Treat your taste buds to a flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser – Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Sausage. These bite-sized delights combine the earthy richness of mushrooms with the savory goodness of sausage, cheese, and herbs for a perfect blend of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday spread, or just looking for a delicious snack, these stuffed mushrooms are an irresistible choice.
The Perfect Bite-Sized Treat
Stuffed mushroom caps are an excellent way to transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer. The juicy mushrooms serve as the perfect vessel for a rich and flavorful filling of sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
These versatile appetizers are easy to customize with different fillings to suit any palate, and they’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for both casual and formal gatherings. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, making them a guaranteed hit at any table.
Ingredients for Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Sausage
Creating these delectable stuffed mushrooms requires a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mushrooms – Choose large, firm white or cremini mushrooms with intact caps. These varieties are sturdy enough to hold the filling and bake evenly.
- Sausage – Use Italian sausage for a flavorful kick. You can opt for mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
- Breadcrumbs – These help bind the filling and add a slight crunch. Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs work beautifully.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy texture to the filling, balancing the saltiness of the sausage.
- Parmesan Cheese – For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of crispiness on top.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the filling.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley or thyme enhances the overall flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Olive Oil – For drizzling over the mushrooms before baking to ensure a golden finish.
How to Make Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Sausage
This recipe is straightforward, yet the results are sure to impress. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect stuffed mushrooms:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the mushrooms from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems and set them aside. These will be chopped and added to the filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Mushroom Caps
Arrange the mushroom caps on the prepared baking sheet, cavity side up. Use a spoon to fill each mushroom cap generously with the sausage mixture, mounding it slightly on top.
Step 5: Bake
Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender, and the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How Long to Bake Stuffed Mushroom Caps
The baking time for stuffed mushroom caps depends on the size of the mushrooms and the moisture content of the filling. To ensure perfectly cooked, tender mushrooms with a golden topping, follow these general guidelines:
- Small Mushrooms – Bake for 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Medium Mushrooms – Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Large Mushrooms – Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Keep an eye on the mushrooms during the last few minutes of baking. They’re ready when the filling is slightly golden on top, and the mushrooms are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover stuffed mushrooms, don’t let them go to waste! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator – Place leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezer – Stuffed mushrooms can be frozen before or after baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed mushrooms can be stored for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushroom Caps
To ensure your stuffed mushroom caps turn out beautifully every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Mushrooms – Use mushrooms that are firm and uniform in size for even cooking. Avoid mushrooms with damaged or soggy caps.
- Don’t Overfill – While it’s tempting to mound on the filling, avoid overstuffing as it may spill out during baking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil – A light drizzle of olive oil over the mushrooms before baking enhances flavor and ensures a golden finish.
- Experiment with Fillings – Customize your stuffed mushrooms by adding ingredients like chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced bell peppers to the filling.
- Serve Fresh – Stuffed mushrooms are best served warm, straight from the oven, for the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Sausage
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 stuffed mushrooms 1x
Description
These Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Sausage are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Juicy mushroom caps are filled with a savory blend of sausage, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- 16 large white or cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or seasoned)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove and finely chop the stems.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage mixture, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Mix until well combined.
- Arrange the mushroom caps on the prepared baking sheet, cavity side up. Fill each cap with the sausage mixture, mounding it slightly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender, and the tops are golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- Experiment with fillings by adding chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or swapping Parmesan for cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes