Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Mushrooms are a hearty, savory side dish or appetizer loaded with bold flavors. These mushrooms are sautéed until tender and then tossed with garlic, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs, making them perfect to pair with grilled meats or serve as a satisfying vegetarian option. Their rich, umami-packed taste and rustic charm make them a standout addition to any meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
baby bella or cremini mushrooms
unsalted butter
olive oil
garlic cloves
Worcestershire sauce
soy sauce
fresh thyme or rosemary
salt
black pepper
chopped parsley (for garnish)
directions
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and trim the stems if needed.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mushrooms and sauté until they begin to brown and release moisture, about 6-8 minutes.
Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and herbs to the skillet.
Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are tender and coated in the sauce, about 3-4 more minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 as a side dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky depth of flavor.
Toss in cooked bacon or pancetta for extra richness.
Use a mix of wild mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
Serve over toast or rice for a light meal option.
storage/reheating
Store leftover Cowboy Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
What type of mushrooms work best?
Baby bella or cremini mushrooms are ideal for their meaty texture and deep flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter and omit Worcestershire or use a vegan alternative.
Do I need to slice the mushrooms?
Whole mushrooms are traditional, but you can slice them for faster cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add chili flakes or hot sauce—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Can I prepare Cowboy Mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes, reheat them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I grill the mushrooms?
Yes, you can marinate them and grill them on skewers for a smoky variation.
What do Cowboy Mushrooms pair well with?
They’re excellent with steak, grilled chicken, or as a burger topping.
Do I need fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended, as mushrooms can become soggy after freezing.
Are Cowboy Mushrooms keto-friendly?
Yes, they’re low in carbs and high in flavor.
Conclusion
Cowboy Mushrooms are a flavorful and versatile side that can elevate any meal with their savory, buttery, and herbaceous character. Whether you’re preparing a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick skillet side, these mushrooms bring big flavor with minimal effort. They’re rustic, satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
PrintCowboy Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory sautéed mushrooms infused with cowboy butter—a flavorful compound butter with herbs, garlic, and spices—creating a rich and hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lb white button mushrooms, cleaned
- 1 cup cowboy butter (compound butter with herbs, garlic, and spices)
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard or Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the cowboy butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and toss to coat evenly with the butter.
- Stir in the mustard, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for 18–22 minutes until tender and browned.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and parsley if using.
- Serve immediately as a side or topping.
Notes
- Cowboy butter can be made in advance with garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days and reheat in a skillet.
- Cremini or portobello mushrooms can be used for variation.
- Great as a steak topping or side dish for grilled meals.