I consider these Sulguni Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms as a gateway “drug” to Georgian cuisine. And that’s saying a lot because Georgian food is some of the most unique and delicious that we have experienced.

When I told friends and family that I planned to visit the former Republic of Georgia, many admitted that they had either never heard of it or needed to look on a map to figure out where it was. Georgia is a Eurasian country nestled between Russia, Armenia, Turkey, and the Black Sea.

It was part of the former Soviet Union and gained its independence in the early 1990s during the collapse of communism. Except for a brief invasion by Russia in 2008, the Republic of Georgia has enjoyed relative peace.

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Georgia is a beautiful country that has been relatively untouched by tourists, generally inexpensive with a very easygoing attitude. This is probably why we have heard from many people that after they decided to come for a visit, they ended up never leaving. But one of the very best reasons to visit Georgia, in my humble opinion, is the cuisine.

The food that Georgia is most famous for is laced with butter, cheese, and more cheese. Georgians feast on savory dumplings (Khinkali) and fluffy loaves of cheese-stuffed bread (Khachapuri) served alongside grilled or roasted meats and washed down with liberal amounts of homemade wine. No wonder people decide to never leave once they have gotten a taste of Georgia.

These Sulguni Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are traditionally baked in shallow round red clay pots, which are called “ketsi.” They are used to make many baked Georgian dishes, such as another personal favorite, Shkmeruli, Chicken Baked in Milk with Garlic.

The innocent enough mushroom caps have a good dose of butter and are topped with one of Georgia’s classic brined cheeses, called sulguni. Wheels of the cheese are sold in tiny shops and markets everywhere. Once baked, the stretchy cheese with its slightly salty and sour flavor is completely addictive.

Don’t worry, if you can’t find Sulguni cheese, you can substitute it with aged mozzarella or provolone cheese for this recipe. As with most Georgian food, the stuffed mushrooms are perfect for sharing with a group of friends with some crusty bread – and all of a sudden, the party has started!

Georgian Stuffed Mushrooms with Sulguni Cheese

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Georgian Stuffed Mushroom with Sulguni Cheese. An easy appetizer recipe from the country of Georgia

Ingredients

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• 10 Large Button Mushrooms, about 1 lb
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 5 Oz Sulguni, or Provolone Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, as a garnish- optional

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mushrooms.
2. Remove the stems and place in a shallow baking dish.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper
4. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of butter to each mushroom cap.
5. Grate the cheese and distribute evenly inside each cap.
6. Place in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes until the cheese begins to brown.
7. Garnish (if desired) and serve immediately.

Are you considering a trip to   Georgia? Check out our recommendations about amazing things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia, including great day trips from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.

Here are some additional Georgian recipes that you might enjoy:

Georgian Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with Walnut Dressing

Georgian Chicken in Blackberry Sauce (Rachuli)

Khinkali – Georgian Beef and Pork Soup Dumplings

Adjarian Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese and Egg Bread

Georgian Spicy Beef Ribs in Adjika Sauce

Georgian Chicken Cooked in Milk and Garlic – Shkmeruli

Georgian Spinach Cilantro and Walnut Salad – Ispanakhis Pkhali