Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon

Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon is a savory, indulgent dish that combines rich, creamy sauce with earthy mushrooms and crispy bacon. The garlic adds depth of flavor, while the bacon provides a satisfying crunch. This dish can be served on its own as a side, or over pasta, rice, or potatoes for a more complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion when you’re craving something rich and comforting.

Here’s a simple recipe to make Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon:

Table of Contents

Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Recipe

Ingredients:

8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your preferred type)

4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

In the same skillet (leave some bacon grease in for flavor), melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown and tender. You may need to add a little extra butter if the pan looks dry.

3. Add the Garlic:

Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Make the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), and add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine with Bacon:

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy mushroom sauce. Let everything warm through for about 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

With Pasta: Serve this creamy garlic mushroom and bacon sauce over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a comforting pasta dish.
With Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the creamy mushroom and bacon mixture over mashed potatoes for a rich, indulgent side dish.

Over Rice: Serve over a bed of white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
As a Side Dish: This dish is perfect as a side to grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops.
On Toast or Crostini: For a simple appetizer, serve the creamy mushroom and bacon mix on top of toasted baguette slices or crostini.

Tips and Variations:

Mushroom Variations: Feel free to mix and match mushrooms. Cremini, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms work particularly well for more complex flavors.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing for a little heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or oregano can be used instead of thyme to vary the flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: If you want to add some extra vegetables, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale to the creamy sauce for extra greens.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon is a rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to please anyone who loves savory, indulgent food. It’s versatile, comforting, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Enjoy this creamy delight!