There’s a rule (and if there isn’t one, I’m making it up right now) that when it comes to food, the word “stuffed” increases awesomeness, like, exponentially.
Think about it. Poultry, pork chops, potatoes, pasta. Potentially delicious on their own, but then you stuff them with something and whoa. It’s like delicious squared.
Which brings me to the topic of this post.
Now, I love mushrooms. Big time. Over steak, in a salad or soup, especially with a pasta dish. Or just by themselves. It’s all good. I’m not picky.
But then stuffing is involved and oh my gracious goodness. Magic happens.
Stuffed mushrooms are probably my favorite appetizer. I will never pass them up when they’re offered at an event and have come close to stabbing fellow guests who made the unfortunate mistake of getting in my way. I have a difficult time restraining myself when I see them on a restaurant menu.
I’d pretty much eat them at every meal. For every meal.
And then it occurred to me that I could make them at home. When I woke up from my joy coma I started looking for recipes and found a few which appealed to me and adapted one to include sausage. See, I love sausage only slightly less than I love mushrooms. I felt it my duty to get these two crazy kids together. Uniting them in a marriage of scrumptious, savory delight.
I think you should do the same.
Adapted from AllRecipes.com
12 large, fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb sausage, no casings
1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon minced onion
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup melted butter
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shredded parmesan cheese, for garnish
Chopped parsley or parsley flakes, for garnish
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Clean mushrooms. Remove and chop stems.
Over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking up into small pieces as it browns. When sausage is almost cooked through, add onion, garlic, chopped stems and red pepper (if you choose to use it). Cook over medium heat until stems are soft, then remove from heat. Add breadcrumbs and half and half. Combine thoroughly.
Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
One by one, dip mushroom caps into melted butter and arrange in baking dish. Stuff each cap with sausage mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley in last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.
Are you as in love with mushrooms as I am? What’s your favorite appetizer?
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It’s probably a good thing that appetizers are time consuming to make, because I would totally eat appetizers every meal of the day. These look great! I could totally see myself trying them out with veg sausage.
You’re right, apps can be time consuming, can’t they?
I have honestly never had a mushroom, let alone a stuffed one. But this post? Has me drooling over the thought of it!
That’s it. You’re coming over and I’m blindfolding you and forcing you to eat things. Not bad things. Just things you’ve never had.
I’ve had some so-so stuffed mushrooms, but adding the sausage ensures such wonderful flavor! These sound amazing!
Thanks! You’re right, sometimes they’re “meh”. Will I eat them anyway? Yeah. But that’s another story.
they look so good! yum..this would be for special occasions.
I love mushrooms, and these stuffed mushrooms look incredible!
Thank you!
Love stuffed Mushrooms. Thanks for sharing
And thank you for coming over and taking a look!
You know you’re going to have to make these for me don’t you. LOVE IT…..
Um…wait a minute…I MADE them for you! And you didn’t eat any! This was way back in November, when you guys came over for turkey mother.
Why did I not eat any? I must have been in a coma or something. I really don’t remember that. So I guess we’ll have to try this again some time. OK?
These look absolutely wonderful! I would like them for my breakfast right now!
Right? I’d eat them any time, day or night. So good.
Oh my, YUM! I adore mushrooms, too, and a pretty sure that *is* a rule!
Thank you! I had a feeling it would be…
Girl after my own heart, I love mushrooms, these sound amazing.
Thanks!
Oh, my stomach is growling and my mouth is salivating.
Pretty picture, huh?
HOLY COW, right before dinner, did NOT time this visit well.
Looks absolutely out of this world scrumptious.
Thank you, dear.
I love the idea of making people salivate.
Mushrooms? Are you kidding???? I think there might be a fight if you and I were at the same place that’s serving mushrooms. seriously. I can make a meal out of them and I have before (I don’t recommend it though…e’hem)
I AM keeping this recipe for sure, but I will be doubling or tripling the recipe so someone else can have one. ~*snicker*~ You might just be my new BFF! LOL!
You are too funny! We’re just going to have to be sure we never show up at the same event where stuffed mushrooms will be served. Okay?
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks! I hope you do and that you love it as much as I do.
Stuffed mushrooms are a favorite! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe – these look wonderful! Just pinned them – YAY!
Thanks so much!
Wow…This looks great! I’m having a linky party as well, and would love for you to join it! Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/one-stop-s... Thanks for sharing!
This looks delish! I am a follower! Can you please post this at my Taste This Thursday party!?
http://www.bellmiracle.blogspot.com
I’m SO excited to try these! Stuffed mushrooms are the best! I’d love for you to come by our party and link up! http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/01/five-minute-fudge-and-rhw-recipe-round.html
It would be so easy to pop several of these in at a time.
It is waaaaay too easy, trust me!
we should be friends. mushroom eating friends. so many people don’t like them – crazy, right?? i adore the heck outta mushrooms and pairing them with any kinda of pork = fabulousness. well, done. Well. Done.
Mushroom eating friends – I love it! And yeah, I really don’t understand people who don’t like mushrooms. It’s totally beyond my understanding.
Yes, I agree…stuffed makes things better. Am excited to try these. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mushrooms
Yes, stuffing things generally makes them that much more wonderful. Aren’t mushrooms the best? I don’t get why some people (like my husband) don’t like them!