When it comes to versatile ingredients, mushrooms can’t be beat. Like Brussels sprouts and beets, they do have a bit of a bad reputation (you either LOVE them or HATE them), but trust us—it’s all in how you cook them. They’re prized around the globe for a reason! They can add complexity, consistency, richness, and umami to all kinds of dishes, everything from apps to sides to mains. Check out our 35 mushroom recipes for all our favorite ways to serve them—you might just change your mind on these funghi.
Did you know that there are over 2,000 edible varieties of mushrooms out there? That means there’s a type for everyone to like, even self-proclaimed haters. Portobellos, cremini, and white button mushrooms are some of the most readily available, and they can be used in nearly every recipe on this list. They’re perfect alongside protein, like in our chicken marsala, our garlicky steak & mushroom bites, or our skillet chicken cacciatore; or paired with pasta and grains, like in our mushroom risotto, our beef stroganoff, or our creamy mushroom pasta. They also make great sides and apps, like our stuffed mushrooms, our air fryer Caprese mushrooms, our cream of mushroom soup, and our garlic butter mushrooms.
Looking to branch out? Try out some of the other somewhat readily available mushrooms, like oysters, shiitakes, maitakes, or porcinis. We’ve highlighted them here in our pasta primavera, our sautéed mushrooms, and our cheesy mushroom toast, but feel free to play around and incorporate any variety you can find into your meals to see which you like best.
Speaking of getting creative, we’d be remiss if we didn’t call out how vital mushrooms are to those following a plant-based diet. Mushrooms make surprisingly good meat substitutes, thanks to their earthy flavor and chewy, meaty texture. Try our vegan mushroom pot pie, our copycat Shake Shack ‘shroom burger, or our vegan “scallops” with succotash to see what we mean. They’re incredible whether you’re eating meatless just for Mondays or every day.
Want more vegetable inspiration? Check out our favorite carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, and butternut squash recipes too.