These Sausage Mushroom Appetizers are a tasty savory bite that brings together the woodsy flavor of fresh mushrooms with a well-seasoned stuffing of pork sausage, Swiss cheese, and hearty spices. Filled with a creamy mayonnaise and mustard base and a hint of Cajun spice, they’re too delicious to turn down at any party. Great for cocktail parties, game nights, and holiday gatherings, this sausage mushroom recipe makes enough for 12–16 as an appetizer (approximately 3–4 stuffed mushrooms per person, totaling 48). In this post, we’ll discuss how to make it, view the health benefits of the ingredients, its serving size, variations, and an additional recipe, making sure you’re all set to take this deliciousness to your next gathering!
Sausage Mushroom
Equipment
- 2 13×9-inch baking dishes Greased for baking
- 1 Skillet For cooking sausage
- 1 Large mixing bowl For combining filling ingredients
- 1 Spoon For stuffing mushrooms
- 1 Paper Towels For cleaning mushrooms
Ingredients
- 48 Large Fresh Mushrooms About 2 lbs
- 2 Eggs lightly beaten
- 1 lb Bulk Pork Sausage Cooked, crumbled
- 1 cup Shredded Swiss Cheese
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Butter melted
- 2 tbsp Onion finely chopped
- 2 tsp Spicy Brown Mustard Or Horseradish Mustard
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Gently wipe 48 large fresh mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean. Remove the stems by twisting or cutting them off (discard or save for another use, such as stock). Set the mushroom caps aside, cavity side up.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of bulk pork sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 lightly beaten eggs, the cooked and crumbled sausage, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion, 2 teaspoons of spicy brown or horseradish mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Spoon the filling into the cavity of each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly. Use about 1–2 teaspoons of filling per mushroom, depending on size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in two greased 13×9-inch baking dishes.
- Bake, uncovered, for 16–20 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the mushrooms are tender.
- Transfer the stuffed mushrooms to a platter and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase Cajun seasoning to 1.5 teaspoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute pork sausage with plant-based sausage or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Prepare filling up to 1 day in advance, but stuff and bake just before serving for best texture.
- Pair with a lager, Chardonnay, or sparkling apple cider for a complementary beverage.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Sausage Mushroom Appetizers. These little appetizers are full of healthy fats, but moderation is key: Ingredients.
- Mushrooms: Few nutrients (15 kcals per cup), but higher in B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin) and selenium, supporting energy production and immunity. They are also a fiber for digestion.
- Eggs: A high-protein food (approximately 6g protein per egg), eggs are a good source of choline, which is important for brain health and cell membrane function.
- Swiss Cheese: Calcium-rich (about 200 mg per oz.) and full of protein, Swiss cheese is beneficial for bones and muscles. Its nutty flavor contributes a depth of character with less required.
- Onion: Do you know onions may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health as well? Onions are also a source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Cajun Seasoning: Typically made with paprika, garlic, and cayenne that contain antioxidants that help to decrease inflammation and promote digestion.
- Mustard: Brown spicy or horseradish mustard also contains glucosinolates, which are thought to have anti-cancer properties, and can help with digestion.
- Pork Sausage: A source of protein and iron, but high in saturated fat and sodium. Choose a leaner variety or decrease the quantity for a lighter dish. Mayonnaise, butter, and Worcestershire contribute richness but are calorie-heavy or reveal high sodium (use sparingly or go light).
This sausage mushroom recipe healthy version can be customized by reducing fat sources while retaining flavor.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Think of Sausage Mushroom Appetizers as multi-purposeful for any event:
Serving Ideas:
- Cocktail Party: Pile onto a platter with toothpicks and serve with crudités and a yogurt dip for a balanced array.
- Game Day: Serve with buffalo wings and celery sticks for a spicy, satisfying snack area.
- Holiday Gathering: Serve as a festive appetizer trio with mini quiches and stuffed peppers for some variation.
Variations:
- Spicier Version: Use 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for more heat.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap in crumbled plant-based sausage or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless alternative.
- Different Cheese: You can use cheddar (or even Gouda) in place of Swiss for a different flavor.
- Lighter Filling: Replace full-fat mayonnaise with low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to save on calories.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
For best flavor and quality:
- Mushrooms: You need large, firm mushrooms with smooth caps that have no slimy spots. Transfer to a paper bag and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Pork Sausage: Just get good ol’ plain sausage with not too much crap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Swiss Cheese: Purchase it pre-shredded for ease or freshly shredded for tastier bites. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 month or freeze up to 6 months.
- Mayonnaise – Use olive oil or light mayonnaise for a lighter alternative. Refrigerate up to 2 months after opening.
- Onion: Select onions that are nice and firm with papery skins without any signs of moisture. Store in a cool, dry place up to one to two months.
- Mustard: Choose hot and spicy brown or horseradish mustard that includes few preservatives. Keep refrigerated up to 6 months after opening.
General tip: Make the filling and clean the mushrooms the day before, but stuff and bake right before serving so the mushrooms stay firm and the filling is fresh.
Beverage Pairings
Sausage Mushroom are simple little bites that can be an amazing companion to a beverage or two:
- Beer: A lager or amber ale plays well with sauces and cheese, offsetting the richness of the dish.
- White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc accentuates the tangy flavors of the mushrooms and mustard.
- Red Wine: A nice light pinot noir works great with the earthy and savory notes.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sip some sparkling apple cider or ginger iced tea for a palate-cleanser.
Best Time of Day to Consume
These appetizers are built for late-afternoon and nighttime, perfect for cocktail parties and happy hours, and pre-dinner bites. Their hearty-savory filling means that they are not a good option for breakfast, but are great for social occasions! Its warm, comforting nature comes through in colder months – in fall or even in winter – to celebrate or warm up.
Conclusion
These Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy appetizer that’s really popular, but they take a little time to put together. Packed with nutrients from mushrooms, eggs, and onions, they are a delicious and nutritious treat when eaten in moderation. Served at a raucous party or a casual game night, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to please with their hearty flavor and snackable presentation. With the following step-by-step instructions for making this yummy cheese, along with some experimentation and a match-up with in-season fizz, you’ll have an unforgettable sausage mushroom appetizer that goes well with any gathering. Enjoy these bite-sized balls, allow their rich taste to warm your spirits at your next gathering.
