Baked pesto stuffed portobello mushrooms with mozzarella

Baked Pesto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Mozzarella

These baked portobello mushrooms are meaty, savory, and bursting with flavor. Filled with fresh basil pesto and melted mozzarella, they make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light main course. Healthy, vegetarian, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed, gills scraped out

4 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, halved (optional, for extra flavor)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional Homemade Pesto:

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts

1 clove garlic

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Mushrooms:

Remove stems and gently scrape out the gills using a spoon.

Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Stuff Mushrooms:

Place mushrooms cap-side down on the baking sheet.

Spoon 1 tbsp of pesto into each mushroom cap.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto.

Optional: Add cherry or sun-dried tomatoes on top.

Sprinkle Parmesan if using.

4. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted and slightly golden.

5. Serve:

Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle lightly with olive oil if desired.

Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad or as an appetizer.

Notes & Tips

For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle balsamic glaze before serving.

Make it vegan: Use vegan mozzarella and skip Parmesan.

Meal prep: Can be baked in advance and reheated gently in the oven.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 kcal

Protein: 8 g

Carbohydrates: 6 g

Fat: 14 g

Fiber: 2 g