Name: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds button mushrooms (stems removed); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 8 ounces cooked crab meat (drained); 6 ounces chopped clams (drained); 6 ounces tiny shrimp (drained); ½ cup chopped scallions; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon celery salt; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers ((about 1 sleeve))

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers) are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion. The tender, juicy mushrooms filled with a creamy, savory crab mixture create a delightful bite that is hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these stuffed mushrooms will impress your guests and elevate your culinary repertoire.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe captures the essence of seafood in a delightful form. The combination of cream cheese, crab meat, clams, and shrimp creates a rich filling that bursts with flavor. The addition of crushed Ritz crackers not only adds a satisfying crunch but also complements the seafood beautifully. The mushrooms serve as the perfect vessel, soaking in the flavors while remaining tender and juicy.

Ingredient Checklist

To create these delectable Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers), you will need the following ingredients:

2 pounds button mushrooms, stems removed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces cooked crab meat, drained
6-ounce can chopped clams, drained
6-ounce can tiny shrimp, drained
½ cup chopped scallions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)

Cook’s Kit

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
Microwave or oven for softening cream cheese
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
Small spoon or cookie scoop for filling mushrooms
Sharp knife for chopping ingredients

Cooking Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers): The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, clean your button mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Gently remove the stems and set the caps aside. Finely chop the stems, as they will be incorporated into the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped crab meat, drained clams, and drained shrimp. Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, lemon juice, celery salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Gently fold in the crushed Ritz crackers into the filling mixture. This will give the stuffing a delightful crunch and help bind it together. Make sure the crackers are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, fill each mushroom cap generously with the crab filling. Make sure to pack it in slightly to ensure it holds together during baking. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Once all the mushrooms are stuffed, pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer. Your guests will be raving about these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers) before they even take their first bite!

Season-by-Season Upgrades

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different seasons or themes:

Spring: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a bright, fresh flavor.
Summer: Incorporate diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Fall: Mix in some roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
Winter: Top with a sprinkle of grated parmesan before baking for added richness.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Make sure the crab meat is properly drained to prevent a watery filling.
Feel free to use different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for a unique flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the crab and seafood with cooked quinoa or chopped veggies.
These stuffed mushrooms can be made bite-sized by using smaller mushroom caps.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

If you’re planning a gathering, you can prep these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers) in advance:

Prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
If you want to freeze them, place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheat any leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Your Top Questions

Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will add a wonderful flavor and texture to your stuffing. Just make sure to pick through it for any shells before using.

What can I serve with Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers)?

These mushrooms pair well with a crisp green salad, a side of garlic bread, or a seafood platter. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Can I make these mushrooms vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the seafood with cooked quinoa, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to get cooking! These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (with Ritz Crackers) are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they’re more than just an appetizer—they’re a culinary delight that will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!