason. These cream cheese–filled mushrooms pair the tender, earthy flavor of mushroom caps with a rich, savory filling. The combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar creates a creamy, tangy center, while the breadcrumbs add a pleasant crunch. They work well for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or as a simple weeknight indulgence.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms — The Filling

The filling is straightforward but full of flavor. Combine softened cream cheese with finely grated sharp white cheddar, breadcrumbs for texture, and aromatics for depth. Minced shallot and garlic are sautéed with the reserved chopped mushroom stems, then folded into the cheese base with fresh thyme and seasoning. A little olive oil helps bind the mixture and keeps the filling silky once baked.

• Softened cream cheese
• Finely grated sharp white cheddar cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Minced shallot
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

Use whole white mushrooms for a classic look and even-sized servings, but baby bella or any medium-size mushroom with a cap large enough to hold the filling will work fine. Choose mushrooms that are firm and dry rather than soft or wet, which helps them hold up during cooking.

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

This recipe is easy and can be completed in about 40 minutes from start to finish: 20 minutes of active prep and 20 minutes in the oven. Below are clear, actionable steps to produce consistently tasty results.

Preheat and Prep Mushrooms

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Prepare a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps carefully, then wipe the caps and stems with a dry paper towel to remove dirt; avoid rinsing under water, which can make mushrooms soggy. Place the mushroom caps on the baking sheet with the hollow side facing up and set aside.

Sauté Shallots, Mushroom Stems & Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil becomes fragrant, add the minced shallot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened. Finely dice the reserved mushroom stems and add them to the skillet with the minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the diced stems begin to brown and release their moisture. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing with the cheeses.

Prepare Mushroom Filling

Transfer the sautéed shallot, mushroom stem, and garlic mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add dried or fresh thyme, salt, softened cream cheese, finely grated sharp white cheddar, and breadcrumbs. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined and form a cohesive filling. The mixture should be spreadable but still hold its shape when scooped.

Fill Mushrooms

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, filling them generously but not overflowing. For a crunchy top, lightly sprinkle additional breadcrumbs and grated cheddar over the filled caps. Finish with a small drizzle of olive oil over each mushroom to encourage browning.

Bake & Enjoy!

Place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 400ºF for about 20 minutes, until the tops are golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the filling is creamy and the topping is crisp.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Serve these stuffed mushrooms as a warm appetizer or as a flavorful side. They pair well with simple salads, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie board. For parties, place them on a platter so guests can help themselves. If you plan to prepare them ahead of time, assemble the filled mushrooms and refrigerate until ready to bake; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

How Many Does This Serve? When served as an appetizer, this recipe yields about six servings, depending on appetite. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. whole white mushrooms, medium in size
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 oz. softened cream cheese
• ½ cup finely grated sharp white cheddar, plus more for topping
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs, plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and prepare a baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Remove stems from mushroom caps and clean caps and stems with a dry paper towel.
3. Arrange mushroom caps hollow side up on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When fragrant, add shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes.
5. Finely dice the mushroom stems and add them to the skillet with garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until stems begin to brown.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool slightly.
7. Add thyme, salt, cream cheese, cheddar, and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Mix until combined into a spreadable filling.
8. Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture. Top with extra breadcrumbs, cheddar, and a drizzle of olive oil.
9. Bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes or until tops are golden and filling is hot.
10. Remove from oven, let cool briefly, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving: Calories 124 kcal, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g. Use this as a general guideline; actual values will vary based on specific ingredients and portions.

Final Notes

These cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are versatile—swap the cheddar for another favorite cheese, or add herbs and spices to suit your taste. They’re an easy, flavorful option for entertaining and can be prepped ahead for stress-free hosting. Enjoy the creamy center, the savory mushroom base, and the crisp topping in every bite.