Stuffed Mushrooms

Today I'm excited to share one of my favorite holiday party appetizers with ya'll: stuffed mushrooms! These little nuggets have it all - savory herbs, spicy sausage, cream cheese, and a golden brown topping baked to crispy crunchy perfection. You actually don't need a party as an excuse to make these because they are perfect served with a winter greens salad for a light meal that feels indulgent. Sounds so glamorous, doesn't it? But truly, you can be a glamours hostess with the mostess when these easy gems are on the menu because they can be made a day ahead  and popped in the oven an hour before guests arrive. They are easy to keep warm in a warmer or chafing dish, but trust me, they are such a crowd pleaser that they won't be staying in the warmer for long!

Thinking about making this holiday appetizer all week has gotten me all sentimental remembering the fun I had serving them at my former boss's Christmas party two years ago. It was actually my 4th year to help her make food for her annual party with about 50 guests, and it was always a highlight of my holiday season. We always had the best time meeting for dinner to plan the menu and would celebrate afterwards with a much-needed mani/pedis after all our hard work! The year we serve these mushrooms was right after Ryan and I had gotten engaged, and I just remember having so much fun announcing our engagement to all our friends/coworkers that night at the party (did I ever tell you Ryan and I met at work? Well that's long story for another time...).

I've lightened up this party favorite by using chicken sausage instead of pork, using light cream cheese, and reducing the amount of cheese called for in most recipes by about half. I'd say that's a pretty significant "healthified" endeavor in the calorie department! You could also experiment by using shrimp, crab, or go vegetarian and add some pretty sautéed red peppers or caramelized onions to the cheese mixture. I'm sure any way you choose will be divine!

If there are any Christmas party planning tips, tricks, or recipes you'd like me to feature, please feel free to let me know in the comments sections below. I'm all about helping you make your holiday cooking endeavors a delicious {and hopefully easy} success!

These stuffed mushrooms would go great with this Flat Iron Steak with Maple Bourbon Espresso Sauce and this Beef Tenderloin recipe.

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