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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and something a little fancy yet simple, you are totally going to adore this Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe. It’s like having all the best parts of a Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—stuffed into meaty mushroom caps. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was to make but how impressive it looked on the plate. You’ll find that these mushrooms are juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for a quick dinner or a special appetizer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh & Flavorful: You get all the bright Caprese flavors in a warm, comforting mushroom cap.
  • Simple Yet Elegant: Few ingredients but the presentation is stunning for dinners or parties.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap herbs or cheese to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
  • Healthy & Low Carb: Great for a light meal or side dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe works together like a dream. The juicy tomatoes and fresh basil bring freshness, while the portobellos add a meaty texture. A tip? Use the freshest basil you can find, as it really makes the flavors pop.

Flat lay of fresh Portobello mushroom caps with dark brown gills visible, a small cluster of shiny red grape tomatoes, a handful of bright green fresh basil leaves sliced thinly, several smooth white mini mozzarella balls halved, six uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, another small white bowl containing finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, and a white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, stuffed mushroom recipes, vegetarian appetizer ideas, healthy mushroom recipes, easy veggie appetizers
  • Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil if you have it—it adds richness and helps with roasting.
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes: I prefer these small tomatoes because they blister beautifully and release natural sweetness.
  • Kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning and enhancing all those fresh ingredients.
  • Fresh ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
  • Garlic (minced): Gives a lovely aromatic base and depth without being too sharp.
  • Fresh basil leaves: Divided usage maximizes fresh herbal flavor, both cooked and as a garnish.
  • Portobello mushrooms: Their meaty texture holds the filling well and provides hearty satisfaction.
  • Mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Their creaminess contrasts perfectly with the tangy tomato mixture.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a nutty finish when baked on top.
  • Additional olive oil to drizzle: For that glossy, beautiful finish and a touch of indulgence.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe my own by tweaking it just a bit depending on the season or mood—and you should totally feel free to do the same. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your creativity.

  • Vegetarian & Vegan: Swap out mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or marinated tofu for a vegan-friendly twist that still satisfies.
  • Add a Protein: When I want a heartier meal, I stir in some cooked Italian sausage or top with crispy bacon before baking.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh oregano or thyme in place of basil offers a different herbal profile I often love in cooler months.
  • Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings heat if you like a little more adventure in your bites.

How to Make Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Those Tomatoes to Perfection

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your grape or cherry tomatoes—make sure they’re dry so the oil doesn’t splatter all over your stovetop! Sprinkle with kosher salt and plenty of fresh ground pepper. I like piercing a few tomatoes gently with a knife to let their juices escape, creating a lovely sauce base. Cook them about 5 minutes until you see brown spots and blistering happening. Then cover and continue cooking on low for about 10 minutes until they soften beautifully.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Basil for that Classic Caprese Flavor

Once the tomatoes are tender, stir in your minced garlic and half of the thinly sliced fresh basil. Turn the heat to low, cover, and let it all meld together for another 5 minutes until most tomatoes have popped open and everything smells amazing. This slow, gentle cook really enhances that sweet-tart tomato flavor without losing freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushrooms and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange your cleaned portobello caps, gill-side up. Then, spoon your tomato mixture evenly into each mushroom. Top each with four halved mini mozzarella balls—these melt into gooey pockets of creamy goodness. Don’t forget to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese all over and drizzle a little extra olive oil for that glossy finish that browns beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake the mushrooms for about 20 minutes until they’re tender and the cheese is melted. For a golden, bubbly top, I often pop them under the broiler for 30 seconds—keep a close eye so they don’t burn! Right after removing them from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh basil and serve immediately. The sight and smell are honestly irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

  • Dry Your Tomatoes Well: Patting cherry tomatoes dry before cooking prevents oil splatter and keeps the sauté smooth.
  • Don’t Overcrowd Mushrooms: Give your mushrooms space in the baking dish so they roast evenly instead of steaming.
  • Use Fresh Basil Twice: Cooking with half the basil infuses flavor, while sprinkling fresh at the end keeps that bright pop of green and aroma.
  • Watch the Broiler Closely: A quick broil browns cheese nicely but can burn fast, so stay nearby!

How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

A white round baking dish holds a layered dish with several round pieces covered in bright red tomato sauce and melted white cheese. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a pop of color. The tomato sauce is smooth and shiny, while the cheese looks soft and slightly browned. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, next to a gold fork and spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, stuffed mushroom recipes, vegetarian appetizer ideas, healthy mushroom recipes, easy veggie appetizers

Garnishes

I love finishing these mushrooms with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It adds a little tang and sweetness that complements the savory tomatoes and rich cheese perfectly. If you want a little extra herb pop, finely chopped fresh basil or a few tiny basil leaves scattered on top make a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These stuffed mushrooms pair wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a warm quinoa pilaf. On casual nights, I serve them with crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover tomato juices—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite tricks for entertaining is serving these Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms on a large wooden board scattered with extra fresh basil and cherry tomatoes still on the vine. It turns a simple dish into a rustic, vibrant centerpiece. For a party, try adding small skewers to make them easy finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftover stuffed mushrooms into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They reheat nicely and keep most of their flavor, though the mushrooms might get a bit softer the next day.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the tomato mixture separately with good results, but freezing fully assembled mushrooms leads to sogginess. If you want to make ahead, I recommend preparing the filling and mushrooms separately and assembling fresh before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through without drying out. I avoid microwaving as it can turn the mushrooms rubbery and the cheese rubbery or oily.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of mushrooms for this Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe?

    While portobello mushrooms are ideal due to their size and meaty texture, you can use large cremini or even button mushrooms for mini versions of this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as smaller mushrooms will cook faster.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

    Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for gluten-sensitive eaters without any modifications.

  3. Can I prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time?

    Yes, the tomato mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before stuffing the mushrooms to refresh the flavors.

  4. What can I use if I can’t find mini mozzarella balls?

    If mini mozzarella balls aren’t available, slice regular fresh mozzarella into small bite-sized pieces. Just be careful not to overload the mushrooms so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether for a family dinner or when guests drop by unexpectedly. I absolutely love how it combines simple, fresh ingredients into a warm, inviting meal that doesn’t feel complicated at all. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover it’s a perfect way to enjoy summer flavors any time of the year, and I promise your crowd will keep asking for seconds.

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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 104 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Caps recipe is a flavorful, healthy twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring juicy sautéed cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and melted mozzarella nestled inside tender baked Portobello mushroom caps. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant appetizer, it combines fresh Mediterranean ingredients with a satisfying umami punch.


Ingredients

For the Tomato Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (divided)

For the Mushrooms

  • 4 Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
  • 8 pieces mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), each sliced in half
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Additional olive oil, for drizzling


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a sauté pan. Add the grape or cherry tomatoes (make sure they are dry to avoid splattering), kosher salt, and a generous pinch of freshly ground pepper. Sauté the tomatoes for about 5 minutes until they start to brown and blister. Pierce a few tomatoes with a sharp knife to release juices, then cover the pan and cook for another 10 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Basil: When the tomatoes begin to soften, stir in the minced garlic and half of the sliced basil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until most tomatoes have popped open and softened thoroughly.
  3. Preheat the Oven: While the tomato mixture cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or pan with oil.
  4. Prepare Mushrooms for Stuffing: Place the Portobello mushroom caps in the prepared baking dish with the gill side facing up.
  5. Assemble the Stuffed Mushrooms: Evenly divide the tomato mixture among the four mushroom caps, spooning extra tomatoes around if available. Top each cap with four halves of mini mozzarella balls (2 whole ciliegine per cap), distributing them on and around the tomatoes.
  6. Add Cheese and Drizzle Olive Oil: Sprinkle each stuffed mushroom with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle a little more olive oil over the top for extra richness and flavor.
  7. Bake the Mushrooms: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese has melted. For an optional golden top, place under the broiler for about 30 seconds at the end to brown the cheese slightly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fresh basil on top. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or light main dish.

Notes

  • A delicious twist on the classic summer Caprese salad, perfect for parties or as a light meal.
  • Ensure tomatoes are dry before sautéing to prevent oil splatter.
  • You can substitute fresh mozzarella balls with sliced regular mozzarella if unavailable.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the tomatoes.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom cap
  • Calories: 125 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 363 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 4 mg

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