Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Mushrooms and Bacon: Your Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal
Prepare for a culinary delight that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen! This incredibly easy, one-pan recipe for Creamy Mushrooms and Bacon delivers rich, savory flavors to your table in remarkably little time. Its remarkable versatility allows it to shine as a luxurious side dish alongside almost any protein, or to take center stage as a comforting and satisfying main course. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve this creamy concoction over a bed of al dente noodles, transforming it into a decadent creamy mushroom pasta that promises to leave everyone craving more.
Unveiling the Magic of Creamy Mushrooms and Bacon
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves. It begins with fresh, earthy mushrooms, sautéed to a perfect golden brown in rich butter, drawing out their natural sweetness and umami. They are then simmered in a luscious blend of aromatic garlic, velvety heavy cream, and a splash of crisp white wine, which adds a subtle acidity and complexity that elevates the entire sauce. Once this exquisite creamy base has developed its full character, crispy, smoky bacon pieces are folded in. The dish is then crowned with a generous layer of melting cheese and broiled until it’s bubbly, golden, and utterly irresistible. Every spoonful offers a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms: A Year-Round Delight
One of the many advantages of preparing this exceptional garlic butter mushroom dish is the year-round availability of fresh mushrooms. This makes it a fantastic option for holiday gatherings, impromptu weeknight meals, or any time you desire a comforting and flavorful accompaniment. Rest assured, this creamy mushroom creation is destined to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter the season. To fully savor every drop of the luxurious cream sauce, we highly recommend serving it alongside some crusty garlic bread – perfect for soaking up all that deliciousness.
If you, like so many others, are a devoted mushroom lover, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic mushroom recipes. Explore the savory depths of Broccoli Stuffed Mushrooms, enjoy a hearty meal with Spicy Tater Tot Casserole With Mushrooms, or impress your guests with the elegance of Surimi Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the incredible versatility of mushrooms.
An Effortlessly Easy Mushroom Recipe for Any Occasion
Don’t let the sophisticated flavors fool you; this easy mushroom recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. The entire dish comes together in less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. Yet, its rich, decadent profile is elegant enough to grace the table at a fancy dinner party, a festive holiday celebration, or a potluck where you want to bring something truly memorable. Its quick preparation doesn’t compromise on taste or quality, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Mushrooms and Bacon
Crafting this amazing dish begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with tips for selection and potential variations. For the full, printable recipe with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Bacon: We recommend using thick-cut bacon, diced into generous cubes. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the mushrooms, and the crispy bits provide a delightful textural contrast. For those who prefer alternatives, turkey bacon can be a suitable substitute, though it will yield a slightly different flavor profile and less rendered fat.
- Butter: Both salted and unsalted butter work wonderfully in this recipe. Butter is key for achieving that golden-brown sear on the mushrooms and contributes to the richness of the sauce.
- Mushrooms: Brown cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bella) are an excellent choice due to their earthy flavor and firm texture. However, this recipe is incredibly forgiving, and almost any type of fresh mushroom will work. White button mushrooms offer a milder taste, while shiitake mushrooms provide a deeper, more umami-rich note. A gourmet blend of wild mushrooms can also elevate the dish to a new level of sophistication.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor, but any good quality olive oil will do the job. It’s used in conjunction with butter to help sauté the mushrooms without burning the butter.
- White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc, is ideal. It adds a crucial layer of acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan and enhancing the mushroom flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, see our substitution section for alternatives like chicken broth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, are essential for that pungent, aromatic kick. While jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic offers superior flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is not just for garnish; it adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cream and bacon. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is generally more flavorful than curly parsley.
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme, chopped, imparts a delicate, sweet, and peppery flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully. If fresh isn’t available, a smaller amount of dried thyme can be used.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are added to taste, bringing all the flavors into balance. Always start with a conservative amount and adjust as needed.
- Heavy Cream: This is the star of the creamy sauce, providing luxurious richness and a silky smooth texture. There’s no real substitute for heavy cream to achieve the desired decadence, but for a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can be used.
- Cheese: We use a delightful combination of freshly grated mozzarella for its meltiness and stretch, and grated Parmesan cheese for its sharp, salty, and nutty depth. This duo creates the ultimate in cheesy, bubbly goodness once broiled.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh aroma just before serving.
Crafting Your Decadent Side Dish: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this decadent creamy mushroom and bacon side dish is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time. Remember, the key to great cooking is paying attention to each stage, but don’t be intimidated – this recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment!
1. **Cook the Bacon:** Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works beautifully here) over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully crispy and golden brown. This step not only cooks the bacon but also renders out its flavorful fat, which will be crucial for sautéing the mushrooms. Once crispy, remove the bacon pieces from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered bacon fat behind in the pan. Set the cooked bacon aside for later.
2. **Melt the Butter:** To the hot skillet, which still contains the flavorful bacon grease, add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to combine it with the bacon fat. This mixture provides an incredibly rich base for your mushrooms.
3. **Sauté the Mushrooms:** Add the fresh mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically, until they are beautifully golden brown and have released their moisture. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they sear rather than steam.
4. **Deglaze with Wine:** Pour the white wine into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, allowing the wine to reduce slightly. This step adds depth and removes any raw alcohol taste.
5. **Add Aromatics and Seasoning:** Stir in the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh thyme. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well to ensure the herbs and spices are evenly distributed and the garlic becomes fragrant.
6. **Simmer in Cream:** Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. **Prepare for Broiling & Add Bacon:** While the sauce is simmering, preheat your broiler. Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked crispy bacon pieces to the skillet with the creamy mushrooms. Stir gently to combine them, ensuring the bacon is nestled into the sauce.
8. **Add Cheese and Broil:** Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire dish in the skillet. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can vary in intensity and cheese can burn quickly.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Once removed from the broiler, allow the dish to cool for just a minute or two. Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, be aware that the rich, creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, and the texture of the mushrooms might become softer. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick, or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
Love it? Pin it!
If this creamy garlic mushrooms and bacon recipe captures your heart, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave, so you can easily find it again for your next delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Mushroom Recipe
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your creamy mushroom and bacon dish turns out perfect every time:
- Can I make this dish in advance and reheat it later? Absolutely! This dish reheats wonderfully. You can prepare it a day in advance and gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, a splash of milk or extra cream can bring it back to the perfect consistency.
- What main course dishes pair exceptionally well with this creamy mushroom dish? While this versatile side dish complements almost anything, it’s particularly divine with hearty proteins. We often serve it with succulent Baked Pork Chops. It also creates an incredible pairing with a perfectly cooked steak, enhancing the richness of the meat. Don’t forget roasted chicken or even grilled fish!
- How can I make this dish even creamier? For an even more indulgent and luxurious texture, consider stirring in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese (either full-fat or low-fat will work) into the sauce along with the heavy cream. This adds an extra layer of richness and body to the sauce.
- Can I omit the bacon? Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can certainly omit the bacon. In this case, you might want to add a little extra olive oil or butter to sauté the mushrooms and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
- What if I don’t have white wine? No problem! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water for acidity.
Creative Substitutions to Make It Your Own
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! Cooking is an art, and making substitutions based on your personal taste, dietary needs, or what you have available can lead to exciting new discoveries. Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your preferences!
-
Alcohol-Free Version: If you wish to keep the recipe entirely alcohol-free, a high-quality chicken broth or vegetable stock is an excellent substitute for white wine. It will still provide depth and savory notes to the sauce.
-
Mushroom Varieties: Beyond cremini, feel free to explore other mushroom types. Large portobello mushrooms (sliced), delicate baby bella, classic button mushrooms, or even a flavorful blend of exotic mushrooms can all yield fantastic results. Each variety brings its own unique texture and earthy nuances to the dish.
-
Lighter Cream Sauce: For a slightly lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Be mindful that it may not thicken quite as much, but it will still deliver a wonderfully creamy texture.
-
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends! A sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a smoked gouda could add intriguing new dimensions to the cheesy topping. Consider a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy counterpoint.
-
Herbs: While parsley and thyme are classic, don’t hesitate to try other herbs. A touch of fresh rosemary, sage, or chives could introduce delightful variations to the flavor profile.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Mushrooms and Bacon
-
Uniform Mushroom Size: To ensure even cooking in this easy side dish, try to use whole mushrooms that are roughly the same size. If using larger mushrooms like portobello, slice them into uniform pieces. While sliced mushrooms work, whole mushrooms often retain more of their texture and visually impress.
- Outdoor Cooking Option: Don’t limit this recipe to your kitchen stove! This dish can be prepared on your outdoor grill or a pellet smoker any time of the year. The smoky notes from outdoor cooking will add another layer of incredible flavor. Just ensure you use a skillet suitable for grilling.
-
Bringing to Room Temperature: For optimal storage and to prevent condensation, always allow the creamy mushrooms to come to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating. This helps maintain texture and freshness.
-
Cleaning Mushrooms: Before cooking, gently wipe any visible dirt off your mushrooms with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Avoid washing them under running water, as mushrooms are like sponges and will absorb excess water, making it harder to achieve that desirable golden-brown sear.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, it’s crucial not to overcrowd your skillet. If you add too many at once, they will steam instead of brown, resulting in soggy rather than perfectly caramelized mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary.
-
Quality Bacon Matters: Investing in good quality bacon makes a significant difference. Thick-cut bacon yields more flavor and better texture, and its rendered fat is a foundational element for the dish’s richness.
More Irresistible Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this creamy mushroom and bacon creation, you’ll love exploring these other delicious side dish recipes that are sure to impress:
-
Zucchini and Tomatoes: A light, fresh, and vibrant seasonal favorite.
-
New Potatoes and Peas: A classic comfort dish, simple yet deeply satisfying.
-
Garlic Cheese Asparagus (pictured above): Tender asparagus baked with savory garlic and melted cheese.
-
Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts: A perfect blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
-
Garlic and Rosemary Heirloom Potatoes: Flavorful and aromatic roasted potatoes that make an excellent accompaniment.
This creamy mushroom and bacon side dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an absolute must-try experience. Its rich, harmonious flavors and comforting texture make it incredibly versatile. Pair it with almost any main course, and you’ll be genuinely amazed at how effortlessly it elevates your entire meal, bringing a new dimension of deliciousness to your dining table. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Creamy One Pan Mushrooms with Bacon
Equipment
-
Professional Cheese Grater – Stainless Steel
-
ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – NSF Restaurant Certified
-
OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
-
4 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs
-
Herb Scissors
-
12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
-
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon cut into large cubes
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 pound (16 ounces) cremini mushrooms
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy then remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
-
Add the butter to the hot skillet with the bacon fat and allow it to melt.
-
Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
-
Add the white wine and cook for a few minutes to allow it to reduce slightly.
-
Add the garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the heavy cream and lower the heat to allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
-
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
-
Add the cooked crispy bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.
-
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella evenly over the dish. Broil for 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
-
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition