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Get ready to elevate your cooking with my Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms! This dish features rich, nutty brown butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh thyme, all beautifully coating tender mushrooms. You won’t just want to make this once; it’s that good. Whether you’re a home cook or a kitchen pro, these mushrooms will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this flavorful delight!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown butter and garlic creates a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the mushrooms to new heights.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests.
- Versatile Side Dish: These mushrooms pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh thyme and lemon zest brightens the dish, adding a burst of freshness that complements the richness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Fresh parsley, chopped
The key to making Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms is the quality of your ingredients. Start with fresh cremini or button mushrooms. They add a rich flavor and a nice texture. You need one pound of these mushrooms.
Next, use four tablespoons of unsalted butter. The butter should be fresh. It will brown beautifully to give the dish a nutty taste.
You also need garlic. Four cloves of minced garlic will provide a strong aroma and flavor. Fresh thyme leaves will add a nice herbal note. You will need one tablespoon for a punch of flavor.
Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the other flavors.
Lastly, add the zest of one lemon. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Fresh parsley, chopped, makes a lovely garnish and adds a pop of color.
With these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious dish that is simple yet elegant.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Mushrooms
– Clean and slice the mushrooms carefully. Use a damp paper towel to wipe them.
– Set the prepared mushrooms aside on a plate.
Brown the Butter
– Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Keep an eye on it as it cooks. Look for a golden brown color.
Cooking the Garlic and Thyme
– Once the butter is brown, add minced garlic and fresh thyme.
– Cook for about one minute until the garlic smells great.
Sauté the Mushrooms
– Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Toss them well in the butter.
– Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir often until they are tender and browned.
Finishing Touches
– Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
– Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright touch.
Tips & Tricks
How to Choose the Best Mushrooms
When selecting mushrooms, look for fresh cremini or button mushrooms. They should be firm and have a smooth surface. Avoid any that are slimy or have dark spots. Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge. This keeps them dry and fresh longer. Do not store them in plastic, as that traps moisture.
Perfecting the Brown Butter
To make brown butter, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams and turns a golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir gently to help it cook evenly. If it smells nutty, you’re on the right track. Stop cooking once it reaches a rich brown shade. To prevent burnt butter, keep the heat at medium and watch it closely. If it darkens too fast, lower the heat.
Serving Suggestions
These mushrooms pair well with grilled steak or roasted chicken. You can also use them as a topping on pasta or risotto. If you have leftovers, try adding them to an omelet or a savory bread pudding. Their rich flavors add a nice touch to many dishes.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms should be firm and free from blemishes. This ensures the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- Monitor Butter Closely: When browning butter, keep a close eye on it as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. The nutty aroma is your cue!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mushrooms as they cook, and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is delicious, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.

Variations
Different Mushroom Types
You can swap cremini or button mushrooms for other kinds. Shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy taste. Portobello mushrooms bring a meaty texture, perfect for a hearty dish. Wild mushrooms can offer unique flavors that surprise your taste buds. Experiment with whatever you find at your local market or grocery store.
Flavor Enhancements
To elevate the taste, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This gives a sweet and tangy kick. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy touch. You can also mix in other herbs like rosemary or oregano to create new flavors. Don’t hesitate to be creative and find what you enjoy.
Vegan Option
If you want a vegan version, simply replace the butter. Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful without any animal products. You can still achieve that nutty taste by cooking the oil well, just like with butter. Enjoy this plant-based twist while keeping the same great flavors.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms, place them in an airtight container. Let the mushrooms cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, just warm them in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freezing is a great way to keep these mushrooms for longer. Start by cooling them completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet for the best taste.
Shelf Life
The mushrooms stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you freeze them, they last for two months. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
FAQs
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried thyme. The rule is simple: use less. For this recipe, if you don’t have fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Dried herbs are stronger. So, always taste and adjust. They add great flavor, but fresh herbs shine more in this dish.
What can I serve with Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms?
These mushrooms are very versatile. They pair well with many dishes. Here are some great options:
– Grilled chicken or fish
– Steak or pork chops
– Pasta tossed with olive oil
– Creamy polenta or risotto
You can also use them as a topping for toast, burgers, or baked potatoes. The flavors blend well with many options.
How do I know when the mushrooms are done?
Perfectly cooked mushrooms have a nice brown color. They should feel tender when you poke them. You will also smell a nutty aroma from the brown butter. This means they are ready. If they are still firm or watery, keep cooking them. A little patience pays off with great flavor!
In this post, I covered how to make Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful storage tips. Choosing the right mushrooms and perfecting brown butter are also essential.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms and add your own flavors. This dish is easy to make and adds a savory touch to any meal. Enjoy your cooking and make it your ow
Brown Butter Garlic Thyme Mushrooms
A delicious and aromatic dish featuring sautéed mushrooms in brown butter, garlic, and thyme.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon Zest of
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Begin by cleaning the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel. Slice them evenly and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to cook until it starts to foam and turns a golden brown color, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent it from burning.
Once the butter is brown and has a nutty aroma, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, and toss well to coat them in the brown butter mixture.
Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and browned.
Remove the skillet from heat and add the lemon zest, mixing well to combine all flavors.
Transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve warm as a side dish or over pasta.
Keyword brown butter, garlic, mushrooms, thyme
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