Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms (Savory, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Baked stuffed mushrooms with a cheesy, bacon topping, garnished with parsley. Arranged on parchment paper, evoking a savory, appetizing mood.

These Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer — rich, cheesy, smoky, and irresistibly creamy. They come together quickly and bake into golden, savory perfection. Pair them with cozy favorites like Awesome Blossom Onion Bites, Crab Rangoon Dip, or Crack Dip to build the ultimate party platter.

Why You’ll Love This

Savory mushrooms stuffed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar
Rich, cheesy filling with big flavor in every bite
Easy appetizer made with simple ingredients
Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual entertaining

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 18–24 mushrooms (depending on size)

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms

18–24 medium white mushrooms, stems removed
6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

Extra shredded cheddar
Chopped parsley
Crushed butter crackers for crunch
Extra bacon bits

Instructions

Prep the Oven & Mushrooms Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, then gently pop out the stems.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Stir until creamy and fully combined.
Fill the Mushrooms: Spoon the mixture generously into each mushroom cap. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little cheddar on top.
Bake: Bake 18–20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Add parsley, bacon bits, or cracker crumbs right after baking if desired.

Ways to Serve

Serve warm on a party platter next to appetizers like Toasted Ravioli, Bang Bang Chicken Bites, or Marry Me Dip.
Pair with soups like Loaded Potato Soup or Lazy French Onion Soup for a cozy starter.
Add to a holiday appetizer spread with classics like Cinnamon Sugar Pecans or Vanilla Maple Walnuts.
Serve with a fresh salad like Classic Southern Garden Salad to balance the richness.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Prep and fill the mushrooms up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake right before serving.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend all work great.

How do I keep mushrooms from getting soggy?

Don’t rinse them under running water — wipe clean instead. If they release moisture while baking, just drain or blot the pan halfway through.

Can I make these low-carb or keto?

They already are! Just skip cracker toppings.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, though the flavor will be milder and less smoky.

Can I air fry them?

Yes — 350°F for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

These Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms check every box — creamy, cheesy, smoky, savory, and totally irresistible. They bake up quickly and work beautifully for holidays, parties, game days, or a simple, cozy night at home. Add them to your appetizer category for a guaranteed crowd-favorite recipe your readers will return to again and again.