Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – A Decadent Bite-Sized Delight

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s elegant, irresistible, and bursting with flavor, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are your perfect match. These golden, creamy, and savory bites bring together tender mushrooms filled with a rich, crab-infused stuffing — the kind of appetizer that disappears the moment it hits the table.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual weekend meal, these little flavor bombs never fail to impress. Juicy mushroom caps cradle a luxurious mixture of fresh crabmeat, cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, baked until perfectly golden and bubbling.

They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for everyday indulgence — and once you try them, you’ll see why Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a timeless crowd favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

🍄 Rich and Flavorful – The creamy crab filling has the perfect blend of savory, garlicky goodness.
🦀 Elegant Yet Easy – They look gourmet, but they’re simple to prepare.
🔥 Perfect Party Appetizer – Bite-sized, handheld, and always the first to vanish from the tray.
🧀 Cheesy and Golden – Melted Parmesan and breadcrumbs create an irresistible crust.
💡 Versatile – Works for both casual gatherings and fancy holiday dinners.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These crab-stuffed mushrooms use simple, accessible ingredients but deliver restaurant-quality flavor.

For the Mushrooms:

• 20–24 white button or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for brushing)

For the Crab Filling:

• 8 ounces (225g) lump crabmeat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (25g) breadcrumbs (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning blend)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Lemon wedges for serving

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How to Make Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Making these appetizers couldn’t be simpler — just prep, fill, and bake! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

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Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning your mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water — mushrooms absorb liquid easily, which can make them soggy when baked.

Twist and remove the stems, then use a small spoon or melon baller to gently hollow out a bit more space inside each cap for the filling.

Place the mushroom caps on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil or melted butter. This helps them roast to a perfect golden texture later.

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Step 2: Make the Crab Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Next, gently fold in the crabmeat and parsley, being careful not to overmix — you want the crab lumps to stay intact for texture.

Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice if needed.

This mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned — rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

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Step 3: Fill the Mushroom Caps

Using a small spoon, fill each mushroom cap generously with the crab mixture, mounding it slightly on top.

Sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese over each one — this gives your mushrooms that irresistible, golden, crispy finish once baked.

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Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the filling is hot and bubbling.

If you want them extra crispy on top, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just watch closely so they don’t burn.

Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy filling.

Arrange them on a platter — and watch them disappear fast!

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Tips for the Best Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

• Choose the right mushrooms: Medium-sized white button or cremini mushrooms are ideal — large enough to hold filling but still bite-sized.
• Dry your mushrooms well: Too much moisture can make the filling soggy.
• Use real crab if possible: Fresh or refrigerated lump crabmeat gives the best flavor and texture, but canned or imitation works too for budget-friendly versions.
• Don’t overbake: Mushrooms release moisture as they cook — overbaking can make them watery. Bake just until golden.
• Make ahead: You can stuff the mushrooms in advance, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake them right before serving.

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Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Try one of these delicious twists:

🧀 Cheesy Garlic Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Add shredded mozzarella or fontina to the filling for an even creamier, cheesier version.

🌶️ Spicy Cajun Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Add ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

🦞 Seafood Medley Version

Mix in chopped shrimp or lobster along with crab for a truly decadent seafood bite.

🥦 Vegetable Boost

Add finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the filling for color and extra nutrients.

🥖 Bacon Lover’s Version

Top each mushroom with a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon before baking for a smoky crunch.

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What to Serve with Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized appetizers pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes and sides:

• Main Courses: Grilled steak, roasted chicken, or seared salmon complement their rich flavor.
• Sides: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
• Beverages: A chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) or a sparkling rosé pairs beautifully with the crab and cheese.

They’re also perfect for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or seafood-themed dinners.

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How to Make Ahead and Store

To Make Ahead:
Prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.

To Store Leftovers:
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until warm. Avoid microwaving — it can make them soggy.

To Freeze:
Freeze unbaked stuffed mushrooms on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Why Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Are a Perfect Appetizer

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms strike the ideal balance between luxurious and comforting. The combination of creamy, cheesy crab filling with earthy, roasted mushrooms creates a bite that feels indulgent but never heavy.

They’re also practical:

• Easy to prepare ahead of time.
• Portion-friendly — no need for knives or forks.
• Visually stunning with that golden crust and vibrant herbs.

In short, they’re the kind of appetizer that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen — when really, you didn’t.

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Healthier Versions

Want a lighter version? Try these easy swaps:

• Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese.
• Replace mayonnaise with low-fat sour cream.
• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchier texture.
• Skip the cheese topping and garnish with fresh herbs for a cleaner finish.

These modifications still give you rich flavor while cutting down on calories and fat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes — just drain it well and pick out any shells. Fresh or refrigerated crab will give a sweeter flavor, but canned works fine for convenience.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep them a day before, cover tightly, and bake right before your event.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can make your own blend: ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon celery salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.

Can I use portobello mushrooms instead?
Yes — for entrée-sized portions, use large portobellos and bake a few minutes longer.

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Final Thoughts

These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the definition of elegant simplicity. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of buttery mushroom, creamy crab filling, garlic, lemon, and melted cheese — all in one irresistible mouthful.

They’re quick to prepare, look stunning on any table, and taste like they came straight from a fine-dining restaurant. Whether served as a holiday appetizer, party snack, or special weekend treat, they’re sure to impress every guest.

So next time you’re craving something savory and show-stopping, grab some mushrooms and crabmeat — and prepare to fall in love with this luxurious yet easy appetizer.

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