Grilled Irish Dubliner Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Introduction

There is something truly magical about the combination of earthy mushrooms and the rich, nutty profile of aged Irish cheese, especially when prepared over an open fire. These Irish Dubliner Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate appetizer, perfectly capturing the savory essence of the Emerald Isle while utilizing the unique searing capabilities of the Arteflame grill. The high heat of the plancha cooktop caramelizes the mushroom caps, creating a tender yet firm vessel for the molten, golden cheese filling. Whether you are hosting a St. Patrick's Day barbecue or simply looking for an elegant side dish to accompany a steak dinner, this recipe delivers a sophisticated flavor punch.

Using Irish Dubliner cheese is the secret weapon here; it possesses the sharpness of a mature cheddar with the sweet, granular finish of a parmesan. When melted down with garlic and fresh herbs on the grill, it transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet bite. This recipe is designed to be easy to assemble right at the grill side, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests while the aroma of sizzling butter and roasting mushrooms fills the air.

Ingredients

• 24 Baby Portobello or Cremini mushrooms (stems removed and saved)
• 2 Tablespoons salted Irish butter (e.g., Kerrygold)
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 Cup green onions, finely chopped
• 5 oz Irish Dubliner Cheese, grated or cut into small cubes
• 1/4 Cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional for texture)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for coating the mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by building a medium fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the griddle cooktop to reach a moderate cooking temperature.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15-20 minutes. Aim for a surface temperature where water sizzles and evaporates immediately, but the oil doesn't smoke excessively.
3. Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface with vegetable oil or olive oil to season it before adding ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Finely chop the removed mushroom stems.
2. Place the butter on a cooler zone of the plancha to melt slowly.
3. Add the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, and green onions to the melted butter.
4. Sauté the mixture directly on the flat cooktop for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
5. Move the mixture to a cooler edge or scrape it into a metal bowl to cool slightly before mixing with the cheese.

Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms

1. While the filling cools slightly, toss the mushroom caps in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. In a bowl, combine the sautéed stem mixture with the grated Irish Dubliner cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Generously stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, creating a small mound on top.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Place the stuffed mushrooms directly on the flat steel cooktop of the Arteflame. Position them not too close to the center fire to avoid burning the bottoms before the cheese melts.
2. Cook for approximately 8 to 12 minutes. You want the mushroom caps to soften and brown, and the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
3. If you want extra smoky flavor, you can cover them with a basting dome for the last 2 minutes to help melt the cheese thoroughly.
4. Remove from the grill and garnish with extra green onions before serving hot.

Tips

To ensure your stuffed mushrooms are succulent rather than soggy, avoid soaking the mushrooms in water when cleaning them. Mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb liquid, which steams them from the inside out and prevents that delicious char we want from the grill. Instead, wipe them down with a damp paper towel or use a soft pastry brush to remove any dirt. This small step makes a significant difference in the final texture, ensuring a meaty bite that holds up the rich cheese filling without collapsing.

Temperature management on the Arteflame is also key for this recipe. Since you are cooking the mushroom cap from the bottom up while trying to melt the cheese on top, utilize the different heat zones. Start them closer to the fire to get a sear on the cap, then slide them toward the cooler outer edge to finish melting the cheese gently. If the cheese isn't melting fast enough, placing a metal basting dome over the mushrooms traps the heat and creates a mini-oven effect, melting the Dubliner cheese perfectly without burning the mushroom bottoms.

Variations

While the classic Irish Dubliner and garlic combination is a crowd-pleaser, stuffed mushrooms are incredibly versatile canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences without losing the essence of the dish. For a meatier version, consider adding protein, or for a keto-friendly option, simply omit the breadcrumbs. Here are a few distinct variations to try on your grill:

• The Carnivore: Add crumbled cooked bacon or spicy chorizo to the cheese mixture for a smoky, salty kick.
• The Herbivore: Mix in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts with the cheese for a dip-inspired filling.
• The Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling to cut through the richness of the cheese.
• The Italian Twist: Swap the Dubliner for Mozzarella and mix in sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
• The Crunch: Top the cheese mixture with crushed walnuts or pecans before grilling for an added earthy texture.

Best pairings

These Irish Dubliner Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are robust in flavor, meaning they require beverages and main courses that can stand up to the sharp cheese and earthy fungi. In keeping with the Irish theme, a dark, creamy stout like Guinness is the quintessential pairing; the roasted malt notes of the beer perfectly complement the char on the mushrooms and the nuttiness of the Dubliner cheese. Alternatively, a crisp, acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc can help cut through the richness of the butter and cheese, cleansing the palate between bites.

As for food pairings, these mushrooms serve as an excellent side dish for grilled red meats. They are the perfect companion to a Ribeye steak or a lamb chop, both of which are classic Arteflame favorites. The savory umami of the mushrooms enhances the beefy flavors of a steak. If you are serving a lighter meal, these also go well alongside grilled asparagus or a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheese.

Conclusion

Mastering these Irish Dubliner Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms on the Arteflame grill is a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of simple, high-quality ingredients and the unique wood-fired flavor profile creates an appetizer that is both rustic and refined. The nutty sweetness of the Dubliner cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden crown atop the tender, juicy portobello caps. It is a dish that celebrates texture and flavor in every bite.

Whether you are looking for a standout appetizer for a holiday gathering or a consistent side dish for your weekend BBQs, this recipe is a keeper. The ease of preparation and the speed at which they cook make them perfect for entertaining, allowing you to spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the fire. Give this recipe a try, and taste the difference that open-fire grilling makes to this classic comfort food.