Barefoot Contessa’s Perfect Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Sausage-stuffed mushrooms burst with flavor, transforming an ordinary appetizer into a culinary sensation.

Bold and savory, these bite-sized delights promise to elevate any gathering with their irresistible charm.

Meaty mushroom caps serve as perfect vessels for a rich, creamy filling that tantalizes taste buds.

Crispy breadcrumbs add unexpected texture, while aromatic herbs weave complexity into each morsel.

Elegant yet approachable, this crowd-pleasing starter speaks to both sophisticated palates and comfort food lovers.

Guests will find themselves reaching for seconds before the plate even touches the table:

Delight in the Richness of Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

• Savor Flavor-Packed Bites: These mushrooms burst with rich, savory goodness from the perfectly browned sausage, creamy mascarpone, and sharp Parmesan cheese, creating an explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that looks impressive but requires surprisingly little culinary expertise. The recipe guides you through each stage with straightforward techniques that even beginner chefs can nail.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for almost any gathering, these stuffed mushrooms work wonderfully as game day snacks, elegant cocktail party appetizers, or delightful side dishes that will have guests asking for the recipe. They're portable, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from any serving platter.
• Texture Sensation: The combination of crispy panko-topped mushroom caps and creamy, tender sausage filling creates an incredible contrast that makes each bite interesting and satisfying. Soft interior meets crunchy exterior for a mouthwatering experience that keeps people coming back for more.

Gather the Hearty Ingredients for Stuffed Mushrooms

• Mushroom Caps: Fresh, large mushrooms work best for a substantial appetizer; white button or cremini provide a mild, earthy base.
• Mushroom Stems: Finely chopped to add extra flavor and reduce waste; integral part of the filling mixture.

• Sweet Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture; choose high-quality ground sausage for best results.
• Scallions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and bright green color to the mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy breadcrumbs that help bind the filling and create a crunchy texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that melts smoothly and adds richness to the stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty notes and helps create a golden brown topping.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the sausage and mushrooms; adds moisture and helps with browning.
• Marsala Wine: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the mushroom marinade.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh herbal notes to the final dish.

A Stepwise Guide to Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare Mushroom Base

Gently clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove stems carefully.

• Chop stems finely
• Place mushroom caps in mixing bowl
• Drizzle with
• Olive oil
• Marsala wine

Set aside while preparing filling.

Step 2: Create Savory Sausage Blend

Heat skillet over medium temperature.

• Crumble sausage into pan
• Cook until golden brown (8-10 minutes)
• Mix in chopped mushroom stems
• Add
• Scallions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté for additional 3 minutes.

Step 3: Build Creamy Filling

Remove skillet from heat.

• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs
• Fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth
• Incorporate Parmesan cheese
• Stir in fresh parsley
• Season with additional salt and pepper if needed

Allow mixture to cool slightly.

Step 4: Fill Mushroom Caps

Generously spoon sausage mixture into each mushroom cap.

Arrange mushrooms closely in baking dish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

Bake for 50 minutes until topping turns golden and crispy.

Serve immediately while warm.

Pro Advice for Elevating Stuffed Mushrooms

• Pick Mushroom Perfection: Grab mushrooms that are plump, smooth, and free from bruises or soft spots for the most delicious stuffed appetizer.
• Squeeze Out Sausage Casings: Easily remove sausage casings by slicing them open and pushing the meat out, creating a smoother, more uniform filling that blends seamlessly.
• Chop Like a Pro: Use a sharp knife to finely dice mushroom stems and scallions into tiny, uniform pieces that mix beautifully and create a consistent texture.
• Prep Your Baking Surface: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Space Mushrooms Strategically: Leave a small gap between each stuffed mushroom to ensure hot air circulates, creating perfectly golden and crispy edges that everyone will love.

Keep Your Stuffed Mushrooms Fresh and Flavorful

• Cool Completely: Allow mushrooms to reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy appetizers, so patience pays off in maintaining that delightful crunch.
• Freeze Smartly: Wrap individual or grouped mushrooms tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed container. These delectable bites can freeze up to 2 months without losing their robust flavor profile.
• Layer Strategically: Separate mushroom layers with parchment paper when refrigerating to prevent sticking and preserve their pristine appearance. Gentle handling ensures these sausage-stuffed gems remain picture-perfect for your next gathering.

Innovative Twists on Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace sausage with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version that transports your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean coast.
• Vegetarian Veggie Burst: Swap sausage with finely chopped cremini mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, and plant-based crumbles, then mix in smoked paprika for a robust, meat-free alternative that satisfies vegetarian cravings.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Substitute regular sausage with spicy chorizo, add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty, southwestern-style appetizer that brings heat and excitement.
• Seafood Spectacular: Use crab meat or finely chopped shrimp instead of sausage, incorporate cream cheese with the mascarpone, and top with fresh chives for an elegant coastal-inspired mushroom bite that feels luxurious and light.

A Delicious End to Your Mushroom Adventure

Barefoot Contessa’s sausage-stuffed mushrooms showcase culinary magic where simple ingredients dance together in harmonious flavor.

Mediterranean influences blend seamlessly with classic comfort cooking techniques.

Subtle scallions and rich mascarpone create complex layers that elevate this appetizer from ordinary to extraordinary.

Parmesan’s sharp notes complement the hearty sausage’s robust profile, making each bite a delightful experience.

Elegant yet approachable, these mushrooms promise to impress guests without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Hungry souls will crave these irresistible morsels – so snap a photo, share this recipe with friends, spread delicious inspiration, and let passionate palates unite in culinary celebration!

Barefoot Contessa Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s sausage-stuffed mushrooms deliver a luxurious appetizer that blends rich Italian sausage with earthy mushroom caps. Guests will savor these elegant bites, packed with savory flavors and irresistible texture that promise to elevate any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 340 grams (12 ounces) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 140 grams (5 ounces) mascarpone cheese
• 30 grams (1 ounce) Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 16 extra-large white mushrooms, caps and stems separated
• 0.75 cup (75 grams) scallions, minced (6 scallions)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (2 cloves)
• 8 grams fresh parsley, minced

Oils, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) olive oil, divided
• 2.5 tablespoons (40 milliliters) Marsala wine or medium-dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Carefully clean and trim the mushroom stems, finely chopping them into uniform pieces while preserving the whole mushroom caps. Gently coat the mushroom caps with of olive oil and Marsala wine, allowing them to marinate briefly.
2. Warm the remaining of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan, cooking for 8-10 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color and crispy texture.
3. Incorporate the chopped mushroom stems into the sausage, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes to enhance the flavor profile. Add scallions, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Fold panko breadcrumbs into the mixture, then gently blend in mascarpone cheese until the filling becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Generously fill each mushroom cap with the prepared sausage mixture, arranging them in a single, snug layer within a baking dish.
6. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the stuffing develops a golden-brown crust and the mushrooms are tender. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Prep ingredients early to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
• Gently clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of washing them directly to prevent moisture absorption.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
• Consider using a small cookie scoop to create uniform and perfectly portioned mushroom fillings.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the stuffing mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg