Craving a restaurant-quality appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make at home? Look no further! This Maggiano's Stuffed Mushroom recipe delivers the same rich, savory flavors you love from the famous Italian restaurant, but with the convenience of homemade cooking. Perfect as a quick dinner appetizer, a satisfying starter for a larger meal, or even a delightful vegetarian addition to your next party spread, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large white mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, removed from casings (or substitute with 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms, reserving them for later. Clean the mushroom caps with a damp cloth or paper towel, being careful not to damage them. Chop the reserved stems finely.
Sauté the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped mushroom stems and cooked sausage (or vegetarian substitute). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Combine the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sausage mixture with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Stuff and Bake:
- Spoon the filling generously into each mushroom cap.
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown and heated through.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious stuffed mushrooms immediately as a warm appetizer. They are equally delightful served alongside a simple salad or as part of a larger Italian-inspired meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
- Cheese lovers rejoice: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding some mozzarella or provolone for a melty, cheesy goodness.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stuff and bake the mushrooms.
- Creamy upgrade: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese into the filling for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Maggiano's inspired recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe and savor the flavors of homemade cooking!