Name: Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

What is this creamy mushroom sauce? It’s like the little black dress of the kitchen – always appropriate, always a hit, and surprisingly, despite the fact that it was made for the same purpose. Is it easy to pull off? How do you make an Alfredo sauce? Is this Alfredo’s more sophisticated, earthy cousin? I remember the first time I made this. I want to make this again. I was trying to impress my husband, and let’s just say, the silence at the table spoke to me. What is the best part about it? What are some foolproof ways to elevate even the simplest weeknight meal? What is this creamy mushroom sauce?

What is Creamy Mushroom Sauce?

What is this magical elixir? What is creamy mushroom sauce? What is essentially a béchamel base (butter, flour, milk) jazzed up with sautéed mushrooms and seasoned. Think of it as a blank canvas for flavor – you can add garlic, herbs, sprinkling of wine, or even just plain vanilla. What’s your favourite truffle oil? What is the umami bomb you didn’t know your pasta was missing? I always find myself using this sauce as a great base for many other sauces because it’s so good.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this recipe. Firstly, the flavor is out of this world! You get that rich, earthy mushroom taste combined with the creamy, comforting sauce. It’s a flavor profile that just works. Secondly, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Seriously, if you can melt butter and stir a pot, you can make this sauce. Don’t be intimidated by the “sauce” part, it’s easier than you think. Cost-efficiency is another major win. Mushrooms are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. This sauce is a great way to elevate a budget meal. And lastly, its versatility is unmatched. You can serve it over pasta, steak, chicken, vegetables… you name it! It even works as a dip for crusty bread. What I love most about this creamy mushroom sauce is that it turns even the most boring meals into something special. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters. Compared to other creamy sauces, like a heavy cream-based sauce, this feels much lighter and brighter, even though it’s still wonderfully rich. I’ve even compared this to a basic gravy recipe and found it to be more interesting flavor-wise.

How do I make creamy mushroom sauce?

Quick Overview

How do you make a creamy mushroom sauce? I’m going to start by sautéing some mushrooms in butter until they’re nice and golden. How do you make a simple roux sauce? Next, we’ll add milk (or cream, if you’re feeling fancy) and let it simmer until it’s nice and thick. We’ll season it to perfection and you are all set! What’s the beauty of this method of making sauce? I know you’ll be whipping this up on repeat!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Creamy Mushroom Sauce?

1 pound mushrooms, sliced (I like cremini, but button or shiitake work too)
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. 2 teaspoons
2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half recommended for richness, but I’ve even used almond milk in this recipe). In a pinch, and it was surprisingly good!
What is the best white wine to drink?
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste.
A pinch of nutmeg (seriously, don’t skip this!) and a pinch

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’re golden brown and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches to get a good sear. This is where most of the flavor develops, so don’t rush it! Make sure the mushrooms are golden brown for the best flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? The aroma should be heavenly at this point!

Step 3: Make the Roux

What is the best way to cook mushrooms in a skillet? Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms. What is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our sauce. You want to cook it long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste, but not so long that it browns.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at the time, making sure to smooth out any lumps before adding the cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken. This is a crucial step, so be patient and whisk, whisk!

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking. What is the desired consistency Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 6: Add Wine (Optional)

If using wine, stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering. Let it reduce slightly for the flavor to meld with the sauce.

Step 7: Season

Stir in the chopped parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. I always add a little extra pepper – it really complements the earthy mushrooms. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect!

Step 8: Serve!

Serve immediately over pasta, steak, chicken, or vegetables. What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese and parsley with your favorite pasta?

What should I serve it with?

What is the beauty of this creamy mushroom sauce? I’ve tried it over everything from steak to veggies!For a Cozy Night In: Serve it over your favorite pasta (fettuccine or linguine are classic choices), paired with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine. This is my go-to for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.

For a Special Occasion:What is the best way to serve grilled chicken or a pan-seared steak? Add roasted asparagus or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.As an appetizer:Serve it as a dip with crusty bread or crostini.What is a vegetarian meal?Toss it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or Butternut Squash. It adds a creamy richness that elevates the veggies to another level. My family loves pasta with grilled chicken. What are some good alternatives? I love using it as a sauce for homemade pizzas, so good! My husband likes it best served with steak.

How do I make creamy mushroom sauce?

What are some of the best ways to make a creamy mushroom sauce? What have I learned from life?Mushroom Prep:Don’t wash the mushrooms! They absorb water and won’t brown properly. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. How do you slice mushrooms evenly?Mixing Advice:When making roux, make sure to cook it for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour. When adding milk, do it gradually, whisking constantly, to prevent lumps from forming.Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. I sometimes swap out the parsley for thyme or chives, depending on what I have on hand. If you want a bit of brightness, you can add lemon juice at the end of the recipe.Baking Tips:If you’re serving the sauce over something that needs to be baked, like chicken or vegetables, you can serve it over it. Can you bake it all together in the oven? Just make sure the sauce doesn’t dry out – you might need to add a little extra liquid. I have learned that patience is key when making this sauce. Don’t rush the mushroom sautéing process, and don’T add milk all at once. How do I make a smoother sauce?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

Got leftovers? No problem! This creamy mushroom sauce stores beautifully.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. Don’t boil it, as it can curdle. If you’re reheating it from frozen, it might separate a little. Just whisk it vigorously until it’s smooth again.

I always make a double batch of this sauce so I can have some on hand for quick weeknight meals. It’s a lifesaver!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a 1:1 replacement blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious. I’ve used rice flour and tapioca starch mixed together with great results.

Can I use dried mushrooms?

Yes, you can! Soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until they’re rehydrated. Drain them, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop them. Use the soaking liquid instead of broth or wine for extra mushroom flavor! Be sure to strain the liquid first to remove any grit.

Can I add cream cheese for extra creaminess?

Definitely! Add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, tangier flavor. Just make sure it’s softened so it melts easily into the sauce. You might need to add a little extra milk to thin it out.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Make the sauce up to 2-3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a little extra milk to thin it out.

What if my sauce is too thick?

No problem! Just add a little extra milk or broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to make sure it’s fully incorporated.

Final Thoughts

This creamy mushroom sauce is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you can easily master this recipe. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms combined with the creamy sauce is simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Garlic Butter shrimp scampi, or my lemon garlic pasta recipe. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it, and be sure to share your own variations. And don’t forget to rate this recipe!