These Classic Sauteed Mushrooms are a simple, yet flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. With a hint of garlic and thyme, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The star of the show here is the mushrooms. Whether you choose cremini or button, they provide a rich, earthy flavor that becomes wonderfully caramelized when sautéed. The unsalted butter adds a creamy richness, while olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth, and white wine acts as a deglazing agent, lifting all those tasty bits from the pan while adding a slight acidity. Finally, fresh thyme adds a hint of herbal freshness, and of course, a sprinkle of salt and pepper rounds everything out.
These sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic topping for steak or chicken. They’re also delightful tossed with pasta or served over polenta. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing them with a hearty grain like farro or quinoa.
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot before adding the mushrooms, so they sear instead of steam. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, it's time to add the mushrooms. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. Let them cook undisturbed for about three minutes; this helps them develop a golden brown color.
After the initial sear, give them a quick stir and continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to be golden brown and tender. Now, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Stir them in and let them cook for two more minutes. You’ll start to smell the fragrant garlic and thyme as they bloom, which is your cue for the next step.
Pour in the white wine. This will sizzle and steam, so be ready! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — those are flavor gold. Let the wine cook off until it’s mostly evaporated. Finally, season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, giving it one last stir before serving.