These irresistible Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect Superbowl party food ideas for your game day gathering. The savory combination of seasoned sausage, sharp cheddar, and earthy mushrooms creates bite-sized morsels that disappear faster than you can serve them. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or contributing to a potluck, these stuffed mushrooms strike the perfect balance of impressive presentation and approachable preparation.
Nutritional Benefits
Mushrooms aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins. When paired with protein-rich sausage and calcium-containing cheese, these stuffed mushrooms offer a balanced bite that satisfies without weighing you down.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (2 mushrooms) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 24 large button mushrooms | Base/vessel | Baby portobello mushrooms, cremini mushrooms |
| 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed | Main filling | Ground turkey with Italian seasoning, plant-based sausage |
| 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese | Flavor and binding | Gruyere, pepper jack, smoked gouda |
| 4 oz cream cheese, softened | Creaminess | Ricotta, mascarpone, Greek yogurt cream cheese |
| 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper | Texture and color | Green bell pepper, celery, carrot |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | Flavor enhancer | 1/2 tsp garlic powder, shallots |
| 2 green onions, finely chopped | Flavor and garnish | Chives, red onion, shallots |
| 2 tbsp breadcrumbs | Structure and texture | Panko, crushed crackers, almond flour (for keto) |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | Moisture and browning | Butter, avocado oil, coconut oil |
| 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce | Depth of flavor | Soy sauce, coconut aminos, fish sauce |
| 1/2 tsp dried thyme | Aromatic | Rosemary, Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Seasoning | Seasoned salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
– Large skillet
– Mixing bowl
– Spoon for stuffing mushrooms
– Small knife for removing mushroom stems
– Paper towels for cleaning mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Clean the Mushrooms: Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean. Avoid soaking them as they absorb water easily.
3. Remove and Process Stems: Carefully twist out stems from mushrooms. Finely chop about half of the stems and set aside; discard the rest.
4. Cook the Sausage Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and break it up while cooking until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add Vegetables: Add chopped mushroom stems, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
6. Complete the Filling: Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. Let cool slightly, then fold in shredded cheddar and green onions.
7. Stuff the Mushrooms: Fill each mushroom cap generously with the Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms mixture. For Superbowl party food ideas that really impress, arrange them neatly on your prepared baking sheet.
8. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a small amount of breadcrumbs over each stuffed mushroom.
9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden brown.
10. Cool Slightly: Allow mushrooms to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors settle and prevent burning mouths.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Watery Mushrooms? After cleaning, place mushrooms cap-side down on paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
– Make Them Stand: For mushrooms that wobble, slice a thin piece off the rounded cap bottom to create a flat surface.
– Even Cooking: Choose mushrooms of similar size so they’ll cook at the same rate.
– Extra Crispy Tops: For golden, crispy tops, broil for the final 1-2 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
– Balance Flavors: If using particularly spicy sausage, increase the amount of cream cheese to balance the heat.
– Consistent Filling: Use a small cookie scoop for evenly filled mushrooms.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make-Ahead Options:
– Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
– Clean and remove stems from mushrooms 1 day ahead; store in the refrigerator.
– Completely stuff mushrooms up to 24 hours before baking; cover and refrigerate.
Storage:
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
– Not recommended for freezing as mushrooms can become soggy when thawed.
Conclusion
These Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms represent the pinnacle of Superbowl party food ideas that combine gourmet flavor with crowd-pleasing appeal. The combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and umami-rich mushrooms creates an irresistible appetizer that guests will rave about long after the final touchdown. Whether you’re hosting a full football feast or just need a reliable appetizer that delivers on taste and presentation, these stuffed mushrooms should be in your game day rotation.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or use a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, walnuts, and breadcrumbs sautéed with the same seasonings.
How many mushrooms should I plan per person?
For appetizers, plan on 2-3 mushrooms per person. If these are part of a larger Super Bowl party spread with other football food ideas, you might need fewer per person.
Can I use regular button mushrooms instead of large ones?
Absolutely, though you’ll need to adjust the filling amount for each mushroom and reduce the cooking time slightly.
What’s the best way to clean mushrooms?
Wipe them with a damp paper towel or clean kitchen cloth rather than washing under running water, as mushrooms absorb moisture quickly.
Can I make these spicy?
Yes! Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, add red pepper flakes to the filling, or mix in some finely diced jalapeños.
Are these keto-friendly?
They can be! Simply omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds for a keto version.
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