Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Stuffed Planked Portobellos: What's on the Grill #321

With my dinner times often always a moving target, I've learned through the years substantial appetizers are a requirement. Even though an appetizer may need to be "substantial," it should not be overly involved, which is why I'm always looking for something to grill on a plank.

As I've shown before, planked food on the grill is an easy and forgiving way to cook. The plank adds another layer of flavor while also protecting the food from being overcooked or burned when your attention is elsewhere. Not, of course, that this has ever happened to me...ahem. Where was I?

In other news, Dayton finally landed a Whole Foods, which for me, is great, as it's yet another place I can spend time shopping for dinner. Earlier this year, I fell in love with the Whole Foods in Austin while working on the Q in Color Weber shoot, so to have one in my own backyard (plus a 30 minute drive), I was stoked.

When I first checked the store out a few weeks ago, I stumbled across some of their bacon, cheddar, and chive cheese dip. I was looking for an appetizer and already had some large portobello caps in my basket. With a shelf full of grilling planks at home, I knew exactly what I was going to do. It's the kind of appetizer that makes a late dinner all that more acceptable.

Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Stuffed Planked Portobellos

by Another Pint Please

2 large portobello mushroom caps

8 oz Whole Foods Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Cheese Dip

1 cedar grilling plank

1. Soak the grilling plank in water for at least an hour.

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2. Prep the portobellos by first removing the stem.

Then, with a spoon, remove the gills.

3. Fill the caps with cheese dip.

4. Prepare the grill for a two-zone medium heat fire (350 F).

5. Place the filled portobello caps on the soaked plank.

6. Grill over direct heat for approximately 15 minutes. Then, move to indirect heat and grill another 15 minutes.

Remove from the grill and serve right from the plank.

You can certainly make your own cheese dip, but remember, this is an appetizer. It needs to be easy. Save the heavy lifting for dinner.

The tangy cheese dip is the perfect complement to the meaty portobello. At the most, I give these stuffed mushrooms 15 minutes before they are devoured. "Hangry" has been cured! Now to plan another trip south of town to Whole Foods.