Creamed Mushrooms: The Ultimate Easy & Delicious Side Dish for Any Occasion

Prepare to elevate your dining experience with the most incredibly rich and savory Creamed Mushrooms. This recipe transforms humble mushrooms into a luxurious side dish, simmered in a decadent parmesan cream sauce and finished with fresh herbs. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast, a special dinner party, or simply craving a comforting side, these creamy mushrooms are guaranteed to impress.

Often overlooked, creamed mushrooms offer a depth of flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture that complements a wide array of main courses. It’s a versatile dish that easily finds its place on any table, from the festive spread of Thanksgiving and Christmas to a cozy Sunday supper. This particular recipe is a personal favorite for large gatherings, alongside other creamy classics like Creamed Corn and Creamed Spinach, always disappearing quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Mushroom Recipe

There are countless reasons why these creamed mushrooms will become a staple in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Delicious: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect even for busy days.
Rich & Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and cream cheese creates an irresistibly smooth and luscious sauce that coats every mushroom.
Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with almost any protein, from juicy steaks and roasted chicken to holiday turkeys and tender pork chops.
Crowd-Pleaser: Mushrooms are widely loved, and when they’re this creamy and flavorful, they become an instant favorite at any gathering.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with various spices, herbs, and even different types of mushrooms to suit your preference.

Choosing the Best Mushrooms for Your Dish

The type of mushroom you choose can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your creamed dish. While many varieties work well, some are better suited than others:

Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bella): These are my top recommendation. They have a more robust, earthy flavor than white button mushrooms and hold their shape well when cooked. They’re widely available and offer a fantastic balance.
White Button Mushrooms: A classic choice, these are mild in flavor and readily available. They absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Wild Mushrooms: For an elevated flavor profile, consider a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle. Each offers unique notes that can add complexity to the dish. Just be sure to slice larger ones evenly.
Portobello Mushrooms: While delicious, their larger size might require more chopping. They offer a very meaty texture and deep flavor.

Tip for Cleaning Mushrooms: Avoid soaking mushrooms in water, as they act like sponges and will absorb excess moisture, leading to a less flavorful, soggy result. Instead, gently brush them with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. If very dirty, a quick rinse under cold water followed by immediate patting dry is acceptable.

How to Make Creamed Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting these delectable creamed mushrooms is straightforward and quick. Here’s a breakdown of the process to ensure perfect results every time:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced or quartered
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp red crushed pepper flakes, optional (adjust to your heat preference)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 ounces softened cream cheese
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Sauté the Mushrooms: Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your prepared mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms start to soften and release their moisture. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure they brown rather than steam.
Infuse with Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and red crushed pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for an additional 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant, not browned.
Build the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the softened cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously, breaking up the cream cheese as it melts.
Simmer to Thicken: Continue to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and the cream cheese is fully incorporated and smooth. This typically takes a few minutes. The sauce will naturally thicken as it heats.
Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust accordingly. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your creamy mushrooms immediately while warm.

Expert Tips & Delicious Recipe Variations

Making creamed mushrooms is simple, but a few tricks and variations can take your dish from great to extraordinary:

Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor, stir in about 1/4 cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after cooking the garlic and before adding the cream. Let the wine reduce by half, allowing the alcohol to cook off and concentrate its flavor, then proceed with the cream and cheeses.
Crispy Bacon Boost: Crumble some crispy cooked bacon over the top just before serving. The salty crunch provides a delightful contrast to the creamy mushrooms and adds an incredible depth of smoky flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: If cream cheese isn’t your preference, try mascarpone for an even richer, sweeter creaminess, or a blend of Gruyère and white cheddar for a nuttier, sharper flavor.
Herb Harmony: While parsley is classic, experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives finely chopped can add different aromatic notes. Add them at the very end to preserve their delicate flavors.
Boost with Shallots: For a milder, sweeter onion flavor, sauté finely minced shallots along with the garlic.
Make it a Meal: Stir in some cooked spinach for a more substantial vegetable side, or serve it over pasta, polenta, or toast for a vegetarian main course.
Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of red crushed pepper flakes to suit your palate. For more heat, add a pinch more; for less, omit it entirely.
Butter Alternatives: If you don’t have butter on hand, good quality olive oil can be used for sautéing the mushrooms, though butter adds a richer flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

One of the best things about this creamed mushroom recipe is that it can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for holiday meal prep or busy weeknights:

Preparation in Advance: You can cook the creamed mushrooms completely a day or two before serving. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigeration: Store the cooled creamed mushrooms in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the mushrooms in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: Cream-based sauces generally do not freeze well, as they can separate and become grainy upon thawing. Therefore, freezing this dish is not recommended for optimal texture.

What to Serve with Creamed Mushrooms

These versatile creamed mushrooms are truly a chameleon of side dishes, complementing a vast array of main courses. Here are some popular suggestions:

Holiday Roasts: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, prime rib, or roasted chicken. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance to any festive table.
Steak & Chops: Perfect alongside a perfectly seared steak, pork chops, or lamb. The creamy earthiness of the mushrooms balances the savory richness of the meat.
Fish & Seafood: Surprisingly, these mushrooms can also complement pan-seared salmon, baked cod, or scallops, adding a comforting and flavorful element.
Vegetarian Mains: Serve over creamy polenta, alongside roasted root vegetables, or as a decadent topping for garlic bread.
Breakfast/Brunch: Enjoy them on toast, with scrambled eggs, or as a flavorful addition to an omelet for a luxurious breakfast.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Fried Deviled Eggs
Honey Roasted Carrots
Cheese Garlic Biscuits
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Corn Pudding

This Creamed Mushroom recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting, versatile, and undeniably delicious addition to any meal. Its ease of preparation combined with its rich, complex flavors makes it a surefire winner. I truly hope it becomes a cherished holiday staple and a go-to favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. Once you try these creamy mushrooms, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Nutrition Information

(Note: Nutrition information is an approximation and can vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.)

Calories: 168 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 52mg
Sodium: 151mg
Potassium: 121mg
Vitamin A: 755 IU
Vitamin C: 0.5mg
Calcium: 59mg
Iron: 0.2mg

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