If you’re searching for an easy yet impressive appetizer that will wow your guests, look no further than these delicious stuffed mushrooms. Bursting with rich flavors, this classic recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a casual snack. Not only are these stuffed mushrooms simple to make, but their savory goodness will have everyone asking for the recipe.
I tend to favor recipes that have under five ingredients (plus seasonings) and are easy to make. I tend to make a variety of different foods at once, so the less prep work, the better. Stuffed mushrooms have a little more prep work, since the mushrooms have to be prepared and cleaned, but it is well worth it. The best part is they can be made ahead to save time later.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients:
- Approx 20-30 Fresh Mushrooms
- 8oz Italian Pork Sausage
- 3 Green Onion Stalks
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 8oz Cream Cheese, Softened
- Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
1. Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning your mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems and set the caps aside. Finely chop the stems and set aside about 1/2 cup to use in the filling mixture. Rub olive oil on the outside of the mushroom caps and place on a baking sheet with a rack. Using the rack allows excess liquid to drain away from the mushrooms, preventing them from becoming soggy.
2. Cut the Onions
Finely chop the green onions, separating the hollow dark green ends for the garnish. Only the light/white chopped pieces will go into the filling.
3. Cook the Sausage
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. With about five minutes remaining, add in minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup chopped mushroom stems, and chopped green onions.
4. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with the cooked sausage mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Stuff the Mushrooms
Stuff the mushrooms with the filling. I recommend placing the filling in a Ziploc bag and cutting the corner. Then generously squeeze the filling into the mushrooms.
Nifty Tip: If you have extra filling, it is great on top of crackers, warm or cold.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F, until the tops are golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with the reserved chopped green onions. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Mushrooms
- Choose fresh mushrooms: Look for firm mushrooms with no soft spots or discoloration for the best texture.
- Customize the flavors: Experiment with additional spices or swap Italian sausage with spicy sausage or even turkey sausage.
- Serve immediately: These appetizers are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to a day in advance. Simply assemble them, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Are there alternatives for cream cheese?
If you’d prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Can I freeze stuffed mushrooms?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze stuffed mushrooms before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do with leftover stuffed mushrooms filling?
Leftover filling can be used in a variety of creative ways! Spread it on crackers or toasted bread for a quick and delicious snack, or use it as a filling for omelets, burritos, or stuffed bell peppers. You can also stir it into cooked pasta or use it as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Sausage & Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Bursting with rich flavors, this classic recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a casual snack.
Ingredients
- Approx 20-30 Fresh Mushrooms
- 8oz Italian Pork Sausage
- 3 Green Onion Stalks
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 8oz Cream Cheese, Softened
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Clean mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems and set the caps aside. Finely chop the stems and set aside about 1/2 cup to use in the filling mixture (rest can be discarded). Rub olive oil on the outside of the mushroom caps and place on a baking sheet with a rack.
- Finely chop the green onions, separating the hollow dark green ends for the garnish. Only the light/white chopped pieces will go into the filling.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. With about five minutes remaining, add in minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup chopped mushroom stems, and chopped green onions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with the cooked sausage mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Stuff the mushrooms with the filling. I recommend placing the filling in a Ziploc bag and cutting the corner. Then generously squeeze the filling into the mushrooms.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F, until the tops are golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with the reserved chopped green onions. Allow to cool slightly before serving
Notes
- Choose fresh mushrooms: Look for firm mushrooms with no soft spots or discoloration for the best texture.
- Customize the flavors: Experiment with additional spices or swap Italian sausage with spicy sausage or even turkey sausage.
- Serve immediately: These appetizers are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven.
This recipe for sausage and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms is not only versatile but also incredibly satisfying. It’s an easy appetizer idea that can be prepped ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for your next party. Pair it with other classic party snacks or serve it on its own – either way, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to impress.
