Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms

This balsamic marinated mushroom recipe is fantastic. Let's face it, mushrooms are nature's flavor sponges, and this amazingly simple recipe is a complement to that well known fact. The tartness from the balsamic vinegar mixed with the savory earthiness of the mushroom is heavenly. Combine that with the flavors of garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper you have the perfect pairing for an amazingly flavorful dish. If you make them for any occasion, you may want to make more than you originally intended. They will most certainly disappear in an instant.

When we cook the mushrooms, we will roast them in a cast iron skillet with garlic and thyme. You may also use a baking dish for this portion of the recipe. We just like to be a little extra, as it makes us look more rustic when taking photos. Once they are out of the oven you will want to eat a few, and that's perfectly acceptable. Chef's have to taste their food, after all. Afterwards, you will then place them in a bowl full of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to marinate the mushrooms.

When I make marinated mushrooms, I usually make them the night before I plan to serve them. The reason for this is to allow the mushrooms to really soak up the flavors and that's done by roasting them first. When you roast them, all their pours open to allow all that amazing flavor to soak in. Now, you can marinate them anywhere between 1-24 hours; however, I try to get them to hit that 24-hour mark.

Why I Love them

• This is such an amazing and versatile side dish.
• Italian grandmothers will pinch your cheeks if you make them.
• They pair well with meals and taste amazing on steak.
• You can make them for a wide range of events such as Super Bowl Parties, BBQ's and Potlucks.
• If your family doesn't like mushrooms, you now have a whole bowl of tasty morsels all to yourself.

Ingredients for Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms

• Mushrooms: Sometimes I use your typical run of the mill small white mushrooms, but other times I like to use Baby Bellas. If you choose to use Baby Bellas, you may need to adjust your balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
• Garlic and Fresh Thyme: These will be roasted, and all their flavors will be cooked into the mushrooms. We will have both minced as well whole garlic cloves. Once you've roasted the garlic and thyme, their flavors will be brought into the marinating process.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This is my vinegar of choice for this recipe. You may use other vinegars, however the stronger the vinegar flavor, the less you may want to use.
• Seasonings: Just your average everyday salt and pepper will do simply fine for this process. As always, this is a matter of taste.

How to make Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F

Step 2

While the oven is preheating put the Mushrooms, Garlic, Fresh Thyme, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil into a cast iron skillet or roasting pan. Toss them around, sprinkling with Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper. When placing the mushrooms into the roasting pan, there should only be a single layer. If it's a bit tight, no worries, they will shrink during the roasting process. Roast for 35 Minutes.

Step 3

After you're done roasting, empty the Cast Iron Skillet or Roasting pan into a bowl. Then pour the Balsamic Vinegar and Extra Virgin Olive Oil into the bowl and toss well.

Step 4

Allow the mushrooms to cool and marinate for 2 hours uncovered, tossing every so often. For better results, let them sit, covered, in the fridge overnight. 

What pairs well with Marinated Mushrooms?

Below is a list of recipes that pair well with a delicious Marinated Mushrooms. If you follow each of these recipes, you will make a meal as beautiful and flavorful in the image above!

• Sous Vide Steak
• The Best Mashed Potatoes
• Red Wine Reduction

Conclusion

These balsamic marinated mushrooms were fantastic, and they paired well with a nice Sous Vide Steak with a Red Wine Reduction and Mashed Potatoes. Their tanginess brought out plenty of flavor notes in the steak and were so amazing on their own. This meal was a trio of perfection, and it was one of the most flavorful dishes I've made in some time. While my family aren't fond of mushrooms, my friend loved them, and I look forward to making them again for the holidays.