Servings: 4 mushrooms (2 people as a main, 4 as a side)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Hey there!
These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are one of my favorite quick weeknight recipes. They’ve got all the fresh flavors of a caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—stuffed into a big, meaty portobello mushroom cap. It’s cheesy, a little tangy, and super satisfying. The best part? It looks fancy but is so easy to make.
Great for a light dinner, a side dish, or even a meatless main. And kids actually love them—hello, melted cheese!
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
- I made this once on a whim when I had leftover caprese salad—and now it’s a go-to.
- It’s healthy-ish but still comforting.
- Totally customizable. Add chicken, swap cheese, whatever!
- Feels fancy without being hard.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems and gills removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella, sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or sliced into ribbons
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Don’t skip removing the gills—it helps the mushrooms cook evenly and makes room for more filling.
- If your mushrooms are super wet, pat them dry after cleaning to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh mozzarella slices for that gooey cheese pull effect.
- Let kids sprinkle on the cheese and basil—it’s a fun way to get them involved.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy clean-up)
- Cutting board and knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for scooping out gills
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use goat cheese or feta instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist.
- Add cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon for a protein boost.
- Swap basil for arugula or baby spinach.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep everything ahead—clean the mushrooms, chop tomatoes and basil, and store them separately in the fridge.
- Assemble just before baking for the freshest results.
👨🍳 How to Make Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep the mushrooms
Brush mushroom caps with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Ingredients for this step:
- 4 portobello mushroom caps
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Step 2: Roast mushrooms
Bake mushrooms at 400°F for 10 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Add filling
Remove from oven. Fill each mushroom with halved cherry tomatoes and shredded mozzarella.
Ingredients for this step:
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Step 4: Bake again
Return mushrooms to oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add fresh basil & balsamic glaze
Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving.
Ingredients for this step:
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
🥗 What to Serve With
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein
- A light pasta, like angel hair with olive oil and herbs
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm (microwave works too but might get a bit soggy).
- Great chopped up over pasta or added to a salad the next day!
❓FAQ
Can I grill the mushrooms instead of baking them?
Yes! Grill them cap-side down first, then flip, fill, and finish cooking with the lid closed.
Do I have to remove the gills?
It’s not required, but it helps reduce the water content and gives more space for the filling.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
Nope—balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter. You can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove if you want to make your own!
🍽️ That’s it!
Super simple, right? These Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms are one of those easy wins that look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. I’d love to hear how it went for you—did your family love them? Did you make any fun twists? Drop a comment with your questions or ideas—I’m all ears! 💬🍄🧀