Are you looking for a delicious and impressive appetizer or side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These stuffed mushrooms with sausage and cream cheese are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or a special occasion. They're bursting with savory flavor and creamy texture, making them a true culinary gem. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully remove the stems from the cremini mushrooms, ensuring you don't tear the caps. Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel. Finely chop the mushroom stems and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Add the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, oregano, and black pepper to the cooked sausage. Stir to combine. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms
Add the sausage mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt to taste. Spoon the mixture generously into the mushroom caps.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms
Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious stuffed mushrooms immediately. They are fantastic as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal on their own.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms:
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic and oregano in the olive oil before adding the sausage.
- Don't overfill the mushrooms, as they may spill over during baking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the mushrooms for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can use other types of mushrooms, such as button or shiitake mushrooms, but cremini mushrooms provide a nice earthy flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
- Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms: Substitute the sausage with cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions.
- Herb Stuffed Mushrooms: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 7-10g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This easy recipe for delicious stuffed mushrooms offers a healthy and flavorful meal option, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!