Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect Super Bowl party food ideas for your game day gathering. These savory, bite-sized delights combine the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the rich, savory goodness of sausage and the creamy decadence of melted cheddar cheese. As someone who has hosted countless football watch parties, I can attest that these stuffed mushrooms disappear faster than a quarterback scramble! They’re not only delicious but also easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at why these stuffed mushrooms aren’t just tasty but also offer some nutritional advantages:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (3 mushrooms) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Mushrooms provide B vitamins, copper, and potassium while being naturally low in calories. Combined with protein-rich sausage, these appetizers offer a more substantial nutritional profile than many typical game day snacks.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s break down what you’ll need for these delicious bites and what alternatives work if you’re missing something:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 24 medium white or cremini mushrooms | Base vessel for filling | Portobello mushroom caps (for larger portions) |
| 1 lb ground Italian sausage | Primary flavor component | Ground turkey with Italian seasonings, or plant-based sausage |
| 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | Creamy, rich binder | Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack |
| 4 oz cream cheese, softened | Creamy texture enhancer | Mascarpone, ricotta, or Greek yogurt (thickened) |
| 1 small onion, finely diced | Aromatic flavor base | 2 shallots or 3 green onions |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Flavor enhancer | 1/2 tsp garlic powder |
| 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped | Freshness and color | 1 tbsp dried parsley or fresh chives |
| 1/4 cup breadcrumbs | Texture and binding | Crushed pork rinds (keto), crushed crackers, or panko |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | Cooking fat and moisture | Butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil |
| 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) | Heat element | Dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne |
| Salt and black pepper to taste | Flavor enhancer | Seasoned salt or garlic salt |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Large skillet
– Mixing bowl
– Small spoon for stuffing mushrooms
– Paper towels
– Cutting board and knife
– Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel (don’t wash them under water as they absorb liquid). Remove and finely chop the stems, setting the caps aside.
2. Cook the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and diced onion, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Drain excess fat if necessary. In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage mixture with cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar (reserving the rest for topping), parsley, breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Prepare the mushroom caps: Brush the outside of the mushroom caps with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and place them cavity-side up on a lined baking sheet.
6. Stuff the mushrooms: Using a small spoon, fill each mushroom cap generously with the Sausage & Cheddar stuffing mixture. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each stuffed mushroom.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Mushrooms releasing too much water? Place them cavity-side down on paper towels for 10 minutes before stuffing.
– Filling falling out? Make sure your mushroom cavities are deep enough by scooping out a bit more from the center.
– Want crispier tops? Broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
– For a make-ahead option: Prepare everything up to step 6, refrigerate, then bake just before your guests arrive.
– Vegetarian version: Use plant-based sausage crumbles or finely chopped walnuts mixed with mushrooms and seasonings.
– Extra flavor boost: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the filling mixture.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make ahead: Prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
– Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked stuffed mushrooms for up to one month. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
– Leftovers: Store any leftover Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Microwave is less ideal but works in a pinch (1 minute on 50% power).
Conclusion
Sausage & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are guaranteed to be the MVP of your Super Bowl party food ideas spread. These savory bites deliver big flavor in a portable package, making them perfect for eating while cheering on your favorite team. The combination of earthy mushrooms, savory sausage, and melty cheese creates a taste sensation that appeals to even those guests who might normally pass on mushrooms. Plus, their make-ahead potential means you can spend more time enjoying the big game and less time in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use large portobello mushrooms instead?
Yes! Large portobello caps work great as individual servings. Remove the gills with a spoon first, and increase baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or almond flour.
Can I prepare these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Check frequently the first time you make them as air fryer models vary.
What can I serve with these stuffed mushrooms?
They pair perfectly with other finger foods like simple cheesy baked quesadillas, buffalo wings, and other popular Super Bowl appetizers for party gatherings.
Can I make them less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version that everyone can enjoy.
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