Description
Ina Garten’s sausage-stuffed mushrooms elevate appetizer game with rich, savory flavors. Guests will devour these elegant bites, craving more of their irresistible combination of herbs, sausage, and mushroom goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 extra-large white mushrooms, caps and stems separated
- 0.75 lb (340 g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 5 oz (140 g) Italian mascarpone cheese
- 0.75 cup (180 mL) minced scallions, white and green parts (6 scallions)
- 0.67 cup (160 mL) panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
- 0.33 cup (80 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 2.5 tbsps minced fresh parsley
- 5 tbsps good olive oil, divided
- 2.5 tbsps Marsala wine or medium-dry sherry
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the rack centrally and heat the oven to 325°F (163°C) for consistent cooking conditions.
- Mushroom Preparation: Trim and finely chop mushroom stems, then gently marinate caps with olive oil and Marsala wine, allowing flavors to meld while preparing the filling.
- Sausage Base Creation: In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles until achieving a deep golden color. Integrate chopped mushroom stems and cook briefly to intensify flavor profiles.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce scallions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the sausage mixture, sautéing until fragrant and developing a rich, complex taste.
- Texture and Creaminess: Toast panko breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, then incorporate mascarpone cheese to create a luxurious, creamy consistency. Swirl in grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, balancing seasonings to perfection.
- Stuffing and Arrangement: Generously fill each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture, ensuring even distribution. Arrange stuffed mushrooms in a single, snug layer within a baking dish.
- Final Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and crispy exterior that promises a delectable appetizer experience.
Notes
- Mushroom Selection: Choose fresh, firm button or cremini mushrooms with intact caps and no blemishes for best texture and appearance.
- Marinating Magic: Let mushroom caps absorb Marsala wine and olive oil for enhanced flavor depth and moisture before stuffing.
- Sausage Technique: Break sausage into fine, uniform crumbles to ensure even cooking and consistent filling texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Balance: Add mascarpone and Parmesan gradually, tasting to achieve perfect creamy and savory profile without overwhelming the sausage’s natural flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg