Carrabba’s Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

Stuffed mushrooms this good shouldn’t be limited to restaurant dining!

The key to getting Carrabba’s just right is balancing the stuffing so it’s rich but not too heavy.

Baking them on a rack instead of directly on a sheet pan keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.

The best part is the golden, slightly crispy crust on top that forms as the cheese and breadcrumbs bake together.

Fresh herbs make a difference here, especially parsley and basil, since they brighten up the richness of the filling.

If there are any left (which is rare), they reheat well in the oven at a low temperature to keep the texture just right!

How to Make Carrabba’s Stuffed Mushroom

Ingredients

• 10 large Mushrooms
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Pepperoni (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Green Pepper (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems.

Set the stems aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Sauté onion, garlic, pepperoni, green pepper, and mushroom stems until they’re tender.

Keep them from browning.

Step 3:

Remove the skillet from heat.

Incorporate bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper into the mixture.

Mix everything well.

Step 4:

Fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle mozzarella on top.

Step 5:

Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Mushrooms

Opt for the freshest mushrooms you can find, as they hold up better during the baking process and have the best flavor.

Chop Ingredients Evenly

Consistent chopping ensures everything cooks at the same rate.

This means you won’t have unpleasant surprises while eating.

Ensure Cheese Browns

Keep a close eye in the last five minutes of baking, to achieve a pleasant golden color on the cheese.

This adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Add Your Favorite Herbs

Feel free to toss in a little basil or oregano if you’d like to tailor the flavor to your taste.

They complement the existing ingredients nicely.

Don’t Overcook

Overcooking can cause mushrooms to become soggy.

Stick to the specified bake time for optimal texture.

What to Serve with Carrabba’s Stuffed Mushrooms

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Your stuffed mushrooms pair beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes!

The creamy and buttery texture of the potatoes provides a fantastic contrast to the savory mushrooms.

Steamed Asparagus

For a fresh and crisp side, consider steamed asparagus.

You’ll love how the bright green color and mild flavor balance the richness of the stuffed mushrooms.

A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt is SO good.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad offers a crisp and tangy option that complements the flavors of the mushrooms perfectly.

The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing creates a refreshing side dish.

This salad option brings a burst of freshness and a hint of zest to your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a unique side option that can surprise with their nutty, caramelized flavor.

They add an interesting twist to your meal alongside the stuffed mushrooms.

Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and could quickly become a new favorite!

Creamy Polenta

Looking for something different?

Creamy polenta adds a rich and velvety texture that complements the savory mushrooms.

Its mild flavor acts as a soothing background, allowing the stuffed mushrooms to shine.

Variations and Substitutions

Mushroom Types

Switching out the type of mushroom can really change the dish’s flavor profile.

Portobellos or creminis can add a more robust and earthy taste than the white button mushrooms.

Cheese Options

Mix up the cheeses to play with flavors.

Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda for a twist.

Combining sharp cheeses with milder ones can create a harmonious blend.

Alternative Sausages

You have the freedom to use different sausage types to tweak the flavor.

Chicken sausage or a spicy chorizo can bring a new dimension to the dish.

Vegetarian Twist

You can fully omit the sausage for a vegetarian version.

In place of the sausage, it’s great to add more vegetables like spinach or artichokes.

Herbs and Spices

Customizing the herbs can add a unique flair.

Dried thyme, rosemary, or a touch of red pepper flakes can bring warmth and depth to each bite.

How to Store Leftover Carrabba’s Stuffed Mushrooms

When you’re done enjoying your stuffed mushrooms, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh.

After cooking, allow the mushrooms to cool completely before storing them.

Use an airtight container to store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

These leftovers are best consumed within a few days to enjoy their flavors at their peak.

Freezing Leftovers

If you have a lot of leftovers, freezing is an option!

Place cooled stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Labeling the bag helps keep track of storage time. These can be stored in the freezer for about two to three months without losing too much quality.

Handy Tips

Avoid trapping moisture with your mushrooms.

Using sealed plastic bags isn’t recommended since it can lead to soggy mushrooms.

Washing mushrooms should always be done just before using them to preserve the right texture and flavor.

Your delicious creation can be preserved with these easy steps!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Mushrooms

One common mistake is packing the stuffing too tightly, which can lead to a mushroom mess during baking.

Aim for a gentle fill, allowing the flavors to meld without bursting out of their tasty caps.

This approach lets the mushrooms keep their shape and gives you a tidy appetizer.

Not Cleaning the Mushrooms Properly

It’s crucial to clean the mushrooms thoroughly to get rid of dirt and residue.

A damp cloth does the trick, keeping mushrooms from becoming soggy as washing would.

This simple step ensures a clean base for your stuffing and enhances the dish’s taste.

Using Stale Ingredients

Always opt for fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavors in your stuffed mushrooms.

Stale cheese or breadcrumbs can make them taste less vibrant and, let’s face it, dull.

Freshness packs more flavor and creates a dish with irresistible texture.