Name: Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Skillet — Rich, Creamy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces bacon, cut into strips; 2 tablespoons butter; 26 ounces brown mushrooms, washed and pat dry with a paper towel; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup dry chicken broth; 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or thickened cream or evaporated milk); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; Pinch of salt; Pinch of pepper; ½ cup fresh mozzarella, shredded or grated; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, fresh shredded or grated

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Skillet brings together all the best ingredients for a mouthwatering meal. The combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce makes every bite irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors, and it comes together quickly with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — serve it as a side dish or as the star of the meal. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces bacon, cut into strips

2 tablespoons butter

26 ounces brown mushrooms, washed and pat dry with a paper towel

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup dry chicken broth

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 ½ cups heavy cream (or thickened cream or evaporated milk)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

Pinch of salt

Pinch of pepper

½ cup fresh mozzarella, shredded or grated

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, fresh shredded or grated

Directions

Fry the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Set aside.

Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to mix, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the mushrooms and release their juices.

Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to reduce for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Preheat the broiler or oven grill. Add the chopped garlic and stir for about a minute, until fragrant. Pour in the cream and add the fresh herbs. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the Bacon: Once the sauce is thickened, add the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the mushrooms and bacon mixture.

Broil the Skillet: Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the mushrooms are cooked to your liking.

Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this cheesy, creamy, and savory dish!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, add spinach or kale to the skillet before broiling.

Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or fontina for a unique flavor.

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness while still keeping it creamy.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the skillet back on the stove over low heat, or reheat in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use white mushrooms, cremini, or even portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well as a lighter alternative to regular bacon, though it may not be as crispy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check your ingredients if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and bacon mixture in advance. Just store it in the fridge and broil with the cheese when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it over pasta for a more filling meal.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for the topping.

Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of an oven-safe one?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling.

How do I know when the cheese is ready?

The cheese is ready when it’s melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet while cooking to give it a spicy kick.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the mushrooms and cream sauce may not freeze as well, you can freeze the bacon and mushroom mixture separately and reheat when needed. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and its savory, satisfying taste will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that will become a favorite in your home!