Juicy pizza stuffed portobello mushrooms topped with cheese and pepperoni

Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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why make this recipe

Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a fun twist on traditional pizza. This recipe combines the hearty texture of portobello mushrooms with the classic flavors of pizza, making it a delicious option for dinner, appetizers, or even a party snack. They are a healthier alternative to regular pizza, perfect for those looking to enjoy their favorite flavors while cutting down on carbs.

Portobello mushrooms serve as the perfect vessel, providing a rich umami flavor that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Adding beef pepperoni gives this dish a meaty punch, while the dried oregano and chili flakes provide an additional kick. This recipe is easy to prepare and cooks quickly, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for a casual meal.

how to make Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Making Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms is a simple and straightforward process. Let’s walk through the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup thick marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 12–16 slices beef pepperoni
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). This high temperature helps create a perfectly cooked mushroom that is both tender and flavorful.

  2. Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will help prevent the mushrooms from sticking and make for easier cleanup.

  3. Brush the Mushrooms: Take the large portobello mushrooms and carefully remove the stems. Using a brush or a paper towel, gently apply olive oil to both sides of each mushroom. This will create a delicious flavor and help with the overall cooking process.

  4. Season the Mushrooms: Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the mushrooms. Seasoning enhances the flavor and overall experience of the dish.

  5. Pre-bake the Mushrooms: Place the mushrooms gill-side up on the prepared baking tray. Pre-bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps release excess moisture from the mushrooms, which prevents a soggy pizza filling later.

  6. Drain the Excess Liquid: After pre-baking, carefully remove the mushrooms from the oven. You may notice some liquid pooling inside each cap. Be cautious while draining this excess liquid to avoid burns.

  7. Add Marinara Sauce: Using a spoon, scoop and distribute the marinara sauce evenly into each mushroom cap. Don’t be shy; a generous amount of marinara adds delicious flavor.

  8. Sprinkle the Cheese: Next, add shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce. Make sure to cover the sauce evenly, as the melted cheese will form a delicious, gooey layer.

  9. Add Beef Pepperoni: Take 12 to 16 slices of beef pepperoni and arrange them on top of the mozzarella cheese. You can adjust the amount depending on how meaty you want your stuffed mushrooms to be.

  10. Season with Oregano and Chili Flakes: Sprinkle oregano and, if you like a bit of heat, add the chili flakes on top of the pepperoni. This adds wonderful flavor and aroma to the final dish.

  11. Broil Until Golden: Place the stuffed mushrooms back into the oven and broil them for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown without burning.

  12. Let Them Rest: Once broiling is done, remove the tray from the oven. Let the pizza-stuffed mushrooms rest for about 2 minutes. This rest time allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to serve.

how to serve Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways. For an appetizer, you can cut them into smaller pieces and present them on a platter. They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

For a main dish, serve the mushrooms alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. This balances out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

how to store Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

If you have leftovers, you can store the Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness. To reheat them, place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain the texture of the mushrooms and cheese.

tips to make Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

  1. Choosing the Mushrooms: Make sure to select large and firm portobello mushrooms. Check for freshness by looking for smooth, unblemished caps.

  2. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix up the filling ingredients! You could add diced bell peppers, olives, or even spinach for extra vegetables.

  3. Cheese Alternatives: If you want to switch up the cheese, you might try using a cheese blend or even a dairy-free cheese to accommodate different dietary preferences.

  4. Spice It Up: Adjust the level of chili flakes to your liking. If you enjoy spicy food, go ahead and add more!

  5. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mushrooms up to the point of adding the toppings. Store them in the fridge and then bake them when you’re ready to serve.

variation

  1. Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef pepperoni for a plant-based pepperoni or additional vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

  2. Different Marinara Sauces: Experiment with various flavors of marinara sauce, such as roasted garlic or spicy arrabbiata, to give your mushrooms a unique twist.

  3. Cheesy Variations: Instead of mozzarella, you could use a blend of cheese such as provolone, gouda, or even feta for a different taste experience.

  4. BBQ Sauce Option: Instead of marinara, try using BBQ sauce paired with chicken and smoked gouda for a BBQ chicken-inspired mushroom.

FAQs

  1. Can I use smaller mushrooms?
    Yes, smaller mushrooms can be used, but adjust the cooking time. Smaller mushrooms will cook faster, so keep an eye on them while they bake.

  2. Can I freeze these stuffed mushrooms?
    Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the pizza-stuffed mushrooms and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

  3. What side dishes go well with these mushrooms?
    Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can choose lighter sides to balance the richness of the stuffing.

  4. Are these mushroom pizza caps gluten-free?
    Yes, if you use gluten-free marinara sauce and ensure that other ingredients, like pepperoni, are gluten-free, this dish can be made suitable for someone with gluten intolerance.

  5. Can these be made ahead of time?
    Yes, you can pre-bake the mushrooms and prepare the filling ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!

Print
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Juicy Pizza-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

  • Author: zoubirlahcen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Carb
Print Recipe

Description

A delicious twist on traditional pizza, these pizza-stuffed portobello mushrooms are low in carbs and high in flavor, making them perfect for dinner or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup thick marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 12–16 slices beef pepperoni
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Brush both sides of the portobello mushrooms with olive oil.
  4. Season mushrooms with salt and black pepper.
  5. Place the mushrooms gill-side up on the baking tray and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Drain any excess liquid from the mushrooms after pre-baking.
  7. Scoop and distribute marinara sauce evenly into each mushroom cap.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce.
  9. Add slices of beef pepperoni on top of the mozzarella.
  10. Sprinkle oregano and chili flakes over the pepperoni.
  11. Broil the stuffed mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Let the stuffed mushrooms rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Enjoy with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Great as appetizers or a main dish!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mushroom
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: stuffed mushrooms, pizza, low carb, appetizer, Italian

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