These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect party appetizer, combining savory ground Italian sausage, creamy cream cheese, and sharp Parmesan, all nestled inside bite-sized cremini mushrooms. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they are a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for any gathering, these mushrooms will disappear in no time!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 20 medium to large cremini or white button mushrooms (stems removed, reserved for use)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage

• 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon marjoram

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

• ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently wash the mushrooms and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.

Cooking the Sausage:
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and brown it.
3. Once the sausage is halfway cooked, add the finely chopped sweet onion and cook for several minutes until the onion softens.

Herb and Spice Mixing:
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic, marjoram, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

Making the Filling:
5. Transfer the sausage mixture to a large bowl and add the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and 1 ½ tablespoons of the chopped parsley. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Spoon or scoop the sausage mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing it down gently.

Baking:
7. Sprinkle the filled mushrooms with the remaining parsley and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are heated through and slightly golden on top.

Nutrients

(Nutritional estimates per serving; values may vary)

• Calories: ~150

• Fat: ~11g

• Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Carbohydrates: ~3g

• Sugars: ~2g

• Protein: ~10g

• Fiber: ~1g

Why Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Are Perfect for Any Gathering

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms make an excellent appetizer because of their ability to combine rich, savory flavors in a single, bite-sized serving. The ground Italian sausage provides a flavorful base, while the cream cheese offers a smooth, creamy texture that complements the mushrooms. The addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor profile, creating a sharp and savory contrast to the rich creaminess. The breadcrumbs on top provide a satisfying crunch, offering a textural contrast that makes every bite interesting.

These stuffed mushrooms are also incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer or part of a buffet spread at any occasion, from casual family dinners to formal events. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a gathering, these mushrooms are sure to impress your guests and quickly become the star of the spread.

The Secret Ingredients That Make These Mushrooms Irresistible

While the recipe is simple, each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms:

• Ground Italian Sausage: The Italian sausage is the heart of the filling, providing savory, slightly spicy, and deeply flavorful meat. You can use mild or hot sausage depending on your preferences, or even substitute turkey sausage for a lighter version.

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy, velvety texture that helps to bind the filling together. It also balances out the richness of the sausage, making the filling smooth and easy to scoop into the mushroom caps.

• Parmesan Cheese: The Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor to the stuffing. Its saltiness enhances the overall taste of the mushrooms, giving them a savory depth that perfectly complements the sausage and cream cheese.

• Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms serve as the perfect vessel for the filling. Their tender yet firm texture holds the sausage mixture well and provides a mild, earthy base flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.

• Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs sprinkled on top of the stuffed mushrooms create a crispy, golden finish that contrasts with the creamy filling inside. The breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall texture of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley provides a burst of color and a hint of freshness to balance out the richness of the filling.

Step-by-Step Process for Making Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are simple to prepare and require just a few steps to make. Here’s how to create this delicious appetizer:

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, gently wash the mushrooms and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Removing the moisture from the mushrooms helps them cook evenly and prevents the filling from becoming too watery.

Cooking the Sausage

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Once the sausage is about halfway cooked, add the finely chopped sweet onion and cook for a few more minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Herb and Spice Mixing

3. Reduce the heat to low, and add the minced garlic, marjoram, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for about a minute to allow the garlic to release its fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Once the mixture is well-combined and fragrant, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Making the Filling

5. Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and 1 ½ tablespoons of fresh parsley. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the filling has a smooth consistency.

6. Spoon or scoop the sausage mixture into each mushroom cap. Press the filling down gently to ensure it’s evenly packed, but be careful not to tear the mushrooms.

Baking

7. Sprinkle the stuffed mushrooms with the remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.

Serving

8. Once baked, allow the mushrooms to cool slightly before serving. These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature for your guests to enjoy at their leisure.

Why These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Will Be a Hit

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are more than just an appetizer; they are a flavor-packed, satisfying bite that will make your guests go back for seconds. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and earthy mushrooms is always a crowd-pleaser, and the golden, crispy topping adds an irresistible crunch.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, or even a bit of blue cheese—to change the flavor profile. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute turkey sausage and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option without sacrificing taste.

Additionally, these mushrooms are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party, a casual get-together, or preparing a meal for your family, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms fit the bill perfectly. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and will disappear off the plate in no time.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Appetizer

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms offer a wonderful combination of savory, creamy, and crispy textures in each bite. The flavorful filling, with its combination of sausage, cheese, and seasonings, is perfectly complemented by the tender mushrooms and the golden breadcrumb topping. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, this recipe is an excellent choice for any party or gathering. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a delicious snack, these stuffed mushrooms will always be a hit. So, try them at your next event, and watch them disappear!