Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe (Easy Side)

This easy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe gives you rich, buttery sautéed mushrooms with lots of garlic and fresh herbs in about 20 minutes. It is a cozy holiday mushroom recipe that feels special enough for Christmas dinner, yet simple enough for any busy weeknight. Serve these skillet garlic mushrooms next to classic mains like dry brined roast turkey or beef roast, and watch them disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe

When you need one more holiday side dish but have no time or oven space left, these Christmas garlic mushrooms save the day. Everything cooks in one skillet on the stove, so you can slide them in between basting turkey or checking on dessert.

Fast: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, even if you are prepping other holiday dishes.
One pan: This garlic butter mushroom side dish cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup after the party.
Big flavor: Plenty of garlic, real butter, and fresh herbs give these buttery sautéed mushrooms a steakhouse taste.
Holiday-ready: The rich sauce, glossy mushrooms, and sprinkle of herbs look beautiful on a Christmas table.
Flexible: Add a splash of white wine, lemon, or cream to adjust this holiday mushroom recipe to your taste.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe. Use good quality butter and fresh garlic for the best flavor.

For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms

1 1/2 pounds cremini or baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

Optional Flavor Boosts

2 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth, for deglazing
1 to 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for a cheesy finish
Pinch of red pepper flakes, for gentle heat

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this skillet garlic mushrooms dish for Christmas. The key is to let the mushrooms brown before moving them too much so they get that deep, savory flavor.

Prep the mushrooms. Wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim the stems if needed. Leave small mushrooms whole and cut larger ones in half so they are all about the same size.
Heat the pan. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the butter is foamy and sizzling, add the mushrooms in a single layer as much as possible.
Sear without stirring. Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes so they brown on one side. This step gives your Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe a deep, restaurant-style flavor.
Season and toss. Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Toss and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned on most sides.
Deglaze the pan (optional). Lower the heat to medium. If using white wine or broth, pour it into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add garlic and herbs. Push the mushrooms to the edges of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the center. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant, then toss everything together so the mushrooms are coated in garlic butter.
Finish with lemon and parsley. Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm. Transfer your holiday garlic butter mushroom side dish to a warm serving bowl or cast iron skillet. Garnish with extra parsley and serve right away.

Tips & Variations

A few small tweaks can help you tailor this Christmas garlic mushrooms side dish to your family’s taste or to what you have in the fridge.

Dry the mushrooms well: Moisture keeps mushrooms from browning. After cleaning, pat them dry so they sear instead of steam.
Do not crowd the pan: If your skillet is small, cook the mushrooms in two batches for better color and texture.
Oven finish: For a slightly roasted flavor, start the mushrooms in the skillet, then transfer to a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes before adding the garlic and herbs.
Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes for a creamy garlic butter mushroom side dish.
Cheesy topping: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving for an extra rich holiday mushroom recipe.

Substitutions

It is easy to swap a few ingredients in this Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs.

Mushrooms: Use white button mushrooms, portobello slices, or a mix of wild mushrooms. A blend gives a nice mix of textures.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter stick and olive oil together so the mushrooms still feel rich.
Herbs: Swap thyme and rosemary for sage, oregano, or Italian seasoning. Use half as much if using dried herbs.
Lemon: Replace lemon juice with a splash of red wine vinegar or leave it out for a deeper, more buttery flavor.
Garlic: If you are sensitive to fresh garlic, cut the amount in half or use a small amount of garlic powder instead.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery sautéed mushrooms work with almost every classic holiday main. You can keep them rustic in a cast iron skillet or spoon them into a pretty serving dish with a sprig of rosemary on top.

Serve alongside turkey, ham, prime rib, or roast chicken as a warm vegetable side dish.
Spoon over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or toasted baguette slices for a cozy appetizer.
Add to your spread of classic holiday side dishes so guests can spoon mushrooms over anything they like.
Pair with gravy made using the trick from this mushroom gravy browning guide for even more savory mushroom flavor on the table.
Use leftovers to top burgers, steak, or even a simple bowl of pasta after Christmas.

Buttery sautéed mushrooms in garlic herb butter in a skillet ready to serve for Christmas dinner — Let the mushrooms brown before stirring so they soak up the garlic herb butter and develop deep flavor.

Storage & Reheating

This Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe is best fresh, but leftovers keep very well and make quick sides or toppings later in the week.

Storage: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating on the stove: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, broth, or a small pat of butter until hot.
Microwave: Reheat in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring in between, just until warmed through.
Freezing: For the best texture, it is better not to freeze this dish, but if you do, freeze up to 1 month and reheat gently in a skillet.

FAQs

Can I make these garlic butter mushrooms ahead for Christmas?

Yes. You can cook the mushrooms a few hours ahead, stopping just before adding the lemon juice and parsley. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small splash of broth, then stir in the lemon and parsley right before serving so the flavors stay bright and fresh.

How can I keep the mushrooms from getting soggy?

Dry the mushrooms well, use a large skillet, and cook over medium-high heat. Avoid stirring too often so they can brown. If they release a lot of liquid, keep cooking until the liquid cooks off and the mushrooms start to sizzle again.

Is this Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe gluten free?

Yes, as written this dish is naturally gluten free when you use gluten free broth and wine. Always double-check labels on added ingredients if you are cooking for guests with allergies.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. For a large group, cook the mushrooms in two batches so they still brown nicely. Combine everything in a large baking dish and keep warm in a low oven (about 200°F) for up to 30 minutes before serving.

More Holiday Recipes to Try

If you love this Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe, here are more festive recipes that pair well with it on your holiday table.

Conclusion

This easy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Christmas Recipe gives you a rich, garlicky, and herb-packed side dish that looks as good as it tastes. With simple ingredients, one skillet, and just a few minutes on the stove, you can add a cozy mushroom side to any Christmas menu. Keep this holiday mushroom recipe in your back pocket for every gathering where you need something quick, warm, and full of flavor.