Buffalo, New York is known for its famous chicken wings, but did you know it’s also home to a beloved stuffed mushroom recipe? Stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetizer, and Buffalo’s version puts a local spin on this classic dish. Keep reading to learn all about the history of stuffed mushrooms in Buffalo, where you can find them on local menus, and how to make them at home.
The History of Stuffed Mushrooms in Buffalo
Stuffed mushrooms first emerged as a popular appetizer in American restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, cooks began experimenting with different fillings like sausage, seafood, and cheese to stuff into mushroom caps. By the 1970s, stuffed mushrooms had become a staple on party platters and appetizer menus across the country.
In Buffalo, stuffed mushrooms took on a character of their own. Local cooks started tweaking the classic stuffed mushroom recipe, adding in ingredients more common in Buffalo cooking. Two key additions were spicy Buffalo chicken wing sauce and blue cheese crumbles. The spicy kick from the hot sauce and the rich, tangy flavor from the blue cheese gave Buffalo stuffed mushrooms a unique local flair.
Over time, Buffalo stuffed mushrooms became a signature local dish. They were especially popular in Italian restaurants, which would serve them as a hearty appetizer. The mushrooms complemented Italian entrees like chicken parmesan and pasta dishes. Buffalo stuffed mushrooms also became a favorite appetizer to enjoy while drinking local beers and watching the Buffalo Bills or Sabres play.
Where to Find Stuffed Mushrooms in Buffalo
Today, Buffalo stuffed mushrooms are still easy to find on menus at restaurants throughout the city. Here are some great spots to get your stuffed mushroom fix:
- Chef’s Restaurant – A classic Italian restaurant downtown that’s been serving their version of stuffed mushrooms since the 1970s.
- Bob & John’s La Hacienda – A neighborhood favorite with a cozy pub vibe and excellent bar food, including stuffed mushrooms.
- Oliver’s Restaurant – An upscale contemporary restaurant with stuffed mushrooms as a signature appetizer.
- 500 Pearl – A trendy downtown restaurant with stuffed mushrooms on the bar bites menu.
- Tappo – A local favorite spot with an extensive menu featuring Italian cuisine and bar food, including Buffalo-style stuffed mushrooms.
Beyond restaurants, you can also find prepared stuffed mushrooms at local grocery store delis, farm markets, and specialty food stores in Buffalo. Or easily make them at home with the traditional local recipe!
Buffalo Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Recreate the Buffalo stuffed mushroom experience with this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 large button mushrooms
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp Buffalo chicken wing sauce
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Clean mushrooms and remove stems. Finely chop the stems.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped mushroom stems, salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Spoon the filling evenly into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly.
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and browned.
- Let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- Use a mix of cremini and white button mushrooms for a variety of sizes.
- Substitute gorgonzola or another bold blue cheese if you can’t find traditional Buffalo blue cheese crumbles.
- Add hot smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Now you can enjoy a taste of Buffalo’s famous appetizer wherever you are! Stuffed mushrooms are easy to make at home yet feel gourmet. The spicy, cheesy filling is a customer favorite in Buffalo that you’ll love too.
Conclusion
While Buffalo is best known for its spicy chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms are another great culinary claim to fame for the city. Local restaurants have put a Buffalo spin on this appetizer by incorporating hot wing sauce and blue cheese into the filling. Stuffed mushrooms are part of the city’s rich food history and still a menu staple at Italian restaurants and pubs all over Buffalo today. The next time you’re in town, sample some stuffed mushrooms to experience this iconic Buffalo food tradition for yourself. And if you can’t make the trip, recreate the flavor at home with the authentic local recipe.