Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to use a crockpot, which is a slow cooker that allows for a simple and hands-off approach to cooking mushrooms. Crockpot mushrooms are an easy side dish that can be served with chicken or steak, or used as an ingredient in casseroles, sauces, pasta, or quesadillas. The key to successful crockpot mushrooms is to ensure they are dry before cooking, as this prevents them from becoming soggy. Additionally, the natural savoury flavour of mushrooms can be enhanced by adding butter and various seasonings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, butter, garlic, ranch salad dressing mix, herbs, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, cornstarch, heavy cream, milk |
| Types of Mushrooms | Baby bella, cremini, white button, beech, brown, chestnut |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 3-4 hours on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat |
| Calories | 206 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot mushroom ingredients
There are many different ingredients you can use to make crockpot mushrooms. The most common ingredients include mushrooms, butter, garlic, herbs, and salad dressing mix.
For the mushrooms, you can use baby bella, cremini, button mushrooms, beech mushrooms, brown mushrooms, or chestnut mushrooms. Baby bella or cremini mushrooms are said to have more flavour than white button mushrooms. It is not recommended to use large field mushrooms as they tend to become soggy in the crockpot. You can slice, halve, or quarter the mushrooms to incorporate more flavour.
For the herbs, you can use basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. You can also add vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the salad dressing mix, you can use ranch dressing or an Italian dressing mix.
Additionally, you can add heavy cream, milk, or cornstarch mixed with water to create a thicker, creamier sauce. You can also use butter to add richness and enhance the flavour of the mushrooms.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for crock-pot mushrooms depends on the heat setting you use. On low heat, cook the mushrooms for 3 to 4 hours. On high heat, cook the mushrooms for 1 to 2 hours. This shorter cooking time is suitable if you are in a hurry.
It is important to note that mushrooms cook very quickly. Therefore, if you are adding mushrooms to a crockpot dish with a longer cooking time, such as a chicken dish with a 4-hour cook time, you should add the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking process. For a 4-hour cook, add the mushrooms no earlier than 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This will prevent the mushrooms from becoming overcooked and mushy.
When cooking mushrooms in a crockpot, you can simply throw them in and forget about them. However, if you are making creamy garlic mushrooms, there are a few additional steps to consider. First, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add this to the mushrooms after 2 hours of cooking. Then, cook for another 30 minutes before adding half a cup of heavy cream. Finally, cook for a further 30 minutes until the mushrooms are rich and creamy.
It is worth noting that mushrooms shrink by about 50% when cooked, so you may need to adjust the quantity you use accordingly. Additionally, make sure the mushrooms are very dry before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
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How to prepare mushrooms
Preparing mushrooms for the crockpot is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms by gently brushing or rinsing them with cold water to remove any dirt. Mushrooms can be cooked whole, halved, quartered, or sliced, depending on your preference. Smaller mushrooms, such as baby bella or cremini mushrooms, are recommended as they have more flavour and shrink by about 50% during cooking. Larger mushrooms, like field mushrooms, tend to become soggy in the crockpot.
To cook the mushrooms, simply place them in the crockpot with butter, garlic, and herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. You can also add in a vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half-and-half, milk, or cream, and additional butter during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat for 1-2 hours, or until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
You can also add a salad dressing mix, such as ranch or Italian dressing, to give the mushrooms a zesty taste. Alternatively, you can make creamy garlic mushrooms by mixing cornstarch and water with the mushrooms after 2 hours of cooking, then adding heavy cream for the final 30 minutes.
Crockpot mushrooms are a versatile side dish that can be served with steak, chicken, or roast beef. They can also be repurposed and added to casseroles, sauces, pasta, or quesadillas.
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How to store leftovers
To store leftover crockpot mushrooms, you have a few options. If you plan on eating the leftovers within the next few days, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you want to store the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Be aware that the texture of the mushrooms may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, place the mushrooms in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them until they're heated through. You can use a stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker on the "warm" setting to reheat your mushrooms. If you're reheating from frozen, you can do so on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Leftover crockpot mushrooms are versatile and can be repurposed in various dishes. You can slice or chop them up and add them to casseroles, sauces, pasta, or stuff them into quesadillas.
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What to serve crockpot mushrooms with
Crockpot mushrooms are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:
Steak
Crockpot mushrooms are a delicious accompaniment to a juicy steak. The savoury, buttery flavour of the mushrooms pairs well with the hearty flavour of beef. Whether you're grilling a New York strip steak or slow-cooking a pot roast, the mushrooms will add a tasty twist to your meal.
Chicken
The creamy texture and buttery taste of crockpot mushrooms also make them an excellent side dish for chicken. Whether you're roasting a whole chicken or frying up some pecan-crusted chicken breasts, the mushrooms will be a welcome addition. You can even use the mushrooms as a topping for chicken sandwiches or salads.
Pork
If you're serving pork, crockpot mushrooms are a must-have side dish. Their juicy, savoury flavour pairs perfectly with the sweetness of glazed ham or the heartiness of a pork tenderloin. For an extra indulgent treat, try serving the mushrooms with a cream sauce made from the pork drippings.
Turkey
Crockpot mushrooms are also a great choice for a holiday meal. Their savoury flavour and creamy texture make them an ideal complement to roasted turkey breast or slow-cooked turkey tenderloin. And if you're looking for a more casual option, they can be served alongside a sheet pan of sausage and potatoes.
Rice or Pasta
For a vegetarian option, crockpot mushrooms can be served with rice or pasta. The mushrooms' juicy flavour will enhance the dish, and the combination of textures will make for a satisfying meal. Try serving them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
With their versatility and ease of preparation, crockpot mushrooms are a great addition to any meal. So, whether you're serving steak, chicken, pork, turkey, or a vegetarian dish, these mushrooms will surely impress!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need mushrooms, butter, and salad dressing mix. Some recipes also include garlic, herbs, and onions.
Crock-pot mushrooms typically take 3-4 hours on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat.
Baby bella or cremini mushrooms have more flavor than white button mushrooms. You can also use button mushrooms, beech mushrooms, brown mushrooms, or chestnut mushrooms. Avoid large field mushrooms as they tend to become soggy in the crockpot.
Crock pot mushrooms make a great side dish and can be served with steak, chicken, or rice. They can also be added to casseroles, sauces, pasta, or stuffed into quesadillas.
