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Cremini mushrooms are one of the most versatile varieties around! Here’s more about this fungi and some easy, tasty recipes.
When it comes to fungi, cremini mushrooms are where it’s at! These small, round mushrooms are some of the most versatile and delicious varieties to use in your cooking. In fact, they’re one of the most common in the world! What’s not to love about their savory, juicy flavor? Here’s a bit more about this delicious variety, why to add it to your cooking, and a few easy recipes to start with (like these mega delicious roasted cremini mushrooms!).
What are cremini mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms are a small mushroom with a round brown top. It’s one of the most widely consumed mushroom varieties in the world, called Agaricus bisporus. Here are a few fun facts about the cremini:
- Cremini mushrooms are also known as baby bella mushrooms. Have you seen baby bella mushrooms in the store? It’s another name for the cremini.
- Cremini mushrooms are the same variety as button mushrooms and portobellos. White mushrooms, aka button mushrooms, are an earlier growth stage, so they have a milder flavor. Portobello mushrooms are the oldest stage, so they have the most meaty and savory flavor.
- What do cremini mushrooms taste like? They have an earthy, savory flavor that tastes like a milder version of a portobello.
How to store and clean them
What’s the best way to keep cremini mushrooms fresh? And how to clean them once you’re ready to cook? Here’s what to know:
- Store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not produce drawer). You can leave them in the package they come in, but the best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag. Why? Paper allows them to breathe. Leave them in the main part of the refrigerator to get good airflow, not the produce drawer.
- Clean them with a quick rinse. Give the mushrooms a quick rinse to get off any dirt. Contrary to what you might think, it’s ok to rinse your mushrooms. Here’s our master method for How to Clean Mushrooms.
How to cook cremini mushrooms: basic methods
There are a few ways to cook cremini mushrooms: the easiest is sauteed or roasted. Jump to the roasted mushrooms recipe below, or follow these steps for the basic methods:
- Wash & slice the mushrooms. Remove any dirt using this easy method, then slice the mushrooms.
- Sauté them: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Cook the mushrooms for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add salt and pepper and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add a spritz of lemon juice to finish.
- Or, roast them: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder and kosher salt. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.
Cremini mushroom recipes
Want more ways to use this tasty edible fungus? There are so many fantastic recipes for using this versatile mushroom, like pizza, pasta, and more! Here are some of our favorite cremini mushroom recipes:
Roasted Cremini Mushrooms
Roasted cremini mushrooms are savory and tender! Scroll down for the recipe.
Sauteed Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms are fantastic sauteed: and so quick and easy! Add fresh herbs and lemon juice for beautiful flavor.
Cremini Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan
Add mushrooms and Parmesan to pasta for an irresistibly tasty main dish.
Cremini Mushroom Pizza
Top pizza with sauteed cremini mushrooms for big savory flavor.
Mushroom Barley Soup
Mushrooms and chewy barley make a cozy, filling soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Cremini mushrooms are the perfect pair with earthy wild rice in this creamy soup. Also try Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup.
Farro with Mushrooms & Parmesan
Add cremini mushrooms to whole grain farro for a tasty side dish.
Mushroom Risotto
Sauteed cremini mushrooms make magic with arborio rice in a creamy risotto.
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Cremini mushrooms add big meaty flavor to vegan gravy.
Brie & Mushroom Quesadilla
Grill up a gourmet quesadilla with brie cheese and savory cremini mushrooms.
Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
Add onions and Worchestershire to cremini mushrooms, and they're a fancy side dish for any main.
Grilled Cremini Mushrooms
Throw cremini mushrooms onto the grill to make smoky, savory skewers.
Cremini mushroom substitutes
Are there any substitutes for cremini mushrooms? As you might expect: the best substitutes are all in the family. Here’s what we recommend:
- Button mushrooms: The best substitute for cremini mushrooms? White mushrooms or button mushrooms, the same variety but one stage earlier. The flavor of the button variety is milder, but the shape is almost exactly the same. It’s the best substitute.
- Portobello mushrooms (chopped): The next best replacement? Portobellos. Portobello mushrooms are the same variety but one stage older, which gives them a more meaty, savory flavor. The only situation this doesn’t work? Making small stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer, since portobellos are so much larger. In that case, opt for the button variety instead.
More types of mushrooms
There are so many other types of mushrooms to try! Sample them all:
- Oyster Mushrooms have delicate flavor and are great sauteed
- King Oyster Mushrooms are large and meaty, great as a meat substitute
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are fantastic fried up and eaten in a sandwich (they’re very meaty!)
- Enoki Mushrooms are great for sauteeing or using to top ramen or a hot pot
- Portobello Mushrooms are a treat stuffed, grilled or in a burger
- Maitake Mushrooms (aka Hen of the Woods) have feathered edges and an earthy, peppery flavor
- Beech Mushrooms are small, delicate and savory
This cremini mushroom recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Print
Roasted Cremini Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
You won’t be able to stop eating these roasted cremini mushrooms! Meaty, tender and juicy, they’ll make a mushroom lover out of anyone.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like chives and thyme, or substitute ½ tablespoon dried)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clean the mushrooms and pat them dry. Slice the mushrooms in half. In a large bowl, toss them with the olive oil, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mushrooms in a single layer on top.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Serve topped with fresh herbs.
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Vegetables
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Cremini mushrooms, what are cremini mushrooms, cremini mushroom recipes
