If you are looking to wow your taste buds with something rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender mushrooms bathed in a luscious blend of butter, garlic, and Parmesan are comfort food elevated to an art form. It’s incredible how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with layers of savory goodness, perfect as a side or a decadent appetizer that everyone will ask about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each one brings a unique element to the table, from the earthiness of mushrooms to the rich tang of cream cheese, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms to tender perfection.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Gives a subtle fruity backdrop and prevents the butter from burning.
- 2 tsp garlic minced: Brings that classic aromatic punch that’s essential for this recipe.
- 1 ¾ cups whole white mushrooms, washed and dried: The star of the dish, offering earthiness and a meaty texture.
- ¼ cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes: Creates a silky, creamy base that clings to every mushroom.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Infuses the dish with a bold, nutty flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and luscious.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbaceous touch that enhances the overall profile.
- ½ tsp dry ground oregano: Provides an earthy, slightly bitter contrast to balance the creaminess.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- ½ tbsp fresh chipped parsley: Freshens and brightens the final presentation with a pop of green.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
Start by heating up a large 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat and melting together the butter and olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and whole white mushrooms. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become tender and fragrant, roughly about five minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor, caramelizing the mushrooms just enough to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Lower the heat to medium and gently stir in the cream cheese cubes. Keep cooking until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the mushrooms, creating a cozy, creamy coating. This step transforms the texture, making each bite luscious and velvety.
Step 3: Add Parmesan, Cream, and Seasonings
Now reduce the heat to medium-low and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese along with the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Remove the pan from heat and generously sprinkle fresh chipped parsley over the mushrooms. The parsley adds a lively burst of color and a slight herbal brightness that complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few thinly sliced green onions works wonders to elevate this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe even further. Adding a dash of red pepper flakes can also bring a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat in your dishes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, but it’s so delicious on its own, it also makes a fantastic accompaniment to crusty bread, garlic mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta. The creamy texture and robust flavors of the mushrooms perfectly complement these hearty, comforting sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve these mushrooms in a hollowed-out bread bowl or spoon them over toasted baguette slices as an irresistible appetizer. You can even top a warm baked potato or flatbread pizza with these mushrooms to create a meal that dazzles visually and satisfies taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The mushrooms will remain tender, and reheat nicely without losing their rich flavor.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dairy included, freezing this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe isn’t ideal as the texture can change after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers only.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your saved mushrooms, reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, to warm through without curdling the cream or drying out the mushrooms. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating can help restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! While white mushrooms work beautifully, you can also try cremini, shiitake, or baby bella mushrooms for varied textures and flavors. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using larger or thicker varieties.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, assuming your Parmesan cheese doesn’t contain animal rennet. Always check the label if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This dish relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and rich flavor, but you can experiment with plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan Parmesan substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ somewhat from the original.
How long does it take to make this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe?
This is a quick recipe that typically takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a fast but impressive side or snack.
What is the best way to clean the mushrooms?
Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dirt instead of rinsing under water, which can make them soggy. If you do rinse, pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure they sauté perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together so simply, and that’s exactly what this Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe offers. Whether you serve it solo or alongside your favorite meal, these mushrooms promise to delight every bite. Don’t hesitate—try it for your next dinner and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms is a creamy, flavorful side dish featuring tender white mushrooms cooked in a garlic butter sauce with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and aromatic Italian herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for elevating weeknight dinners or serving as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Mushrooms and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 ¾ cups whole white mushrooms, washed and dried
Cheese and Cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dry ground oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tbsp fresh chipped parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large 12-inch frying pan, combine butter, olive oil, and minced garlic, then cook over medium-high heat. Add the whole white mushrooms and sauté until the mushrooms become tender and golden, about five minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium and incorporate the cream cheese cubes into the pan. Cook while stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted and blended with the mushrooms.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and add Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle freshly chipped parsley over the mushrooms before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For best texture, use fresh whole white mushrooms and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, particularly the salt, as Parmesan cheese is already salty.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- To make it lighter, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the mushrooms are well dried after washing to prevent excess water diluting the sauce.
