(A delicious appetizer featuring mushrooms stuffed with savory sausage and melted cheddar cheese)
Ingredients:
500g large button mushrooms (about 12-16) 

200g sausage meat (pork or turkey, depending on preference) 

100g grated cheddar cheese 

1 shallot, finely chopped 

1 clove garlic, minced 

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 

2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch) 

1 tbsp olive oil 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems (save them for stuffing). Arrange the mushroom caps on a lightly oiled baking sheet, hollow side up.

Finely chop the mushroom stems.
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shallot and garlic for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Add the sausage meat and chopped mushroom stems. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spatula, until golden brown.
Off the heat, stir in the grated cheddar cheese, parsley, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

Fill each mushroom generously with the stuffing, packing it down slightly to hold it together.

Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Serve the stuffed mushrooms warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. These tasty bites are perfect as a starter or appetizer! 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6