Ingredients:
- 1 lb Large White or Cremini Mushrooms (approx. 16–20 caps)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 4 Strips Thick-Cut Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 Medium Jalapeños, finely minced (seeds removed)
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh Chives, finely snipped
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently wipe mushrooms clean; remove and finely chop the stems. Arrange caps, hollow-side up, on the prepared sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble finely. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, crumbled bacon, minced jalapeños, minced garlic, snipped chives, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until just combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly on top.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the filled mushrooms.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the panko topping is deeply golden brown.
- Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish immediately with fresh chopped parsley. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.