Baked Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Basil Pesto

These baked Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms are bursting with delicious Italian flavors. Giant mushroom caps are filled with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic, inspired by the classic Caprese salad. Topped with homemade basil pesto, this easy yet impressive mushroom dish makes a sophisticated vegetarian main. Read on for tips on preparing portobellos and stuffing mushrooms.

Benefits of Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Stuffed portobello mushrooms have advantages as an entrée:

Vegetarian Protein Source

Portobellos offer a meaty texture and savory umami flavor.

Substantial Size

Hearty stuffed portobellos feel like a main dish.

Adaptable Flavor

Match stuffings to any cuisine - Italian, Mexican, Asian.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Assemble and stuff mushrooms ahead of time.

Impressive Presentation

Elegant stuffed portobellos are perfect for date night.

Selecting Portobello Mushrooms for Stuffing

Look for mushrooms that are:

Extra Large

Around 4-6 inches wide to allow generously stuffing.

Dry Texture

Avoid wet, slimy mushrooms which may spoil quicker.

Intact

No major bruises, tears, or broken stems.

Mature

Fully open caps lay flat to hold filling.

Preparing Portobellos for Baking

Prep mushrooms:

1. Clean the Mushrooms

Gently wipe caps clean with a damp cloth or brush.

2. Remove Stems

Snap off woody stems flush with the bottom of the cap.

3. Scrape Out Gills

Use a spoon to scrape out the black gills from underside.

4. Make Filling

Mix together stuffing ingredients like cheeses, spinach, etc.

5. Stuff the Caps

Divide filling generously among mushroom caps.

How to Bake Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Bake stuffed mushrooms to perfection:

Lightly Oil the Caps

Brush tops with olive oil to prevent drying out.

Stuff Generously

Fill caps heaping with stuffing mixture.

Bake at 400°F

Bake 20-25 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro.

Delicious Stuffed Portobello Recipes

Get creative with fillings like:

- Sausage, caramelized onion, goat cheese

- Sun-dried tomato, artichoke, basil, Parmesan

- Corn, black bean, pepper, cilantro

- Roasted red pepper, pesto, fresh mozzarella

- Lentils, kale, walnuts, feta

Perfectly Paired Sides

Serve stuffed portobello mushrooms with:

- Cheesy polenta

- Garlic mashed potatoes

- Parmesan risotto

- Crusty bread

- Mixed green salad

Impressive Yet Easy Stuffed Portobello Dinner

These Caprese inspired stuffed portobello mushrooms are easy to throw together but feel fancy and flavorful. The melty cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic perfectly emulate the classic Italian salad layered on meaty mushroom caps. Topped with homemade pesto, they make an elegant yet effortless vegetarian dinner for any occasion.

5 FAQs about Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms

1. What is the best cheese for Caprese stuffed mushrooms?

Mozzarella and Parmesan work well, but feta or goat cheese also pair deliciously.

2. What goes well with Caprese stuffed portobellos?

Cheesy polenta, pasta salad, crusty bread, roasted vegetables all pair beautifully.

3. How can you tell when stuffed mushrooms are done?

The mushrooms should be very tender when pierced with a fork, 20-25 minutes usually.

4. Can you freeze stuffed mushrooms?

Yes, freeze unbaked stuffed mushrooms for up to 3 months, then thaw before baking.

5. What breadcrumbs work best for topping mushrooms?

Panko, Italian seasoned, or Parmesan breadcrumbs add nice crunch.