If you love rich, creamy bites with a fresh, zesty twist, this Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is going to be your new favorite appetizer. These mushrooms aren’t just stuffed—they’re loaded with flavor and perfect for any party or cozy night in.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these Irish cheddar stuffed mushrooms more times than I can count, and every time they steal the show. There’s something magic about that creamy goat cheese filling paired with caramelized shallots and bright lemon zest that keeps me coming back for more.
- Simple yet sophisticated: The recipe combines everyday ingredients into a fancy-tasting treat without any fuss.
- Perfect party pleaser: They bake up in 20 minutes, making last-minute entertaining a breeze.
- Versatile and vegetarian-friendly: Easily adaptable to your preferred herbs and easily made without meat.
- Deliciously balanced flavors: Creamy cheese, toasty pine nuts, and a hint of tang from lemon and Worcestershire sauce give these mushrooms a brilliant depth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms recipe relies on fresh, quality components that come together beautifully. When shopping, look for firm white button mushrooms without blemishes and fresh herbs that brighten the filling. Also, soft goat cheese makes that luscious creamy texture possible.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and brushing mushrooms—brings richness and helps create a golden finish.
- White button mushrooms: Their sturdy caps hold the filling perfectly and have a mild flavor that lets the filling shine.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the creaminess and earthiness.
- Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness, caramelizing nicely for a rich base in the filling.
- White cooking wine: Deglazes the pan and imparts brightness and depth; can be swapped if needed.
- Goat cheese: For that creamy, tangy filling that melts perfectly inside the mushrooms.
- Lemon juice and zest: Give a fresh, vibrant lift to the savory stuffing.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a mild savory punch to elevate the flavors.
- Black pepper & garlic powder: Seasoning essentials that add warmth and subtle kick.
- Fresh herbs: Like parsley, thyme, or chives—bring brightness and herbal freshness to the mix.
- Pine nuts: Toasted for crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor contrast.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Help bind everything together with a slight crispness after baking.
- For garnish (lemon zest, herbs, pine nuts): Make each bite look pretty and add extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is how flexible it is to your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you want to switch up the herbs, try a different type of cheese, or make it vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own.
- Swap the Herbs: I love using parsley and chives for their fresh brightness, but thyme or rosemary also add a lovely earthiness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Non-Alcoholic Twist: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, I’ve had great results substituting the white cooking wine with chicken broth or even white grape juice — it keeps the filling moist and flavorful without losing any depth.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: For those who want a strict vegetarian version, just swap the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian-friendly alternative. It still lends a nice umami punch to the filling.
- Cheese Variations: While goat cheese brings creaminess and tang, you could mix in some sharp Irish cheddar or cream cheese to play up the richness and add a melty texture.
- Add Some Heat: For a little kick, try stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh jalapeño to the filling. It’s a fun surprise that wakes up the flavors!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by moving your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheating it to 400°F. While it’s warming up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or any 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the mushrooms won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Caramelize the Shallots
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallots and cook, stirring often, until they’re soft and golden — usually about 8 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Then, pour in the ¼ cup of white cooking wine and keep cooking until the liquid completely evaporates, about 5 minutes. The shallots should become fragrant and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Get the Mushrooms Ready
While the shallots cook, rinse the mushrooms quickly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Remove and discard the stems - you want just the caps for stuffing. Place the caps in your prepared baking dish. Brush them all over with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. This step helps them cook tender and develop a lovely golden color.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a small bowl, combine the caramelized shallots, softened goat cheese, fresh lemon juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, and panko breadcrumbs. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, well-blended filling that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Stuff Those Mushrooms
Spoon a heaping teaspoon of your luscious filling into each mushroom cap. Don’t be shy here — a generous amount makes sure every bite is packed with that delicious savory mixture.
Step 6: Brush and Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to help them brown beautifully. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the mushrooms cool for about 5 minutes — just enough to let the flavors settle and avoid burning your fingers. Before serving, sprinkle with extra lemon zest, fresh chopped herbs, and toasted pine nuts for that final pop of color and crunch. And there you go — your perfect Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are ready to impress!
Top Tip
These tips will help you nail the perfect Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms every time — from flavor balance to baking technique, making your appetizer shine at any gathering.
- Choosing Mushrooms: I always opt for fresh, firm white button mushrooms. They hold the filling beautifully and roast to tender perfection without becoming soggy.
- Caramelizing Shallots: Cooking the shallots slowly until golden deepens their sweetness and adds a wonderful, mellow background flavor. Rushing this step makes the filling less rich.
- Even Filling Distribution: Using a small spoon or measuring teaspoon to fill the caps ensures each mushroom gets the perfect amount for a consistent bake and presentation.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Brush: Brushing the tops with the remaining olive oil before baking helps them develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust without drying out.
How to Serve Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms, garnish them with a sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra lemon zest adds bright citrus notes that complement the richness of the goat cheese. Finally, a few toasted pine nuts scattered on top give a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mushrooms make a fantastic appetizer or party snack alongside other Irish-inspired treats like soda bread, colcannon, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier spread, serve them with roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. They also pair beautifully with a pint of Irish stout or a light white wine to balance the savory flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed mushrooms before baking. Arrange the filled mushrooms on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their texture and ensures the filling stays creamy and soft.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While white button mushrooms work best because of their size and texture, cremini or baby bella mushrooms can also be great alternatives if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami depth, but if you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with soy sauce or simply omit it. The other ingredients will still deliver plenty of flavor.
If you prefer to skip alcohol, chicken broth or white grape juice work well as substitutes. They help deglaze the shallots and add moisture without altering the taste drastically.
Pat the mushrooms dry thoroughly after rinsing, and remove the stems completely. Brushing them with olive oil before baking also helps reduce moisture and promotes a nice golden crust on top.
Final Thoughts
Making this Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is like bringing a little bit of Ireland’s cozy charm right to your table. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of creamy goat cheese, bright lemon, and the earthiness of mushrooms. Whether you're sharing these at a celebration or a casual night in, they’re sure to impress and comfort. Give these delightful bites a try, and you might just find they become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
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Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms feature tender white button mushrooms filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of goat cheese, caramelized shallots, lemon zest, herbs, and toasted pine nuts. Baked to golden perfection, they make a delightful appetizer or party snack with a bright, savory taste accented by a hint of Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients
Mushroom Preparation
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, separated
- 1 pound white button mushrooms
- Salt, to taste
Filling
- 1 small shallot, diced small
- ¼ cup white cooking wine
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives)
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
For Garnish
- Lemon zest
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Move the oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or any 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Caramelize Shallots: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in the white cooking wine and cook until the liquid evaporates completely, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Meanwhile, rinse the mushrooms and pat them dry. Remove and discard the stems. Place the mushroom caps in the prepared baking dish, brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine the caramelized shallots, softened goat cheese, lemon juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix until well blended and creamy.
- Fill Mushrooms: Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the filling into each mushroom cap, filling them generously.
- Brush Mushrooms: Brush the tops of the filled mushrooms with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to help them brown.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts before serving.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 30 stuffed mushrooms, perfect for serving 10 people as an appetizer.
- Instead of white cooking wine, you can substitute chicken broth or white grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
- You can use other fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, confirm Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or substitute with soy sauce.
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mushrooms
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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