Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and hearty textures, making them perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of the juicy mushrooms with a flavorful filling of sausage, spinach, and cheese creates a unique taste that stands out. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious mushrooms ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella creates a dish bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these stuffed mushrooms as a main course or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
• Grilling Perfection: Cooking them on the grill adds a smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and lean protein, this dish offers both taste and health benefits.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grilling pan or grill rack
• Heavy frying pan
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grilling pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents smaller ingredients from falling through the grill grates.
• Heavy frying pan: Ideal for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables evenly without burning.
• Spatula: Helps break apart ingredients while cooking and makes transferring items to the grill easier.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms (get the biggest ones you can find)
• 16 oz. mild or hot Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 3/4 cup Rao’s Pasta Sauce
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 oz. coarsely chopped spinach leaves
• 2 T chopped fresh basil (recommended)
• 2 T chopped fresh parsley (recommended)
• 1/2 + 1/2 cup grated Mozzarella

For Cooking

• 2 T olive oil, divided

How to Make Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat. This ensures that the mushrooms will cook quickly while retaining their moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until well-browned.
3. Remove cooked sausage from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
4. In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions until they start to soften (about 2 minutes).
5. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking until onions are slightly browned.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Return the cooked sausage to the pan.
2. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and pasta sauce; simmer for about 2-3 minutes while chopping spinach.
3. Stir in chopped spinach until wilted; mix evenly with sausage mixture.
4. Turn off heat; stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella, basil, and parsley.

Step 4: Prepare Mushrooms

1. Remove stems from Portobello mushroom caps carefully to avoid breaking them.
2. Optionally scrape out brown gills from inside mushrooms for a cleaner look.
3. Brush both sides of each mushroom cap with olive oil.

Step 5: Grill Mushrooms

1. Place mushrooms on grilling pan or directly on grill with inside facing down.
2. Cook for about 4 minutes until slightly browned and softened.
3. Remove from grill; place on a wooden cutting board.

Step 6: Stuff Mushrooms

1. Fill each mushroom cap with the sausage-spinach-cheese mixture.
2. Top each stuffed mushroom with about 2 tablespoons of grated mozzarella.

Step 7: Final Grill

1. Carefully return stuffed mushrooms to grilling pan or grill with stuffing facing up.
2. Cover grill; cook for about 5 minutes until mushrooms are cooked through and cheese is melted.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately while warm for an unforgettable dining experience!

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms!

How to Serve Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms make an impressive and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

• Serve these mushrooms as the centerpiece of your dinner plate. Pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

In a Sandwich

• Place stuffed mushrooms between slices of crusty bread or in a pita for a delicious handheld option. Add some fresh greens for crunch.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a selection of sauces, such as balsamic glaze or garlic aioli, for dipping. This adds extra flavor and moisture.

Accompanied by Grains

• Serve alongside quinoa or couscous to create a hearty and nutritious meal. The grains will soak up the juices from the mushrooms.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, add more grated mozzarella or parmesan on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the savory flavors of the stuffed mushrooms and is perfect for soaking up any juices.

2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mushrooms and helps balance the meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve seasonal roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, which add color and additional nutrients to your plate.

4. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with herbs and lemon makes a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled flavors.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich stuffing while providing a delightful texture contrast.

6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brings sweetness and smokiness—perfectly complementing the earthy flavors of Portobello mushrooms.

7. Potato Wedges: Crisp potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying side that everyone loves—great for dipping into sauces!

8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with stuffed mushrooms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, it’s easy to overlook certain steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not choosing the right mushrooms: Using small or damaged mushrooms can ruin the texture. Always select large, firm Portobello mushrooms for best results.

• Skipping the oil: Failing to brush your mushrooms with olive oil can lead to dryness. Make sure to coat both sides of the mushrooms generously.

• Overstuffing the mushrooms: Stuffing too much filling can cause messiness and uneven cooking. Fill them just enough to be full but not overflowing.

• Neglecting to preheat the grill: Cooking on an unheated grill might result in soggy mushrooms. Always preheat your grill for optimal grilling conditions.

• Ignoring cooking times: Each grill is different, and cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on your mushrooms while grilling to avoid burning or undercooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Allow mushrooms to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each mushroom tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place mushrooms on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place stuffed mushrooms on a microwave-safe dish. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and reheat the stuffed mushrooms for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms?

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are large mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture, often including sausage, cheese, and vegetables, grilled until tender and flavorful.

Can I customize the filling for Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms?

Yes! You can experiment with different meats like chicken or turkey, or use plant-based alternatives such as lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option.

How do I know when my Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are done?

The mushrooms should be tender and slightly browned, while the filling should be hot and cheese melted. Check regularly while grilling.

Are Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows you to customize fillings based on your preferences and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, these stuffed mushrooms promise satisfaction. Try this recipe today and explore endless variations!