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:
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!
