Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms are tender, buttery mushrooms cooked slowly with plenty of fresh garlic and savory herbs. As they cook, the mushrooms release their natural juices and mingle with the melted butter, creating a flavorful sauce that coats every bite.

This is the kind of side dish that requires very little attention once everything goes into the slow cooker. There’s no standing over a skillet or cooking mushrooms in multiple batches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The slow cooker does almost all the work. Once the mushrooms are cleaned and the ingredients are added, you can leave them to cook until tender.

Garlic, butter, and herbs give the mushrooms plenty of flavor without covering up their natural earthy taste. The juices released during cooking also create their own savory sauce.

They’re incredibly versatile too. Serve them alongside steak, chicken, potatoes, or pasta, or spoon them over toasted bread for an easy appetizer.

Whole or halved mushrooms work especially well because they hold their shape during the longer cooking time. By the end, they’re tender and juicy without completely falling apart.

These mushrooms are easy enough for a weeknight but also work beautifully as a holiday side. Serve them warm with some of the garlicky herb butter spooned from the bottom of the slow cooker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:

Whole mushrooms
Unsalted butter
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Dried thyme
Salt
Black pepper

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms

Step 1: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel or soft brush. Trim the ends of the stems if necessary. Leave smaller mushrooms whole and halve any especially large ones.

Step 2: Place the mushrooms in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them into a relatively even layer.

Step 3: Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Pour the garlic herb butter evenly over the mushrooms.

Step 5: Gently toss the mushrooms until they’re coated as evenly as possible in the butter and seasonings.

Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the mushrooms are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 7: Give the mushrooms a gentle stir toward the end of cooking so they’re coated in the buttery juices that have collected at the bottom.

Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve warm with some of the garlic herb cooking juices spooned over the top.

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushroom Variations

Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the hot mushrooms shortly before serving for a salty, cheesy finish.

Extra-Garlic Mushrooms

Increase the minced garlic when you want a stronger garlic flavor throughout the buttery sauce.

Rosemary Garlic Mushrooms

Add dried or finely chopped fresh rosemary for a more pronounced herbal flavor.

Balsamic Garlic Mushrooms

Add a small splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms.

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Stir in a little heavy cream toward the end of cooking for a richer, creamy mushroom side dish.

Storing Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms

Let leftovers cool, then transfer the mushrooms and some of their cooking juices to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours and use within about 3–4 days.

FAQ

What Kind Of Mushrooms Work Best?

White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are both excellent choices. Cremini mushrooms have a slightly deeper, earthier flavor.

Should I Slice The Mushrooms?

Not unless they’re particularly large. Whole or halved mushrooms hold their texture much better during slow cooking.

Do I Need To Add Water Or Broth?

No. Mushrooms naturally release quite a bit of liquid as they cook, and the butter provides additional moisture.

Why Is There So Much Liquid In My Slow Cooker?

That’s normal. Mushrooms contain a lot of water and release it during cooking. The liquid combines with the butter, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful cooking sauce.

Should I Wash Mushrooms?

You can quickly rinse particularly dirty mushrooms, but avoid soaking them. A damp paper towel or mushroom brush is usually enough to clean them.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes. They reheat well, although their texture is best when freshly cooked.

Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave until thoroughly hot. Keeping some of the buttery juices with the mushrooms prevents them from drying out.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms

Steak: Buttery garlic mushrooms are a classic side for a simply seasoned steak.
Roast chicken: The savory mushroom juices work beautifully alongside tender roasted chicken.
Mashed potatoes: Spoon the mushrooms and some of their garlic butter sauce over creamy mashed potatoes.
Egg noodles: Toss the mushrooms with warm noodles for a simple, comforting side.
Roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli add color and variety alongside the rich mushrooms.
Crusty bread: Warm bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery garlic herb juices left in the serving dish.

Avoid cutting the mushrooms too small. Whole or halved mushrooms stand up much better to several hours of slow cooking and give the finished dish a more substantial texture.

And don’t worry when you see plenty of liquid collecting in the crockpot. The mushrooms naturally release moisture, and those juices become part of the flavorful garlic herb sauce.