Elevate your appetizer game with these Gourmet Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms. This delectable dish combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, all nestled in tender mushroom caps. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
.png)
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving size: 4 stuffed mushrooms
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Ingredients
- 16 large mushroom caps (approx. 400g or 14oz)
- 200g (7oz) Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 100g (3.5oz) fresh spinach, chopped
- 100g (3.5oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50g (1.75oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (approx. 50g or 1.75oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Method of Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Clean the mushroom caps and remove the stems. Finely chop the stems and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage mixture, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Brush the mushroom caps with the remaining olive oil. Spoon the sausage mixture into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly.
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the sausage is fully cooked before stuffing the mushrooms to avoid any undercooked meat.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with a meatless alternative or additional vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
- It’s best to freeze them before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.
- You can substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the mushrooms clean. Avoid soaking them in water, as they can become soggy.
Dive into these Gourmet Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms for a savory appetizer that will delight your taste buds. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this dish combines rich flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy the blend of hearty sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach in a tender mushroom cap—truly an appetizer to remember.