Save to Pinterest Rich herbed cream cheese tucked inside mushrooms with golden pastry bandages and goofy olive eyes This dish always turns heads at my Halloween parties and has become my go to fun savory treat to get everyone in the spirit
First time I whipped up these stuffed mushrooms my nieces giggled nonstop arranging olive eyes and puff pastry strips They are now a must have at our costume night and everyone expects a cheesy surprise waiting on the party platter
Ingredients
- Large white button mushrooms: Look for firm caps with no soft spots Bright white color means freshness
- Cream cheese: Go for full fat and smooth texture The base of creamy richness
- Garlic: Small clove packs intense flavor Crush fresh for the best taste
- Fresh parsley: Adds vibrancy and a hint of garden freshness Pick leaves with a lively green color
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty saltiness Choose pre grated for easier mixing
- Black pepper: Fine grind delivers a subtle kick Freshly cracked is best
- Salt: Helps balance and heightens all the flavors
- Ready rolled puff pastry: Choose unbroken smooth sheets Low layers give flakiness
- Black olive slices: Look for ripe glossy olives and slice thin for suitable eyes
- Egg: Use a room temperature egg for a silky golden glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Carefully remove stems and gently wipe the mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth Avoid washing under water which can make mushrooms soggy
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl Mash with a fork until the mixture is completely smooth Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed
- Fill the Mushrooms:
- Using a spoon or piping bag load each mushroom cap with a generous mound of the cream cheese filling Try to make a little dome so it peeks out from the pastry later
- Bandage the Mummies:
- Cut your puff pastry into thin strips Keep them as even as you can for neat wrapping Arrange strips crisscross over each mushroom leaving a gap open up top for eyes Careful not to completely cover the filling
- Egg Wash Application:
- Brush the puff pastry strips gently with a thin layer of beaten egg Use a soft brush for even coverage to promote crunchy golden browning
- Add the Eyes:
- Place two olive slices near the open top on each mushroom pressing lightly so they stick to the filling or pastry Now your mushrooms have their mummy faces
- Bake Until Golden:
- Line mushrooms on a parchment lined baking tray leaving space between each so the pastry bakes evenly Slide tray into your preheated oven Bake for about eighteen to twenty minutes until cheese bubbles and pastry turns golden brown
- Final Cooling:
- Allow mushrooms to cool for five minutes They will firm up just enough making them easy to transfer and serve but retain heat for maximum flavor
Save to Pinterest Mushrooms are my secret favorite in this dish Their earthy flavor and juicy bite pair perfectly with the creamy filling When my sister helped me decorate the first batch we kept laughing at the funny mummy faces and now the tradition lives on each October
Storage Tips
After baking let mushrooms cool totally Place in a lidded container with paper towel underneath Chill for up to two days To reheat use a low oven for ten minutes to preserve the crisp pastry and soft filling
Ingredient Substitutions
Try chives or dill for parsley if you want a more pronounced herbal punch You can swap crescent dough for puff pastry if you need to avoid gluten or want a more tender crust Vegan cream cheese works well for dairy free guests and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan
Serving Suggestions
Pile mushrooms on a spooky tray with fake cobwebs or mini pumpkins Arrange around a bowl of roasted red pepper dip for extra flair I love pairing mine with crunchy crudites and a simple punch at Halloween gatherings
Cultural and Historical Context
Stuffed mushrooms have always graced party tables in American homes but this fun mummy twist grew out of classic savory appetizer tradition Halloween recipes often showcase playful decoration making veggies irresistible to little ones
Seasonal Adaptations
Use cremini mushrooms for autumn earthiness Switch to a garlicky cheese spread in winter for extra richness Add diced sun dried tomatoes to the filling for festive color
Save to Pinterest Serve these warm for ultimate gooey deliciousness and enjoy a laugh with every spooky bite Mummy Stuffed Mushrooms turn any party into a Halloween hit