Bacon and sausage stuffed mushrooms are a classic hors d’
These beautiful little mushrooms are stuffed to overflowing with savory Italian sweet sausage, bacon bits, and Mascarpone cheese. They’re my signature dish that I make each year for my family’s New Year’s Eve party.
This December, though, I became a little impatient having to wait until the very last day of the year to enjoy this treat, and so I decided to make them several weeks earlier and share the recipe here on the blog.
I came across a similar recipe several years ago when scouring the Internet for ideas for a gluten-free version of stuffed mushrooms. Since then, I’ve added several ingredients (like the bacon bits!) and substituted my favorite gluten-free choices for those suggested in the original recipe.
Simple show-stopping appetizer
The end result is a show stopping gluten free appetizer or side dish recipe that makes a wonderful addition to a holiday party or any special occasion. Try complementing them with bruschetta cheese crisps and delicious gluten-free baked zucchini chips for a fantastic trio of flavors.
These mushrooms are not difficult to make, but they do take a bit longer to prepare than most of the recipes on our site.
They’re similar to my gluten free quinoa and sausage stuffed peppers, but without the quinoa.
I have to admit that when I find myself in the kitchen, I love to be adventurous and try to recreate unique and extravagant dishes that I may have tried at a fancy restaurant or seen on a cooking show. It’s like that one summer afternoon that I thought it would be fun to make crème brûlée. It turned out much more difficult than I expected, though still delicious.
No need to fear, however. Unlike that crème brûlée, these stuffed mushrooms are extremely easy to make. And once you take your first bite of the finished product, you will know that all of that time spent in the kitchen was very much worth it.
Here’s a tip. These stuffed mushrooms are much more fun to make if you have another chef in the kitchen to cook with you. I enlisted the help of my younger brother Peter to take photos of the stuffed mushroom making process and also give me a hand with chopping up the ingredients.
We turned up the music and got to work.
You can choose to make these with or without the bacon bits. I like the added crunch that the bacon gives to the stuffing (seriously, you can never go wrong with bacon). My mom had made bacon in the oven earlier in the day for breakfast. So I stole several pieces, crumbled them up, and put them aside until they would be needed later in the recipe.
Mushrooms are a favorite in our kitchen, not just in these stuffed mushrooms but also in Creamy Chicken Alfredo, hearty Beef Stroganoff with zucchini noodles, warm and satisfying Mushroom Risotto in chicken and wine broth, and easy sheet pan Rosemary sweet potatoes and mushrooms.
You will also need to decide what kind of mushrooms you would like to use. I prefer the small mushroom caps because they are easier to pop into your mouth. And there are more to go around.
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post. Note: Links are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to you.
Remove the stems from the mushrooms. You can use your fingers to pop the stems right out from the mushroom caps. Wash the stems, and put them aside. Then, wash the caps gently with water, dry with a paper towel, and remove any dirt.
I placed the mushroom caps in a large bowl and marinated them in Annie’s Naturals Organic Red Wine & Olive Oil Vinaigrette. I don’t drench them in the vinaigrette. Just toss a little of the dressing over them to give them a nice flavor.
Now it is time for all of the chopping. I like to have it all finished before I start making the sausages. Then I can easily add all of the ingredients step by step to the pan.
First, chop up the mushroom stems, and then mince the scallions and garlic cloves (alternatively, you could use minced garlic from a jar if you like a stronger garlic taste).
Cook your stuffing
Finally, it’s time to cook the sausage. I love to use Premio Sweet Italian Sausage for these mushrooms. You’ll need to slip each sausage out of its casing. Then add a little water to the pan, and follow the instructions for cooking on the package.
I crumble up the sausage with a spatula while it sautés. Everything is pretty much a breeze after that. Stir in the chopped mushroom stems and continue to sauté with the sausage.
Next, the garlic and scallions. Then the breadcrumbs. I recommend the gluten free panko style breadcrumbs from Kinnikinnik for a crispy, crunchy taste. Finally, I toss in the bacon bits.
When all of those ingredients are nicely combined, I add the Mascarpone. This is what gives the stuffing its creamy texture and holds the mixture together.
An Italian cheese, Mascarpone is used in a wide number of Italian deserts like tiramisu. But it is not very sweet at all and could be used as a substitute for butter.
I was able to track down a gluten-free Mascarpone made by BelGioioso. They assure that all of their cheeses are gluten-free. If you can’t find gluten-free Mascarpone cheese in your supermarket, you could substitute half part cream cheese with half part sour cream.
Stuff and bake
Finally, I take the stuffing off the heat, allow it to cool slightly, and then add in the Parmesan cheese. And it’s done! Now only to wait a little bit for the stuffing to cool down enough for me to handle it in order to start stuffing the mushrooms.
I have to confess that a lot of the stuffing mixture disappears (ahem, we eat it quite liberally by the spoonful) before it makes it into the mushrooms.
Once all of those mushrooms are stuffed to perfection, I pop them into the oven for about half an hour. When the stuffing is browned, they’re ready to eat!
Serving suggestions for gluten free stuffed mushrooms
Serve as an appetizer on a cheese and charcuterie board alongside a selection of cheeses, cured meats such as crispy salami chips or delicious mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, olives, and naturally gluten free socca flatbread for a delicious and elegant starter.
As a side dish, pair with roasted or grilled vegetables like bacon wrapped asparagus, bell peppers, or grilled zucchini roll ups for a colorful and nutritious side. And also, with roasted potatoes or potatoes au gratin.
Stuffed mushrooms add a rich savory complement to simple gluten free pasta dishes like aglio e olio sweet Italian sausage and farfalle (bow-tie pasta!).
Pro tips and recipe notes
Can I use any type of mushroom for stuffing? While you can use different types of mushrooms, cremini or button mushrooms are most commonly used due to their size and flavor. Portobello mushrooms can also be used for a larger, heartier option.
Can I prepare stuffed mushrooms ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble stuffed mushrooms and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
What’s the best way to store leftover stuffed mushrooms? Store leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Warm, juicy, and begging to be devoured. A word of warning: If you make these once for your friends and family, you will most likely be asked to make them again and again for every holiday dinner. Enjoy!
More delicious appetizers
10 Minute Cucumber Bites With 3 Amazing Topping – These cucumber bites are a quick and easy appetizer.
Baked Zucchini Sticks – A beautiful mixture of spices give these easy baked zucchini sticks a wonderful flavor.
Spiralized Potato Chips With Onion Dip – Make your own healthy chips at home with a mouthwatering onion dip!
Irish Nachos – Irish nachos are a fun twist on traditional nachos featuring crispy, seasoned potato slices drowned in cheese and toped with bacon.
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Gluten Free Bacon and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 20 mushrooms
- 8 ounces package bacon cooked
- 1/2 cup Red Wine & Olive Oil Vinaigrette.
- 12 ounces gf sweet Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup minced scallions
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup gluten free Panko breadcrumbs
- 5 ounces gluten free marscarpone cheese Or you can substitute half part cream cheese with half part sour cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 ℉
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms, wash and put aside.20 mushrooms
- Wash the mushroom caps gently with water, dry with a paper towel, and remove any dirt. Place them in a large bowl with gluten-free Italian vinaigrette. Set aside to marinate.1/2 cup Red Wine & Olive Oil Vinaigrette.
- Chop mushroom stems, scallions, and garlic.1/4 cup minced scallions, 2 garlic cloves
- Slip each sausage out of its casing, add a little water to the pan, and follow the instructions for cooking on the package. Crumble up the sausage with a spatula while it sautés. About 15 minutes.12 ounces gf sweet Italian sausage
- Stir in the chopped mushroom stems and continue to sauté with the sausage, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and green onions and continue to sauté for about 3 minutes.
- Finally, add the breadcrumbs, and then the bacon.1/2 cup gluten free Panko breadcrumbs, 8 ounces package bacon
- Add the marscarpone cheese and stir well, continuing to sauté, until creamy and melted into the stuffing.5 ounces gluten free marscarpone cheese
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add parmesan and stir.1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.salt and pepper
- Stuff the mushrooms and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until stuffing is browned.
Notes
Nutrition
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Laurel Regan says
I totally agree – you can never go wrong with bacon! These stuffed mushrooms sound delicious and not at all difficult to make – thanks for sharing your recipe!
Corey says
Hey great post!
Not a fan of mushrooms, but hey, they looked good! 🙂
peter says
WOW! I really enjoy this meal. The photography is superb as well. Thanks a lot GlutenFreeHomestead!
Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby says
This stuffed mushrooms looks so yum! with bacon and sausage in it make it even more tastier. This looks ideal as party food too. Thanks for sharing the recipe! #LifeLovingLinkie
Life Loving says
Yes please! These look great. I bet using the panko breadcrumbs in them, gave them a nice crunch. I’d be very happy to served these at a party or even as an appetiser. Do you find that the mushrooms give out any moisture when cooked though?
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
Elle @ Only Taste Matters says
I am in love with these and am featuring them tonight to Allergy-Free Thursdays. Can’t wait to see what you share this week!