Sensational Stuffed Mushrooms
(Made with Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries)
Quick Summary
These Sensational Stuffed Mushrooms take your appetizer game to a new level. Filled with creamy cheese, savory sausage, and a touch of Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries, they’re the perfect blend of sweet and savory — elegant enough for dinner parties and easy enough for weeknights.
Published: February 2010 | Updated: November 2025
Chef’s Note
We created this recipe for a Traverse Bay Farms holiday open house, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The Dried Tart Cherries add a surprising pop of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich sausage and earthy mushrooms. Serve them straight from the oven and watch them disappear!
Prep & Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Yield: 30 stuffed mushrooms
Ingredients
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30 large mushrooms (about 1 pound)
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½ pound bulk pork sausage
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2 green onions, sliced
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1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F.
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Pull stems from mushrooms and discard (or save for stock). Rinse caps and drain well.
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In a large skillet, cook sausage for about 5 minutes, stirring to break up the meat.
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Remove from heat and add dried cherries, green onions, and cream cheese. Stir until well blended.
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Fill each mushroom cap generously with the sausage mixture.
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Arrange on a lightly greased baking sheet.
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Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden.
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Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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Substitute Italian sausage for a spicier version.
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Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
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Make it vegetarian by replacing sausage with chopped walnuts and breadcrumbs.
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These can be prepped ahead of time — just refrigerate before baking.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
Calories: 85 | Total Fat: 5g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg
Behind the Recipe
Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries are the secret ingredient that gives these stuffed mushrooms their irresistible balance. The cherries cut through the richness of the sausage and cream cheese, bringing a gourmet twist to this timeless appetizer.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — prepare up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze unbaked mushrooms on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Dried tart cherries add the ideal chewy texture and concentrated flavor. Fresh cherries don’t hold up as well in the oven.
Bring the Taste Home
Elevate your appetizers with Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries — Michigan-grown, naturally sweet-tart, and perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.
Try additional Michigan cherry recipes in our Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook
