Italian Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms
These Italian Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms transform giant portobellos into edible pizza bowls! Each mushroom cap is piled high with zesty marinara, spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a shower of Parmesan and fresh basil. A low-carb, gluten-free twist on pizza night that tastes like your favorite slice – but better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is pure comfort food magic without the carb crash. You get all the irresistible flavors of a supreme pizza – the sauce, the cheese pull, the pepperoni crisp – tucked into tender, earthy mushroom caps that practically melt in your mouth. It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, yet feels completely indulgent. Perfect as an impressive appetizer, fun dinner, or game-day snack that disappears in minutes. Even mushroom skeptics beg for seconds!
Italian Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms
Juicy portobello mushrooms overflowing with classic pizza flavors – pepperoni, melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and Italian herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed and gills scraped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
- ¾ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1½ cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or diced regular pepperoni
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Hey friend, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil – easy cleanup ahead!
- Gently wipe your portobellos clean with a damp paper towel (don’t soak them). Pop out the stems and, using a spoon, carefully scrape out the dark gills – this is your canvas for pizza goodness!
- Brush both sides of each mushroom cap generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the insides with salt and pepper. Place them gill-side up on your baking sheet.
- Slide them into the oven for 8–10 minutes to pre-roast. This step is clutch – it releases extra moisture so your stuffing doesn’t get watery.
- When they come out, carefully blot any liquid that pooled inside with a paper towel. Your mushrooms are now perfectly tender and ready to party!
- Spoon about 1–1½ tablespoons of marinara into each cap – don’t be shy, spread it edge to edge like pizza sauce.
- Pile on the cheese: sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella first, then nestle those cute pepperoni pieces all over. Finish with a snow-cap of Parmesan – because more cheese is always the answer.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick) over the tops.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden. Switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes for that pizzeria-style blistered top (watch closely!).
- Let them rest 5 minutes (this helps everything set), garnish with fresh basil ribbons, and serve with extra warm marinara for dipping. Prepare for applause!
Notes
These are naturally low-carb (about 6g net carbs per two stuffed mushrooms), keto, and gluten-free. Perfect for parties because you can prep the filling and clean the mushrooms hours ahead – just stuff and bake before serving!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 457Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 16gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 91mgSodium 1402mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 10gSugar 4gProtein 29g
The recipes and nutritional information on Fungi Recipes are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the largest portobello mushrooms you can find (4–5 inches wide) for maximum stuffing real estate.
- Scrape out the dark gills with a spoon – this prevents a muddy color and gives you more room for filling.
- Pre-bake the mushroom caps for 8–10 minutes first; this releases excess moisture so your stuffing stays saucy, not soggy.
- Use full-fat mozzarella for the best melt and golden browning.
- Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that gorgeous bubbly, blistered cheese top.
- Fresh basil or a pinch of dried oregano sprinkled right at the end makes the pizza flavor pop.
Ingredients Notes
- Portobello mushrooms: The “crust” of our pizza – meaty, earthy, and sturdy enough to hold generous fillings.
- Marinara sauce: Go for a high-quality, low-sugar brand (Rao’s is gold) or homemade for the brightest flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts far better than pre-shredded (which has anti-caking agents).
- Mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni: Mini cups curl and crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps everything bind.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes: The classic pizza shop flavor trio.
- Olive oil: Helps the mushrooms roast and adds richness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Skip pepperoni and add sautéed bell peppers, onions, olives, or artichoke hearts.
- Meat-lover: Layer on cooked Italian sausage crumbles, bacon bits, or diced ham.
- White pizza style: Swap marinara for a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce or ricotta seasoned with herbs.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives – they melt surprisingly well these days.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or calabrian chilis on top.
- Mini version: Use cremini or white button mushrooms for perfect two-bite party appetizers (reduce bake time by 5 minutes).
Storage Options
- Fridge: Cool completely, store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or air-fryer at 340°F for 4–5 minutes (microwave makes them soggy).
- Freezer: Freeze baked mushrooms on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
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