Stuffed Portobellos with Marinara, Spinach, and Panko Crusted Goat Cheese

I had some portobellos, spinach, onion, and goat cheese in the fridge that needed to be used up, so I made these stuffed portobellos with marinara, spinach, and panko-crusted goat cheese. Since I had time, I decided to make a quick and simple homemade marinara, and this was a fun meal to create. We all loved this easy stuffed portobello recipe, and thought the mushrooms paired nicely with a loaded Caesar salad and some crusty bread.

Stuffed Portobellos with Marinara, Spinach, and Panko-Crusted Goat Cheese

Mushrooms:

• 6 Portobello mushrooms, gills & stems removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Marina:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 (28-oz) can of whole tomatoes
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Panko Crusted Coat Cheese:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small shallot, diced finely
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• ½ cup plain panko crumbs
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
• 4 oz goat cheese log, I used garlic & herbs, cut into coins

Spinach:

• ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 small shallot, sliced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

How to Make Stuffed Portobellos with Marinara, Spinach, and Panko-Crusted Goat Cheese

Roast the portobello mushrooms by preheating the oven to 425 degrees. Coat the baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.

Toss the mushrooms in a bowl, then drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Rub the oil and seasonings evenly over the mushrooms.

Place the mushrooms stem side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven to cool, making sure to drain off any liquid from the mushrooms and from the baking sheet immediately.

Place a wire cooling rack on the baking sheet, then place the roasted mushrooms on top of the rack. This will help prevent the mushrooms from getting soggy when they bake later.

Prepare the marinara while the mushrooms are roasting by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a small Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Add the can of whole tomatoes to the Dutch oven, then crush the tomatoes with a spoon. Bring up to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat, then blend the mixture using an immersion blender.  Taste and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste; set aside until needed.

Make the garlicky panko crumbs by heating the butter over medium heat in a small skillet. Add the shallot and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.

Add the garlic and panko crumbs, then cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until the crumbs are just lightly golden.

Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Set aside to completely cool before coating the goat cheese. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Coat the goat cheese with the panko crumbs by carefully slicing the cheese into like-sized coins.

Carefully press the coins into the cooled panko crumbs evenly on both sides. Place on a plate until needed.

Sauté the spinach by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shallot and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

Add the spinach and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is just starting to wilt.

Remove from heat and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Prepare the stuffed mushrooms by spooning some marinara into each mushroom, followed by a spoonful of the sauteed spinach, then top with a panko-crusted goat cheese coin.

Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and the crumbs turn golden brown.

Remove and serve immediately. Enjoy!