Cremini Mushrooms Info Recipes

When it comes to fungi, cremini mushrooms are where it’s at! These small, round mushrooms are some of the most versatile and delicious varieties to use in your cooking. In fact, they’re one of the most common in the world! What’s not to love about their savory, juicy flavor? Here’s a bit more about this delicious variety, why to add it to your cooking, and a few easy recipes to start with (like these mega delicious roasted cremini mushrooms!).

What are cremini mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms are a small mushroom with a round brown top. It’s one of the most widely consumed mushroom varieties in the world, called Agaricus bisporus. Here are a few fun facts about the cremini:

Cremini mushrooms are also known as baby bella mushrooms. Have you seen baby bella mushrooms in the store? It’s another name for the cremini.Cremini mushrooms are the same variety as button mushrooms and portobellos. White mushrooms, aka button mushrooms, are an earlier growth stage, so they have a milder flavor. Portobello mushrooms are the oldest stage, so they have the most meaty and savory flavor.What do cremini mushrooms taste like? They have an earthy, savory flavor that tastes like a milder version of a portobello.

How to store and clean them

What’s the best way to keep cremini mushrooms fresh? And how to clean them once you’re ready to cook? Here’s what to know:

Store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not produce drawer). You can leave them in the package they come in, but the best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag. Why? Paper allows them to breathe. Leave them in the main part of the refrigerator to get good airflow, not the produce drawer.Clean them with a quick rinse. Give the mushrooms a quick rinse to get off any dirt. Contrary to what you might think, it’s ok to rinse your mushrooms. Here’s our master method for How to Clean Mushrooms.

How to cook cremini mushrooms: basic methods

There are a few ways to cook cremini mushrooms: the easiest is sauteed or roasted. Jump to the roasted mushrooms recipe below, or follow these steps for the basic methods:

Wash & slice the mushrooms. Remove any dirt using this easy method, then slice the mushrooms.Sauté them: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Cook the mushrooms for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add salt and pepper and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add a spritz of lemon juice to finish.Or, roast them: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder and kosher salt. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.

Cremini mushroom recipes

Want more ways to use this tasty edible fungus? There are so many fantastic recipes for using this versatile mushroom, like pizza, pasta, and more! Here are some of our favorite cremini mushroom recipes:

Cremini mushroom substitutes

Are there any substitutes for cremini mushrooms? As you might expect: the best substitutes are all in the family. Here’s what we recommend:

Button mushrooms: The best substitute for cremini mushrooms? White mushrooms or button mushrooms, the same variety but one stage earlier. The flavor of the button variety is milder, but the shape is almost exactly the same. It’s the best substitute. Portobello mushrooms (chopped): The next best replacement? Portobellos. Portobello mushrooms are the same variety but one stage older, which gives them a more meaty, savory flavor. The only situation this doesn’t work? Making small stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer, since portobellos are so much larger. In that case, opt for the button variety instead.

More types of mushrooms

There are so many other types of mushrooms to try! Sample them all:

Oyster Mushrooms have delicate flavor and are great sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms are large and meaty, great as a meat substituteLion’s Mane Mushrooms are fantastic fried up and eaten in a sandwich (they’re very meaty!)Enoki Mushrooms are great for sauteeing or using to top ramen or a hot potPortobello Mushrooms are a treat stuffed, grilled or in a burgerMaitake Mushrooms (aka Hen of the Woods) have feathered edges and an earthy, peppery flavorBeech Mushrooms are small, delicate and savory