How to Make Italian Stuffed Mushrooms for Dinner

If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a delicious and easy recipe, Italian stuffed mushrooms are the perfect choice. These savory bites are filled with rich flavors and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here’s how to make Italian stuffed mushrooms for dinner.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 20 large portobello or cremini mushrooms
  • 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed mushrooms cook evenly and become deliciously golden brown.
  2. Prepare the mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Remove the stems and chop them finely. This adds flavor to the stuffing.
  3. Cook the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Mix the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems, cooked Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix in the chopped parsley, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. If you want a crunchier texture, you can also add the breadcrumbs at this stage.
  5. Stuff the mushrooms: Using a spoon, generously fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture. Make sure to pack it well, as the mushrooms will shrink slightly while cooking.
  6. Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the stuffed mushrooms to give them a delicious cheesy topping.
  7. Bake: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Italian stuffed mushrooms are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These mushrooms can be served hot or warm and pair wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.

Enjoy them as a main dish or an appetizer at your next gathering. Not only are they satisfying, but they also bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or different types of cheese.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the Italian sausage with spinach or diced vegetables.
  • Make a larger batch and freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

With these simple steps, you’ll have an exquisite dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Italian stuffed mushrooms!