If you’re searching for an incredibly flavorful and effortless appetizer or side dish, look no further than these **Irresistible Slow Cooker Garlic Mushrooms**. Perfectly tender and infused with a rich blend of herbs and spices, these mushrooms are a true culinary delight that practically cook themselves. Imagine stepping into your home and being greeted by the warm, earthy aroma of garlic and mushrooms simmering to perfection – that’s the delightful experience awaiting you with this recipe. Whether you’re a devoted mushroom lover or simply looking for a simple yet impressive dish, this Crockpot Garlic Mushroom recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Discover the Ease of Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms
There’s something uniquely satisfying about slow-cooked dishes, and these garlic mushrooms are no exception. For my husband, John, who could happily eat mushrooms every single day, this recipe is a dream come true. While I might be a little more selective with my mushroom dishes, even I can appreciate the incredible flavor and utter simplicity of this slow cooker preparation. It truly transforms humble mushrooms into a gourmet-like experience with minimal effort.
If you’re a fan of convenient and crowd-pleasing slow cooker appetizers, you might also enjoy our CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Meatball Recipe. We also have an extensive collection of appetizer recipes on the blog, perfect for any gathering or casual snack time. Appetizers are one of my favorite things to prepare because they offer a fantastic way to explore different flavors and cater to various tastes without the pressure of a main course.
Why These Slow Cooker Mushrooms Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
- **Effortless Preparation:** The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- **Rich, Deep Flavor:** Slow cooking tenderizes the mushrooms beautifully and allows them to soak up all the aromatic garlic and seasoning.
- **Versatile Serving:** Perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even an addition to main courses.
- **Minimal Cleanup:** One pot for cooking means less washing up afterwards!
- **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Ideal for parties or meal prepping, as they taste even better the next day.
Essential Ingredients for Your Epic Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms
Crafting these epic Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms requires only a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of savory flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how basic pantry staples can come together to create something truly special. For exact measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check the complete recipe card at the very end of this post.
- **Olive Oil:** The foundation of our flavor, olive oil helps sauté the mushrooms and garlic, bringing out their initial aromas and creating a rich base for the slow cooking process. You can substitute with butter for an even richer, more decadent flavor profile.
- **Mushrooms:** The star of the show! While white button mushrooms or cremini (baby bellas) are excellent choices for their tender texture and earthy taste, feel free to experiment with other varieties like sliced portobello, shiitake, or even a mix of your favorites for added complexity. Ensure they are fresh and firm.
- **Garlic:** Abundant fresh minced garlic is essential for that irresistible aromatic punch that makes these mushrooms so delicious. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- **Dried Italian Seasoning**: A blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a robust, herbaceous note that complements the earthy mushrooms beautifully.
- **Salt & Pepper:** Basic seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- **Hot Pepper Flakes**: These add a gentle kick of heat, elevating the dish without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add a bit more, or omit if you’re sensitive to heat.
- **White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) provides a wonderful depth of flavor and acidity. It deglazes the pan and contributes to the rich sauce. For an alcohol-free option, white wine vinegar or vegetable broth can be used.
- **Tomato Paste:** A small amount of tomato paste is a secret weapon for adding umami and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the mushrooms and wine. It contributes to a more complex flavor profile.
- **Minced Fresh Oregano or Flat-Leaf Fresh Parsley:** A final sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish and adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Parsley offers a clean, peppery note, while oregano provides a more pungent, earthy aroma.
Choosing and Preparing Your Mushrooms
For the best Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms, always start with fresh, firm mushrooms. Avoid any that look slimy or overly soft. When cleaning, gently wipe them with a damp cloth or a soft mushroom brush to remove any dirt. It’s generally best to avoid rinsing them under running water, as mushrooms are porous and can absorb too much moisture, leading to a less intense flavor and a mushy texture. Simply trim off any tough ends of the stems, and they’re ready for slicing.
Equipment Needed for Success
The star equipment for this recipe is, of course, a Crockpot (Slow Cooker). We highly recommend using one with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring your mushrooms cook perfectly without the risk of overcooking, even if you’re not home precisely when they finish.
- **Large Skillet:** Used for quickly sautéing the mushrooms and garlic before transferring them to the slow cooker, this step builds a foundational layer of flavor.
- **Small Bowl:** Handy for whisking together the white wine and tomato paste.
- **Whisk:** For smoothly combining the liquid ingredients.
These Crockpot Mushrooms, infused with garlic and seasoned to perfection, make a fantastic appetizer or a versatile side dish for almost any meal. If you’re planning to serve them at a party, consider offering them with tiny forks or toothpicks to make it easy for guests to enjoy them without fuss.
Preparation, Storage, and Reheating for Ultimate Convenience
One of the many advantages of this Slow Cooker Garlic Mushroom recipe is its excellent make-ahead and storage potential. These mushrooms are just as delicious, if not more so, the day after they’re prepared, making them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
Make-Ahead + Storage
This savory vegetable side dish is wonderfully make-ahead-friendly. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to three days, ready to be enjoyed whenever you need a quick, flavorful bite.
Freezing/How to Freeze
For longer storage, these Crockpot Mushrooms can be frozen. Simply transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date, and they will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. This is a great way to have a ready-made appetizer or side dish on hand.
How to Reheat
Reheating these delicious mushrooms is straightforward. For smaller portions, the microwave works perfectly – simply heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you have a larger quantity or prefer the slow cooker method, you can gently reheat them in your CrockPot on the “warm” setting. For best results and even heating, especially if reheating from frozen, it’s advisable to thaw the mushrooms overnight in the refrigerator before warming them up.
Customizing Your Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms: Recipe Variations
This recipe provides a fantastic base, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous delicious variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!
Substitutions
- **Olive Oil Swap:** For an even richer, buttery flavor, you can easily replace the olive oil with an equal amount of unsalted butter for sautéing the mushrooms.
- **Herb Alternatives:** While Italian seasoning is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like herbes de Provence, a mix of rosemary and thyme, or even a touch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- **Liquid Options:** If you prefer an alcohol-free version, swap the white wine with an equal amount of white wine vinegar for a similar acidic tang, or use vegetable broth for a savory depth.
We absolutely adore the herbaceous and garlicky notes these mushrooms contribute to Italian, French, and other European-inspired meals. However, this recipe is just one of countless ways to enjoy the versatility of Crockpot Mushrooms!
Dietary Considerations
- **Vegetarian & Vegan Option:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it a wonderful addition to plant-based diets.
- **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is also inherently gluten-free. However, it’s always a good practice to double-check the label on your tomato paste before starting, as some specific brands might contain gluten-unsafe additives.
- **Sugar-Free:** The original recipe contains a minimal 1 gram of sugar per serving, primarily from the natural sugars in the ingredients.
Adjusting Serving Size & Spice Level
- **Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings:** The provided recipe makes approximately 16 servings, which is excellent for entertaining. If you need a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients. For a larger crowd, you can scale the recipe up, but be mindful that you might need to cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- **Make it Spicy:** If you love a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper chili flakes. For an even bolder kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful slow cooker mushrooms is simple with a few helpful tips:
- **Mushroom Variety:** While white button mushrooms and cremini (baby bellas) are excellent choices, don’t be afraid to experiment! Sliced shiitake mushrooms add an umami depth, while quartered portobello mushrooms can provide a meatier texture. Any mushroom variety that can be easily picked up with a fork will work wonderfully in this recipe.
- **Sautéing First:** Don’t skip the initial sautéing step in the skillet. This crucial step caramelizes the mushrooms and garlic, developing a deeper, richer flavor that truly enhances the final slow-cooked dish. It also helps prevent the mushrooms from becoming watery in the slow cooker.
- **Serving Suggestions for Parties:** When presenting these on a party platter, alongside the suggested tiny forks, toothpicks are also a convenient option for guests. Arrange them attractively to make a tempting display.
- **Don’t Overcrowd:** When initially sautéing, if you have a very large batch of mushrooms, it’s better to do it in two separate batches rather than overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the mushrooms instead of browning them.
- **Nutrition Information:** Please note that detailed nutrition information, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin C), minerals (like potassium, calcium, iron), and fat content (total, trans, mono, polyunsaturated), will always vary based on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients you use. Always refer to your product labels for the most accurate data.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms
These aromatic and tender mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They shine as a standalone appetizer, a fantastic accompaniment to a hearty meal, or a delightful addition to a plant-based menu. Their earthy, garlicky profile makes them especially suited for a variety of cuisines.
As an Appetizer or Side Dish
These mushrooms are ideal for a cozy date night, a sophisticated cocktail party, or simply as a flavorful snack. They can elevate a simple weeknight meal or add a touch of elegance to a holiday spread.
Hearty & Rustic Main Dishes
The robust flavors of these mushrooms perfectly complement rich, savory main courses, especially those inspired by Italian, French, or other European culinary traditions.
- CrockPot Spinach Lasagna
- Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread
- Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs
- Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole
- CrockPot Chicken Stroganoff
- CrockPot Chicken Parmesan
- CrockPot Mushroom Pasta Casserole
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Classic grilled or pan-seared steak
Complementary Soups & Sides
Pair these mushrooms with other comforting dishes to create a complete meal:
- CrockPot Italian Wedding Soup
- CrockPot Zuppa Toscana Soup
- CopyCat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- CopyCat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- CrockPot Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
- CrockPot Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Olive Garden Breadsticks
Sweet Endings & Refreshing Drinks
Balance the savory notes with a delightful dessert and a perfectly paired drink:
- **Desserts:** CopyCat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake, Sweet & Salty Chocolate Dessert Bar, Creme Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, Apple Blackberry Fruit Tart, Mini Black Forest Cakes, Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake, Lemon Meringue Cookies, Guinness Chocolate Cake Pops.
- **Drinks:** Tiramisu Martini, Carnival Cruise French Kiss Cocktail, White Wine Margarita, Oh Honey Bee Moscato Wine Cocktail, Raspberry Lemonade Moscato Punch Cocktail, Lemon Drop Martini, Raspberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan Cocktail, Pimm’s Cup, Alchemist Sidecar.
When to Serve These Flavorful Mushrooms
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Date Night
- Italian Night
- Cocktail Party
- Holiday Gatherings
- Game Day Appetizer
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you loved these Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic recipe collections:
Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes – Easy Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes perfect for every occasion! From family dinners to potlucks these ground beef recipes are perfect!
Easy Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes – Our favorite slow cooker recipes that are vegetarian and taste great, just like these mushrooms.
Vegetable Side Dish Recipes – The perfect veggie side dishes for dinner or holidays, offering a variety of flavors and preparations.
Cherry Pie Filling Recipes – These delightful cherry pie filling recipes, ranging from Crock Pot favorites to boxed cake mix treats, are made instantly with ruby red cherry pie filling in a can, but they can also be made with any quality pie filling you have.
What to Serve with Ham – Discover great side dishes that pair perfectly with ham for your next holiday meal or family dinner.
Kielbasa Recipes – Explore epic Kielbasa Recipes you will love! Everything from warming soups and stews to delicious appetizers and versatile side dishes featuring Kielbasa!
What to Make with Celery – Are you wondering what to make with that leftover celery in your fridge? These are our favorite recipes featuring celery.
Don’t miss all of our favorite slow cooker side dishes for effortless meal preparation.
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes for more inspiration.
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Crock Pot Mushrooms Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Garlic Mushroom Recipe! These are the perfect appetizer for parties.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 38 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 ½ pounds mushrooms
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper chili flakes
- 3 Tablespoon white wine
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh oregano or flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add in mushrooms and garlic, cook stirring often for 5 minutes, until mushrooms start to brown.
- Transfer to crock pot, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot pepper flakes.
- Stir together wine and tomato paste in a small bowl, pour over mushrooms.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-4 hours.
- Turn to warm for serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Crock Pot Mushrooms Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 38 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g 3%
Sodium 83mg 4%
Potassium 152mg 4%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Sugar 1g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 30IU 1%
Vitamin C 1.3mg 2%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0.4mg 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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This recipe was originally published in 2015 and updated in November of 2017 and April 5, 2020. This version has been further enhanced and updated in [Current Date, e.g., October 27, 2023] for optimal clarity and SEO.