Description
Longhorn Stuffed Mushrooms are a flavorful vegetarian appetizer featuring mushroom caps loaded with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, gooey white cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttered breadcrumb topping. This Longhorn copycat recipe combines Italian influences with an American twist, making a perfect side dish or party starter that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Mushrooms and Topping
- 16 oz mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cup white cheddar cheese, grated
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp flour
- 1 1/3 cup half and half
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat the oven to 375ºF and lightly spray a cast iron skillet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Clean and Prep Mushrooms: Gently rub the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt, then pat dry. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside for stuffing.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside for topping later.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Add minced garlic and stir briefly, then reduce heat to low. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Dairy to Sauce: Gradually whisk in the half and half and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently while whisking constantly until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Assemble Mushrooms: Spoon half of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the cast iron skillet. Nestle the mushroom caps on top. Spoon the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the mushrooms. Cover each mushroom with the grated white cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven setting to Broil Low. Broil the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the mushrooms for color and freshness, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure mushrooms are patted dry so they don’t become soggy during baking.
- Watch carefully during the broiling step to prevent breadcrumbs from burning.
- This dish is perfect served hot as an appetizer or side.
- For a sharper flavor, try using a mix of white and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Leftover sauce can be saved and used as a pasta topping.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian