Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Picture this: I’m cozied up in my kitchen, flipping through my old-school recipe box, and I stumble upon a game-changing snack upgrade—pepperoni stuffed mushrooms. These little bites are like pizza and mushrooms had a delicious baby, and trust me, they’re about to become your new favorite appetizer!

Transform your appetizer game with my Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms. I love how the hearty filling of finely diced pepperoni, savory marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella combine to deliver bold flavors in each bite.

This recipe, featuring white button mushrooms, is a delicious, low-carb twist on a classic pizza.

Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe Ingredients

• Pepperoni: Adds savory, spicy flavor with protein and fat content.
• Mushrooms: Low-calorie, high-fiber base with earthy umami taste.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor and texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Tangy and sweet tomato base rich in antioxidants.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, meltable cheese adding protein and calcium.
• Onion: Aromatic, slightly sweet, and rich in antioxidants.

Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 large white button mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and gently remove the stems. Set the caps aside and finely chop the stems.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Stir in the diced pepperoni and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with the pepperoni mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet, and fill each cap with the pepperoni mixture.

8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the filled mushrooms.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.

10. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving. Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Damp paper towels
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Large skillet
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Baking sheet

FAQ

• Q: Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe? A: Yes, while white button mushrooms work well, you can also use cremini or portobello mushrooms as alternatives.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian option for these stuffed mushrooms? A: Absolutely, you can omit the pepperoni or substitute it with vegetarian-friendly options like diced bell peppers or olives.
• Q: Can I prepare these stuffed mushrooms in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
• Q: How do I clean the mushrooms? A: Gently wipe each mushroom with a damp paper towel or use a mushroom brush to clean them without making them soggy.
• Q: What should I do with the mushroom stems? A: You can finely chop the stems and add them to the filling mixture for added flavor or save them for another use.
• Q: How long should these be baked? A: Bake the stuffed mushrooms in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
• Q: Can I make these spicy? A: To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.

Pepperoni Pizza Mini Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil can be substituted with butter or avocado oil for a different flavor.
• Finely diced pepperoni can be replaced with cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham.
• Marinara sauce can be swapped for pizza sauce or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce.
• Finely diced onion can be substituted with shallots for a milder taste.
• Mozzarella cheese can be replaced with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Roast the Mushroom Caps Before filling the mushrooms, consider pre-roasting the caps for about 8-10 minutes. This prevents them from becoming too watery after adding the filling, ensuring a firmer texture.

2. Add a Crunchy Topping For an extra texture contrast, mix some breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter, and sprinkle this on top of the filled mushrooms before baking. It will add a nice crunch to the finished dish.

3. Use a Piping Bag for Filling To make filling the mushrooms cleaner and easier, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. This method allows for more precise filling distribution and can make the process much quicker.

4. Incorporate Fresh Herbs For an elevated flavor, consider adding some finely chopped fresh basil or oregano to the filling before spooning it into the mushroom caps. This will complement the marinara and cheese nicely.

5. Experiment with Cheese Try using a cheese blend by adding a bit of fontina or asiago along with the mozzarella for a richer taste profile. Different cheeses can add complexity to the flavor of the stuffed mushrooms.