Name: Easy 5 Ingredient Marsala Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced or left whole if small; 3 small shallots, peeled and quartered; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup marsala cooking wine; 1/2 cup crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Marsala mushrooms are a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings richness with minimal ingredients. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a last-minute addition to your dinner or holiday spread. If you love mushrooms, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

A bowl filled with cooked mushrooms and onions covered in a thick glossy brown sauce, garnished with small green herb leaves scattered on top. The mushrooms are sliced and have a rich golden brown color with a slightly glossy texture, mixed with translucent light brown onion pieces. The food is placed in a grey textured bowl, which sits on a white plate with a subtle pattern. A black-handled spoon with a gold scoop rests inside the bowl on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred amber jar in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large
3 small shallots, peeled and quartered
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Marsala cooking wine
1/4 cup crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallots, cooking for 7 to 8 minutes with occasional stirring until they are soft and golden.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring gently to release the aromas.
Step 3: Pour in the Marsala cooking wine and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by two-thirds and concentrate the flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then cook while stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side or topping for your favorite protein.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle for a more complex flavor.
Substitute canned pearl onions for shallots if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
For extra richness, spoon leftover crème fraîche into mashed potatoes or use it as a dollop on soups and tacos.
Serve these mushrooms over steak, pork chops, toast with cream cheese, or egg noodles for variety.

Storage

Store leftover marsala mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as mushrooms can become spongy when thawed. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl filled with cooked mushrooms and onions in a rich brown sauce, with small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. The mushrooms are sliced and have a shiny, soft texture, while the onion pieces are larger and slightly translucent. The bowl is a speckled dark gray, set on a white plate beneath it. A gold and black spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The whole setting sits on a white marbled surface with a glass partially visible to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of wine if I don’t have Marsala?

While Marsala wine provides a unique sweet and dry balance perfect for this dish, you can substitute dry sherry or a dry white wine. The flavor will differ slightly but will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of crème fraîche?

Mascarpone cheese is an excellent alternative that adds a similar creamy texture and tang. Sour cream could also work, but it may slightly alter the flavor and consistency of the sauce.