Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe with Thyme (2024)

This Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is so silky and the perfect addition to chicken, steak or over meatballs! Ready in under 20 minutes and simple to make.

A wonderful sauce can change and enhance the same ole' same ole' recipe and make it feel brand new. This Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is the perfect addition to steaks, chicken, meatballs and even mashed potatoes. Seasoning with thyme, garlic and pepper for a classic combination that compliments the mushrooms.

This easy homemade sauce is also customizable and can be made vegan, use several different types of mushrooms or mix up the spices. Bonus, this sauce comes together at lighting speed in about 20 minutes.

Ingredient Notes

• Mushrooms: Any mushrooms will do for this recipe, and I would go with what is in season. I used sliced baby bella mushrooms (my go-to) for this sauce and it turned out great. You could go with baby bella mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms or Crimini mushrooms. Each mushroom has its own distinct flavor so using a different one will slightly change the sauce.
• Fresh Thyme and Garlic: You can use dried if you prefer, but the fresh thyme and garlic are going to make the flavor come through stronger.
• Half and Half: Alternatively, you could use milk, heavy whipping cream, or soy milk to make this sauce vegan. Depending on which liquid you use you may need to whisk the sauce longer or shorter for it to thicken.

Why You'll LOVE It!
Quick & Easy: Ready in Under 20 Minutes!
Versatile: Works with a Variety of Different Recipes
Minimum Kitchen Tools and Ingredients Required

Instructions

1. Slice your mushroom of choice into thin slices. If using pre-sliced mushrooms you can skip this step.
2. Heat a large skillet (I love using my 12 inch iron skillet) over medium heat. Once skillet is warm, add the butter, olive oil, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned and soft stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes
3. Once the mushrooms are soft add the fresh minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add in the flour to the skillet and stir until completely dissolved. This will help the sauce thicken quicker.

1. Add the half and half (or milk).
2. Add in the fresh and dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.
3. Turn the heat up and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and whisk until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese quickly until the sauce is smooth and there are no clumps. I like to run a spoon over the bottom of the pan and when the mushroom sauce begins to leave a streak it is finished.

Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Rewarm before serving with recipe of choice. If the sauce gets too thick sitting in the fridge you may need to stir in a small amount of milk when rewarming.

Pro Tips

Don't Let it Thicken Too Long: When whisking the sauce you want to let it thicken only slightly since you will be adding in the Parmesan cheese as well. On high heat I find that my sauce is ready to go after only a few minutes.

Season Gently: You can add a little salt, pepper and thyme at a time and taste as you go. Adding too much will overpower the mushroom flavor (the star here!), therefore I would just add a little at a time to reach your optimal sauce flavor.

Crush the Parmesan Cheese: I like to add in a bit of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor. Before adding make sure there are no large clumps in the cheese so it is easier to whisk into the mushroom sauce.

Customization Ideas
Some simple ways to customize this mushroom sauce would be using a different type of mushroom, swapping out the liquid, or using different spices. Some different spice you could use to change the flavor of the sauce would be fresh rosemary instead of thyme or even oregano. Also, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a punch of spice.

FAQS

Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Chicken Spiedini: Use this creamy mushroom sauce recipe instead of the suggested lemon butter sauce to transform this crispy spiedini!
• Pepper Crusted Steak (Featured): This cast iron steak is is made for this mushroom sauce! Seriously, a match made in food heaven.
• Oven Baked Beef Meatballs: The perfect pairing for these meatballs that will take family dinners to the next (and delicious) level!
• Instant Pot Rotisserie Style Chicken: Another wonderful, quick option for a tasty family dinner. This creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with this juicy chicken recipe.
• Country Fried Pork Chops: A tasty comfort food option that will go wonderfully with this sauce.
• Ricotta Gnocchi: A great vegetarian option to pair this mushroom sauce with.
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes: These vegan potatoes are creamy and this sauce works great as a gravy alternative. To make this mushroom sauce vegan see alteration suggestions in the recipe notes.

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Happy Eating!

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