Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Reserve Ranch 2 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

While flavor flings may come and go, some pairings are made for the ages. Rich, dense, and meaty with a touch of wild herb, this app-and-wine combo is a love that will never grow cold.

Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Ranch 2 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Beaulieu Vineyard Ranch 2 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a strikingly dark and deep color. The nose reveals intriguing aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, and fresh earth. On the palate, notes of berry compote, coco powder, and wild sage exhibit the distinctive essence of Rutherford. Present tannins support the concentrated fruit, balanced by well-integrated acidity that leads to a long and pronounced finish. This wine will cellar beautifully for at least 15 years.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage: White Button vs Cremini vs Portobello – What’s the Difference?

Did you know that white button mushrooms, creminis, and portobellos are all the same mushroom? They are, but they’re just at different stages in their life cycle. And they’re all delicious in their own special way. For our Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage recipe, we’re recommending cremini mushrooms because at this middle stage, they’re still wonderfully tender but denser and meatier with an earthier flavor that makes these bites extra cozy.

How to Choose Cremini Mushrooms

With cremini mushrooms, that deliciously rich, earthy flavor they’re famous for is all about the gills. So, look for creminis with exposed, deep brown gills. Overall, the mushrooms’ flesh should be smooth and fresh with an even, light-brown color. There should be no bruising or sliminess.

How to Store Cremini Mushrooms

If you’re not cooking cremini mushrooms the same day as you purchase them, store the mushrooms in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, loose on paper towel. This will keep them moist but soak up any condensation. If the creminis come sliced and packed in a plastic container, remove the plastic wrap to let them breathe. Stored properly, cremini mushrooms will keep well in the crisper for 2–3 days.

How to Wash Cremini Mushrooms

You may have heard that you shouldn’t wash mushrooms, but that’s definitely not the case. The key to washing mushrooms is using a gentle touch. Fill a large bowl with water and dunk the mushrooms in it to remove any grit, letting it fall to the bottom of the bowl. Pick the mushrooms out of the bowl. Lay them on a clean, dry kitchen towel and pat dry.

Ingredients

12–16 large cremini mushrooms

¾ lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

Olive oil

3 scallions, greens and whites, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2–3 Tbsp Marsala or Sherry

⅔ cup panko

Chili flakes

5 oz mascarpone

⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan

3 Tbsp fresh minced parsley

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place mushroom caps on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Finely chop stems; place in a bowl.

Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Break sausage into bite-size chunks for quicker, more even cooking. Sauté about 5–8 minutes. Let cool then finely crumble.

In same skillet, cook mushroom stems for about 3–5 minutes. Add scallions and garlic; cook for a few more minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add Marsala or Sherry, panko, pinch of chili flakes, cheeses, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Combine well and let cool for a few minutes.

Generously fill each mushroom cap. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until filling is browned. Serve immediately.

Q&A

Q: What Beaulieu Vineyard wine pairs best with Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage?

A: Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Ranch 2 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Its concentrated dark berry and herb flavors and aromas meld seamlessly with the rich, earthy character of our Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage while the balanced acidity brings a welcome spark.

Q: What does Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Ranch 2 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

A: Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Ranch 2 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon has striking, concentrated notes of berry compote, coco powder, and wild sage.

Q: What makes Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Rutherford AVA so special?

A: Famed BV winemaker André Tchelistcheff may have said this in jest, but for many fans of the varietal, it’s doctrine: “It takes Rutherford Dust to grow great Cabernet Sauvignon.” Although it’s not directly attributable to the dust in the soil of the Rutherford AVA, that certain something special is unique to the region’s terroir. “Rutherford Dust” is most commonly described as giving wine soft, cocoa-powder tannins that are elegant and age extremely well.

Q: Can I substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko?

A: Panko and standard breadcrumbs can be used interchangeably, without changing the amount. However, for our Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage we recommend using panko because its larger, flakier texture absorbs less oil and doesn’t pack down in the recipe. The panko keeps its signature crispiness longer than conventional breadcrumbs, complementing these very umami bites with a bright little crunch.