If you are searching for a cozy and flavorful dish to brighten your holiday table, this Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender cremini mushrooms with a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with herbs and smoky paprika, it’s a meat-free delight that feels indulgent and festive all at once. The way the velvety sour cream melds with the comforting egg noodles makes every bite a celebration, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the Christmas season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a dish that balances richness, earthiness, and a touch of brightness. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and harmony of flavors that make this Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe so memorable.
- 8 oz egg noodle pasta: The tender, silky noodles create a comforting base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms and aromatics to perfection.
- 1.5 pounds cremini mushrooms (halved or quartered): The star ingredient, providing a meaty texture and deep, umami flavor.
- 1 onion (sliced): Offers subtle sweetness and a lovely foundation for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses the dish with warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan and elevating the mushrooms.
- 1.5 cups mushroom stock: Intensifies the mushroom flavor and keeps the sauce luscious.
- 2 tablespoons flour: A thickening agent that gives the sauce a satisfying, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Brings tangy creaminess that balances the savory elements.
- 2-3 sprigs thyme: Fresh herbs add an earthy, fragrant note that feels festive.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a warm, smoky flavor that makes this stroganoff uniquely festive.
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives: Bright, herbal garnish that adds color and freshness.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your egg noodles in a large pot of well-salted water until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Once drained, toss them with a little butter and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. This simple step gives the noodles a rich, silky finish that complements the stroganoff sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt part of the butter and add the halved or quartered cremini mushrooms. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then cook until they’ve turned a deep, golden brown. This caramelization brings out their natural earthiness and intensifies their flavor. Once browned, remove the mushrooms and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the sliced onions and crushed garlic. Cook gently until the onions become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. This delicate base adds sweetness and depth to your sauce, layering the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful brown bits clinging to the skillet. This step adds a subtle tang and complexity, perfectly cutting through the richness while enhancing the mushroom taste. Let it reduce slightly, concentrating those lovely flavors.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Whisk together the flour and mushroom stock until smooth, then pour the mixture into the skillet with onions and garlic. Add back the browned mushrooms, fresh thyme sprigs, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir everything well and allow the sauce to thicken and bubble gently, melding these beautiful ingredients into a luscious sauce.
Step 6: Temper and Incorporate Sour Cream
To keep the sour cream from curdling, scoop out a few tablespoons of the hot sauce and mix it into the sour cream to temper it. Then, stir this creamy blend back into the skillet. This technique ensures a smooth, velvety texture that perfectly coats your mushrooms and noodles.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give the stroganoff a final seasoning boost with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pile the buttered noodles onto plates and spoon the mushroom sauce generously over the top. This comforting combination is what makes the Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe a festive favorite.
Step 8: Garnish
Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. This bright green touch adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant color that makes every plate look as joyful as the season itself.
How to Serve Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives gives the dish a beautiful pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the rich, creamy sauce. For a little extra festive flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top enhances both aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff shines as the star of your meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted winter vegetables. Light sides help to refresh the palate and keep the overall meal balanced and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy Christmas gathering, try serving the stroganoff in individual rustic bowls or small cast-iron skillets. You can even set up a buffet-style spread with the noodles and sauce separate, allowing guests to customize their portions. It’s both charming and practical for holiday entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover stroganoff to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
This Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stroganoff gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of mushroom stock or water if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms provide a great balance of flavor and texture, you can mix in portobello, shiitake, or button mushrooms for variety. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly based on mushroom size and moisture content.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a vegan sour cream substitute instead of traditional sour cream. Also, use vegetable stock to keep it completely vegan while maintaining the rich flavors.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Feel free to serve the stroganoff over rice, mashed potatoes, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option. The sauce is versatile and will complement many bases beautifully.
How do I prevent sour cream from curdling?
Tempering the sour cream by mixing it with some warm sauce before adding it to the pan is key. Adding it directly to high heat can cause it to separate. Stir gently over low heat after incorporating to keep the sauce silky.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a holiday party?
Definitely! You can cook the sauce and noodles separately and combine them just before serving. This makes hosting stress-free and allows you to focus on enjoying your guests and the festive spirit.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is a heartwarming culinary gift that brings joy to your holiday table without fuss or fancy ingredients. Its rich, creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms capture the spirit of the season in every bite. I genuinely hope you try this recipe soon—it’s a surefire way to make your Christmas meal both comforting and memorable.
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Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and festive Christmas Mushroom Stroganoff featuring tender cremini mushrooms simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce with hints of smoked paprika and Dijon mustard, served over buttery egg noodles. Perfect for a cozy holiday meal or any occasion where you want a rich, satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz egg noodle pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1.5 pounds cremini mushrooms (halved or quartered)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1.5 cups mushroom stock
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2–3 sprigs thyme
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Sea salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of well salted water according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and toss with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Brown the mushrooms: Heat part of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved or quartered cremini mushrooms and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the sliced onions and crushed garlic. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Make the sauce: Mix the flour with the mushroom stock until smooth, then add this mixture to the skillet along with the cooked mushrooms, thyme sprigs, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir well and let the sauce thicken and simmer gently.
- Temper and add sour cream: Remove a few tablespoons of the hot sauce liquid and whisk it into the sour cream to temper it. Then stir the tempered sour cream back into the skillet sauce, combining everything evenly.
- Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the mushroom stroganoff sauce over the buttered egg noodles.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
- Use gluten-free noodles if you need a gluten-free version and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener.
- Dry white wine adds depth but can be replaced with additional mushroom stock or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Make sure to temper the sour cream to prevent curdling when added to the hot sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
