Slow Cooker Garlic Mushroom Recipe
You know how some recipes sneak into your kitchen once, and then before you realize it they’re the thing you pull out every time you’ve got people over? That’s what happened to me with these slow cooker mushrooms. I made them on a whim, mostly because my stovetop was already crammed with green beans and a casserole, and I needed something I could leave alone for a few hours. Four hours later, the whole house smelled like garlic and butter, and the mushrooms… well, they were the kind of juicy, savory bites you almost regret putting on the table because you’ve already eaten half straight from the pot.
I usually go for a mix of white button mushrooms and baby bellas both soak up the sauce differently, so you get a nice contrast. And the sauce itself? It’s nothing fancy: fresh garlic, a stick of butter, a glug of white wine, and just enough salt and pepper to keep the flavor of the mushrooms front and center. A handful of parsley at the end makes them look like you planned for them to be this pretty.
They’re one of those dishes that refuses to be pigeonholed. Perfect side dish with steak? Absolutely. Something to spoon over chicken marsala? Works like a charm. Or keep them warm in the crock pot and let guests stab them with toothpicks as an appetizer they’ll disappear faster than you think. The best part? You can make mushrooms ahead of time, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave without losing that buttery, garlicky punch.
So, if you’re in the mood for something hands-off but still ridiculously flavorful, pull out your crock pot. I’ll walk you through exactly how I make them, from the way I place the mushrooms in the pot to little tweaks like adding onions or a dash of Worcestershire that can turn them into a brand-new dish every time.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mushrooms Recipe
Some dishes feel like work. This isn’t one of them. These slow cooker mushrooms quietly do their thing while you focus on everything else. You simply place the mushrooms in the crockpot, add your seasonings, and let the slow cooked magic happen. By the end of the cooking time, you’ve got a juicy, flavorful side dish that works for almost any dinner.
This mushroom recipe has a way of fitting into so many moments. Serving steak? These are the perfect side dish. Planning pork chops, green beans, or even spaghetti? They slide right in. Need something warm and savory for a crowd? Keep them in the crock pot and they double as an appetizer. If you’re into hearty dinners like chicken marsala, casserole, or mushroom stroganoff slow cooker style meals, these will feel right at home.
They’re also ideal for storing leftovers. Pop them in an airtight container and keep them for a few days in the refrigerator. When it’s time to reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave and still get that same tender bite. This makes them a smart move for meal prep or for making ahead before a big holiday dinner.
Another reason to love them is their flexibility. You can start with white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini. Add extras like onion, a pinch of pepper flakes, a bit of fresh garlic, or even Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. Whether you make them as slow cooker garlic mushrooms, mushrooms in the slow cooker with onions, or pair them with beef, chicken, or pasta, they’re always the kind of delicious dish people remember.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The best part about this slow cooker mushrooms recipe is that you don’t need a long grocery list. Just a few fresh items mixed with pantry staples and you’ll have the kind of savory side people think took way more effort than it did.
- Mushroom Choose the best mushrooms you can find. White button mushrooms are mild and tender, baby bella and cremini bring a deeper flavor, and you can even mix in oyster or shitake if you want something different. Whole mushrooms give you a juicier bite but you can dice or slice them if you prefer.
- Fresh garlic It’s the backbone of these slow cooker garlic mushrooms. That earthy, fragrant hit as they cook is what makes mushroom lovers hover near the kitchen.
- Stick of butter This is what turns the cooking liquid into a rich, silky sauce. You can swap in olive oil for a dairy free option, but the butter does make them extra indulgent.
- Onion Optional, but diced onion adds a little sweetness that blends beautifully with the flavor of the mushrooms.
- Salt and pepper The simplest way to make the natural taste pop.
- Parsley A handful of fresh parsley at the end brightens the whole dish.
- Italian dressing mix Just a sprinkle adds an herby kick that works for both a perfect side dish or a party appetizer.
- Worcestershire sauce Optional but a few drops can give you a deeper, slightly smoky finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- If you’re making slow cooker mushrooms and onions, just toss in a full cup of diced onion along with the mushrooms.
- To keep it dairy free, skip the butter and use vegetable broth plus a touch of olive oil.
- If you want heat, a pinch of pepper flakes wakes up the sauce.
- For a creamier option, stir in cream of mushroom soup near the end of the cooking time and let it thicken slightly before you transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish.
- You can also make slow cooker mushrooms for steak by adding a little beef broth and pairing them with a grilled ribeye or grilled steak.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these slow cooker mushrooms is the definition of easy cooking. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll wonder why you ever stood over a hot pan babysitting mushrooms.
Step 1: Clean and prep the mushrooms
Start by giving your white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini a quick rinse under cold water. Mushrooms are one of those vegetables that really do need cleaning since they grow close to the soil. After rinsing, dry them completely with a tea towel or paper towels. Extra water will water down the flavor of the mushrooms, so this step matters. If you’re planning to dice or slice them for mushrooms in the slow cooker with onions or pasta, now’s the time to cut them.
Step 2: Place the mushrooms in the crockpot
Put the clean mushroom pieces or whole mushrooms in the bottom of your crock pot. This is when I usually add diced onion if I’m making slow cooker mushrooms and onions.
Step 3: Add the flavor builders
Drop in a stick of butter, sprinkle on fresh garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and if you like, a bit of Italian dressing mix or Worcestershire sauce. For a touch of heat, toss in pepper flakes. These all melt and mingle during the slow cooked process, turning into a rich, savory sauce.
Step 4: Set the cooking time
Cover and cook for 4 hours on low. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for about 2 hours, but I think the low-and-slow method makes them extra juicy. During the last 30 minutes, you can stir in cream of mushroom soup if you want a creamier style.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Once the mushrooms cook to your liking, transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish. Scatter fresh parsley over the top for color. They’re ready to serve alongside steak, pork chops, chicken marsala, green beans, or even as part of a casserole or pasta like spaghetti.
FAQ:
How long should mushrooms cook in the slow cooker?
For whole white button mushrooms or baby bellas, 4 hours on low is perfect for a tender but still slightly firm texture. If you’re using sliced mushrooms, check at around 2 ½ to 3 hours so they don’t get too soft.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this slow cooker mushrooms recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. A few small changes and you’ve got a completely different delicious dish that still has that rich, savory base.
Make it creamy
Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time. Let it thicken before you transfer the mushrooms to the table. This is perfect for serving over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for chicken marsala.
Turn up the heat
A pinch of pepper flakes adds just enough kick without overpowering the flavor of the mushrooms. This works great for mushroom lovers who like a little spice with their side dish recipes.
Add veggies
Toss in diced onion or even thin strips of green beans to cook along with the mushrooms. This is especially good if you’re serving them with pork chops or grilled steak.
Go herby
A sprinkle of parsley is classic, but you can also mix in fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist.
Switch up the mushrooms
While white button mushrooms, baby bella, and cremini are the go-to, you can mix in oyster or shitake for different textures. These are some of the best mushrooms for soaking up that buttery sauce.
Make it beefy
If you’re doing slow cooker mushrooms for steak or beef roasts, a splash of beef broth plus a little Worcestershire sauce makes them extra rich.
Appetizer style
Keep them whole, add toothpicks, and let them sit in the crock pot on warm at a party. They pair perfectly with meatball platters, sliders, or other side dish recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker mushrooms aren’t just a one-note side dish. They can slide right into so many meals, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Once you have a batch ready, you’ll start finding new ways to use them without even thinking about it.
With meats
They’re a perfect side dish for steak, especially a juicy grilled steak that needs something buttery and savory alongside it. They also work with pork chops, roast beef, or even slow cooked chicken. If you’re making slow cooker chicken mushrooms or slow cooker mushrooms and beef, just let them cook together so the flavors mingle.
Over pasta and grains
Spoon them over spaghetti, egg noodles, or rice to make a quick comfort meal. They also make a great topping for risotto or creamy polenta.
In casseroles and baked dishes
Chop them up and fold into a casserole, baked ziti, or even a baked potato. The flavor of the mushrooms adds depth to almost any baked dish.
As an appetizer
Serve them straight from the crock pot with toothpicks, next to meatball trays or sliders. This is perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
Vegetable pairings
They go hand in hand with green beans, roasted carrots, or even a fresh salad.
For mushroom lovers
If you want to go all in for mushroom month, pair these with a creamy mushroom stroganoff slow cooker recipe or use them to top a bowl of mushroom soup slow cooker style.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mushrooms
Getting the most out of your slow cooker mushrooms recipe is all about a few simple habits that make a big difference in the final dish.
Dry them well
After rinsing your white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini, make sure they’re completely dry. Mushrooms are one of those ingredients that already hold a lot of water, and excess moisture will dilute the flavor of the mushrooms and the buttery sauce.
Pick the best mushrooms
For the most flavorful bite, use a mix of white button mushrooms for tenderness and baby bella for richness. You can also add oyster or shitake if you want something more unique.
Don’t overcrowd the pot
When you place the mushrooms in the crock pot, give them a little room. Packing them in too tightly can cause uneven cooking and sogginess.
Add flavor layers
A stick of butter and fresh garlic are non-negotiable for most mushroom lovers, but you can layer in extras like diced onion, Italian dressing mix, or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the taste.
Adjust cooking time for size
Whole mushrooms cook in about 4 hours on low. Sliced ones take less time, so check them after 2 ½ to 3 hours to keep them tender.
For creamy versions
If you’re adding cream of mushroom soup, stir it in during the last 30 minutes so it can thicken without separating.
Storing leftovers
Cool them first, then move to an airtight container. They’ll keep for a few days in the refrigerator. To reheat, use the stovetop for the best texture, or the microwave if you’re short on time.
FAQs
How long should mushrooms cook in the slow cooker?
Whole white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini usually cook for 4 hours on low in the crock pot. Sliced mushrooms take less time, so start checking them around the 2 ½ hour mark.
Can I make slow cooker mushrooms with onions?
Yes. If you love slow cooker mushrooms and onions, just add about one cup of diced onion when you place the mushrooms in the pot. The onions soften and sweeten, blending into the flavor of the mushrooms.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool them down, then put them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for a few days in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for meal prep or saving for another dinner.
How should I reheat mushrooms?
For the best texture, reheat them gently on the stovetop over medium heat. The microwave works too, especially if you’re short on time. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can I make these without butter?
Yes. For a dairy free option, swap the stick of butter for olive oil and a bit of vegetable broth. You’ll still get a rich sauce, just with a slightly different flavor.
What can I serve these with?
They’re a perfect side dish for steak, pork chops, chicken marsala, or even tossed into a casserole. They also shine as an appetizer for parties alongside meatball platters or other side dish recipes.
Make-Ahead & Holiday Hosting Tips
These slow cooker mushrooms are a gift to anyone juggling multiple dishes during the holidays. The beauty of this mushroom recipe is that you can prep everything ahead, then let the crock pot handle the rest while you focus on your steak, pork chops, or green beans.
Prep ahead
Clean and dry your white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini the day before. Slice or dice if you plan to add them into a casserole or pair them with chicken marsala. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to go.
Cooking during the event
On the day, simply place the mushrooms in the crock pot with your stick of butter, fresh garlic, and seasonings. Set the cooking time for 4 hours on low, and they’ll be tender and flavorful right when you need them.
Keep them warm
If you’re serving them as an appetizer or part of a buffet, switch the crock pot to warm after they finish cooking. Guests can help themselves, and the mushrooms are one of those dishes that actually stay great for hours.
Double or half the recipe
For a large crowd, double the batch. For smaller gatherings, make a half batch in a mini slow cooker. Either way, you can easily adjust for your space and guest list.
Storing leftovers
When the meal’s over, move any extras into an airtight container. They’ll last a few days in the refrigerator. You can reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for quick sides all week.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a slow cooker mushrooms recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and versatile enough to fit into almost any meal, this is it. From cozy weeknight dinners to big holiday spreads, these mushrooms in the slow cooker always deliver. The mix of fresh garlic, buttery sauce, and tender white button mushrooms, baby bella, or cremini makes them a go-to side dish for steak, pork chops, chicken marsala, or even tossed into a casserole.
They’re easy enough to throw together on a busy day, yet special enough to serve when guests are over. And because you can store leftover servings in an airtight container for a few days in the refrigerator, you can enjoy them again without lifting more than a fork.
So dust off your crock pot, gather your best mushrooms, and make mushrooms the easy way. Once you try this, you’ll see why mushroom lovers keep coming back to it — whether it’s for an appetizer, a quick weeknight side, or the star of a family feast.