If you’re anything like me, you are always on the hunt for a side dish that tastes expensive but takes zero effort to make. That is exactly why I am obsessed with this Creamy Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme recipe. It is rich, earthy, and comes together in just about 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you are keeping it low-carb or just need a savory topping for a steak, these garlic butter mushrooms are the ultimate weeknight hack that you will want to make on repeat.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
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Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (2.0 oz or 56.7 g)
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Button Mushrooms: 16.0 oz (453.6 g)
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Onion, chopped: 0.5 cup (approx. 2.6 oz or 74.0 g)
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Garlic, diced: 2 tsp (approx. 0.3 oz or 8.5 g)
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Fresh Thyme: 1 tbsp (approx. 0.1 oz or 3.0 g)
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Parsley, chopped: 1 tbsp (approx. 0.1 oz or 3.0 g)
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Salt: 0.5 tsp
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Black Pepper: 0.25 tsp
Directions
- Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 4 tbsp (2.0 oz / 56.7 g) of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: Add the 0.5 cup chopped onion and the 16.0 oz (453.6 g) of button mushrooms to the pan. Season immediately with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- Brown the Mixture: Cook the mushroom and onion mixture for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned on both sides and tender.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the 2 tsp garlic and 1 tbsp fresh thyme. Sauté the mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the dish with 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 138 kcal
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Total Fat: 11.6g
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Saturated Fat: 7.3g
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Cholesterol: 30mg
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Sodium: 298mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 6g
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Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
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Sugars: 2.5g
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Net Carbohydrates: 4.5g
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Protein: 4g
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Mushrooms
Don’t Wash, Just Wipe Mushrooms act like sponges and soak up water quickly. If you rinse them under the tap, they tend to get soggy and steam in the pan rather than brown. For the best golden sear, simply wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or a soft mushroom brush.
Give Them Personal Space The number one mistake people make is overcrowding the pan. If the mushrooms are piled on top of each other, they will release moisture and boil in their own juices. If your pan isn’t big enough for 16 oz of mushrooms, cook them in two batches. You want them to sizzle, not steam!
Resist the Urge to Stir Once you place the mushrooms in the hot butter, let them sit undisturbed for the first 2-3 minutes. This allows that deep, golden-brown crust to form. If you stir them constantly, they won’t develop that rich, caramelized flavor.
Watch the Garlic Garlic burns much faster than mushrooms do. That is why this recipe adds the garlic after the mushrooms are already browned. If you add it at the beginning, you’ll end up with burnt, bitter garlic specks by the time the mushrooms are tender.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor If you see brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after cooking (that’s called fond), don’t waste it! You can splash a teaspoon of white wine, vegetable broth, or even lemon juice into the hot pan right before serving to lift those tasty bits and coat the mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best mushrooms to use for this recipe? While this recipe calls for white button mushrooms because they are mild and tender, you can easily substitute them with Cremini (Baby Bella) mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor. You can even use a mix of wild mushrooms like Oyster or Shiitake for a more gourmet texture.
Is this recipe Keto and low-carb friendly? Yes, absolutely. Mushrooms are naturally low in carbohydrates, and this recipe uses high-fat butter and zero-sugar seasonings. One serving contains approximately 4.5g of net carbs, making it perfect for Keto, Paleo, and Vegetarian diets.
Can I wash the mushrooms before cooking? It is best to avoid washing mushrooms with water because they absorb liquid like a sponge, which makes them soggy when cooked. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or use a soft brush to remove any dirt before slicing.
How do I store and reheat leftover mushrooms? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the texture rubbery.
What dishes serve well with garlic butter mushrooms? This dish is incredibly versatile. It works perfectly as a side for steak, grilled chicken, or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, serve it over creamy polenta, mashed cauliflower, or toss it with zucchini noodles.
Why are my mushrooms watery instead of browned? If your mushrooms are watery, you likely overcrowded the pan or added salt too early. Salt draws out moisture, and overcrowding prevents evaporation. Cook them in a single layer and wait until they are browned before seasoning to ensure a golden sear.
I hope you love this Creamy Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme recipe as much as I do! It really proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something spectacular. If you give this a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear what you served it with!
