Seven Best Cremini Mushroom Substitutes

I have seven of the best cremini mushroom substitutes to help you in any situation! Keep reading to learn which substitute is best for your recipe.

When you need a cremini mushroom substitute, try the alternatives below. For dishes like my baby bella creamy mushroom soup or mushroom pasta, use mushrooms with a similar texture and depth, like white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.

You can also add mushrooms to most of my recipes. Knowing the different varieties will help you choose the right mushroom. When making my lemon, butter, and garlic pasta, use a soft-flavored mushroom to complement the dish. But if you are looking for a focaccia topping idea, go with an oyster mushroom for flavor and the wow factor.

What are Cremini Mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are actually the same type of mushroom as white buttons and portobellos. The difference is the growing time. White buttons are picked when younger, so they have a milder flavor. Creminis are given more time to develop, which gives them a deeper, richer taste. Finally, portobellos are mature cremini left to grow even longer, making them bigger and more flavorful.

How to Clean Mushrooms

Not long ago, I learned I had been cleaning mushrooms wrong my entire life. Like all vegetables, I rinsed them, patted them dry, and cooked them. It turns out the water absorbs into the shroom, changing the texture. Here is how you clean them:

• Store-Bought Varieties– Most store-bought mushrooms are cultivated and can be wiped clean with a paper towel.
• Wild Varieties – Wash and dry all wild mushrooms. This process should take about an hour.

Best Cremini Mushroom Substitutes

White Button Mushrooms

Otherwise known as a button or table mushroom, it is the perfect cremini mushroom substitute. White buttons are available year-round at most supermarkets. White buttons are at an earlier growth stage and have a milder flavor.

With the right ingredients, spices, and seasonings, white button mushrooms can taste just as rich as creminis. A perfect example is my creamy mushroom soup. It is loaded with flavor!

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are also called giant cremini mushrooms. They are from the same variety and are fully grown. Portobellos have a stronger flavor and a darker color. Cook portobello mushrooms separately, then add them to your dish. If you add them uncooked, they can change your dish’s overall texture.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a distinctive, mildly sweet flavor. Factor in additional cooking time, as oyster mushrooms take a bit longer to cook.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are Chinese black morels, brown oak, black forest, or oriental black. In terms of shape and size, shiitakes are similar to cremini. However, they have a soft, woody, and spongy texture.

You can find them dehydrated at most large grocery stores. If you cannot find them at your local store, head to the nearest Asian market or order them on Amazon.

Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelle mushrooms have a meaty texture similar to cremini mushrooms. What sets chanterelles apart is their unique, peppery, slightly fruity flavor. They are a great substitute in creamy recipes like soups or pasta. I think they taste great sautéed, then added to San Marzano tomato sauce. The chanterelles have complexity and layers!

Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms have a more robust, meatier flavor and a denser texture than cremini mushrooms. They are a great choice with pasta and sauces where you want a strong mushroom flavor. If the flavor is too strong, you can offset it with button mushrooms for a milder flavor.

Eggplant 

If you prefer a vegetable option, eggplant comes close in texture and taste. Eggplant might look different; however, depending on your recipe, it might be the perfect substitution! I like to cook eggplant for a long time so it breaks down into a sauce. Balkin Avjar is the perfect example. You would never know eggplant is in there by looking at it. But the eggplant gives it a creamy texture.

Mushroom Substitutions At a Glance

Crimini Mushroom Substitute	Description
Button mushrooms	Similar in appearance and taste to Crimini mushrooms, but slightly less flavorful
Portobello mushrooms	Larger and meatier than Crimini mushrooms, with a slightly earthy and nutty flavor.
Shitake mushrooms	Meaty and slightly chewy texture with a rich, umami flavor
Oyster mushrooms	Delicate and tender texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor
Chanterelle mushrooms	Sautéing in creamy pasta sauces and risottos
Porcini mushrooms	Rich, meaty flavor with a dense, chewy texture
Eggplant	Similar in texture and taste. Very easy to find.