
Stuffed portobello mushrooms with spinach and cheese are my go-to treat when veggie friends come over. Their earthy flavor works so well with the creamy spinach-cheese filling. I love how the melted cheese gets all golden on top. Everyone enjoys this dish whether I'm serving it as a starter or the main event.
Why you'll fall in love with this tasty dish
This dish is truly a gem among my favorites. The mix of meaty mushrooms with smooth, cheesy filling just works so perfectly together. I make it all the time - it's quick enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough for guests too. Plus, it's my favorite way to sneak some spinach into a meal without anyone complaining!
The key ingredients for success
To make this work, grab four firm portobello caps and gently remove the stems and gills. A splash of olive oil, one garlic clove, and half an onion chopped small create the flavor base. Fresh spinach adds color and good stuff. The cheese blend matters a lot - smooth ricotta, sharp parmesan, and stretchy mozzarella that browns beautifully. Add salt, pepper, and my special touch - a tiny bit of nutmeg that brings everything together wonderfully.
My step-by-step approach
First, I heat my oven to 190°C. I brush the mushrooms with olive oil and bake them for 10 minutes so they release their moisture. While that's happening, I make the filling. In a pan, I cook the garlic and onion with a bit of oil, then toss in spinach just until it wilts. In a bowl, I mix this with ricotta, parmesan and my spices. I fill each mushroom cap generously and top with plenty of mozzarella. Back in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden, and dinner's ready.
My tips for perfect results
Getting great mushrooms means picking fresh, firm portobellos. I always carefully scrape out the gills to cut down on extra moisture. When adding salt, I go slowly since the parmesan already brings saltiness. For the spinach, I just wilt it quickly so it keeps its nice green color.
Serving ideas
These stuffed mushrooms taste amazing with a crisp green salad for a light meal. When I want something heartier, I add some roasted veggies and crusty bread on the side. They're also a big hit as finger food when friends come by for drinks.

Storing and warming up leftovers
Any extras will keep in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. When warming them up, I stick to the oven at 175°C - it keeps the mushrooms nice and the filling stays creamy. Don't use the microwave though - it'll make your mushrooms turn rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How to pick the best portobello mushrooms?
- Go for firm portobellos with smooth, intact caps and even color. They should feel dry and smell fresh.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and stuff the mushrooms just before baking.
- → What pairs well with stuffed mushrooms?
- A crisp green salad is a great match. For a heartier meal, serve them with quinoa or brown rice.
- → How to avoid soggy mushrooms?
- Pre-cook the mushrooms and soak up any released juices with a paper towel before stuffing them.
- → Can I use frozen spinach?
- Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out the water. It's roughly 1 cup thawed and drained.