Stuffed Mushrooms with Spicy Pepper

Stuffed Mushrooms with Spicy Pepper

These stuffed mushrooms with spicy pepper are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. The combination of savory mushrooms, spicy peppers, and cheesy goodness makes for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• For the Stuffed Mushrooms:
• 16 large mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spicy peppers (like jalapeños or serrano peppers, adjust according to heat preference)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herb blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Clean the Mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth to clean them. Remove the stems and set them aside for later use.
2. Create Mushroom Caps: Carefully scoop out the gills from the mushroom caps using a small spoon or a melon baller to create space for the filling. Be gentle to avoid breaking the caps.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. Chop the Stems: Finely chop the mushroom stems you removed earlier.
2. Sauté the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, and chopped spicy peppers until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms

1. Fill Caps: Using a spoon, generously fill each mushroom cap with the cheese and pepper filling, pressing it down gently to pack it in.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms

1. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount and type of spicy pepper based on your heat preference. You can also mix in some mild bell peppers for a milder filling.
• Add Protein: For a heartier filling, consider adding cooked sausage or ground meat to the mixture.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (per stuffed mushroom, based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 1g