On February 4 we celebrate, National Stuffed Mushroom Day a day to enjoy Stuffed mushrooms of savoury and earthy, with a rich, umami flavour. Where the filling adds a creamy, cheesy, or herby kick, complementing the mushrooms’ natural taste.
However depending on the taste you can add the Tangy, Spicy or even sweet and can make it extra delicious. You can even have it with extra cheese, herbs, breadcrumbs, or even meat. Do you know that the Cheese and breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top before the mushrooms are baked and served?
History of National Stuffed Mushroom Day
Talking in depth about this dish, stuffed mushrooms hit the food scene sometime between the mid-19th century and early 20th century the precise date is unknown, however, there is no consensus on this, but it is unanimously agreed that the credit for this dish goes to the Italians, as the original stuffed mushrooms recipes hail from Italy, and the dish is very similar to another dish enjoyed by the Italians, stuffed zucchini.
Later on in the 19th century, the French started exploring fungi for consumption, which led to the first widespread cultivation of mushrooms for eating. Afterwards, the brown crimini mushroom was the go-to choice for most, but what started as an acquired taste eventually expanded to accept more gourmet flavours of mushrooms such as shiitakes, morels, and the rare and expensive truffles.
Moreover, this dish is commonly filled with garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, and cheese, but there are countless filling possibilities.
Did you know that in the year 1940, some of the restaurants started serving stuffed mushrooms as a delicacy using exotic ingredients such as crabmeat for the filling?
| 19th Century (Who Eats Mushrooms?) | Mushrooms are used to prepare condiments. |
| Mid-19th Century (Welcome to America!) | Americans start cooking mushrooms in their kitchens. |
| 1899 (Mushroom Cookbook) | Kate Sargeants writes “One Hundred Mushroom Recipes,” the first mushroom cookbook in English. |
| 1911 (A New Take) | Sarah Tyson Rorer suggests baking mushrooms under a bell jar. |
Classic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 large button or cremini mushrooms
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: Additional herbs (like thyme or oregano)
How to make
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems. Chop the stems finely and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Use a spoon to fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil for added flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving
Source: Dinner at the Zoo
Activities for National Stuffed Mushroom Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Stuffed Mushroom day,
Cooking Party:- On this day you can invite friends or family over for a cooking party where everyone can make their stuffed mushrooms with different fillings and share recipes and tastes.
Mushroom Tasting:- Also, Organize a tasting event featuring various types of stuffed mushrooms. Experiment with different flavour combinations and vote on your favourites.
Recipe Swap:- Host a virtual or in-person recipe swap focused on stuffed mushrooms and participants can share their unique recipes and tips for delicious fillings.
Mushroom-Themed Movie Night:- Even you can watch a cooking show or food-related movie while enjoying stuffed mushrooms. Consider films like Chef or Julie & Julia for some culinary inspiration.
Gardening Activity:- For the extra activities you can even do gardening if you have space, consider growing your own mushrooms! Kits for growing oyster or shiitake mushrooms are widely available and can be a fun project.
Creative Plating Contest:- Challenge friends to creatively plate their stuffed mushrooms for presentation. Capture photos and vote on the most visually appealing dish.
Online Cooking Class:- Join an online cooking class focused on stuffed mushrooms. Learn new techniques and flavor profiles from a professional chef.
Food Blog or Social Media Post:- For a more interesting and memorable day you can even share your stuffed mushroom creations on social media. Consider writing a blog post about your experience and different recipes you’ve tried.
5 Incredible Facts About Mushrooms
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Mushrooms are revered- Did you know that mushrooms are an important part of cuisines around the world and are a rich source of vitamin B and other dietary minerals?
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Mushrooms are diet-friendly- However, low in calories and carbohydrates, mushrooms are the ideal diet food.
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Oregon’s ‘Honey Mushroom’- A 2400-year-old giant mushroom covering 2200 acres in Oregon is the largest living organism in the world!
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Most mushrooms are inedible- Likewise, over 14,000 species of mushrooms, most of which are poisonous.
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Does it taste like chicken?- An edible mushroom called ‘Laetiporus’ tastes almost the same as fried chicken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stuffed mushrooms are a delightful version of flavours and textures. The earthy, umami notes of the mushrooms themselves provide a perfect canvas for a variety of fillings, like creamy cheeses, aromatic herbs, or savoury meats. However, every bite is a balance of richness and subtlety, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Where their ability to adapt to different culinary styles from Italian to Mediterranean to vegetarian ensures that there’s a stuffed mushroom variation for everyone to enjoy. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, stuffed mushrooms are a delicious way to celebrate National Stuffed Mushroom Day.
FAQs
What can I use as a stuffing?
Some of the fillings you can use are cream cheese, ricotta, breadcrumbs, sausage, vegetables, herbs, or a combination. Even you can customize based on your preferences and dietary needs.
How do I prepare the mushrooms before stuffing them?
Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth and remove the stems. You can chop the stems and add them to your stuffing for extra flavor.
How do I cook stuffed mushrooms?
Bake them in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and the tops are golden brown. You can also grill or sauté them.
Are stuffed mushrooms gluten-free?
Maybe or maybe not it depends upon the cooking process, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with options like cooked quinoa or rice for the filling.
Also, read more about National Tater Tot Day – February 2, 2025
