Easy 20 Minute Mushroom Pate Recipe
A quick and easy 20-minute mushroom pate that combines sautéed mushrooms, creamy brie, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs for a flavorful spread. Perfect as a savory appetizer served with crusty bread or crackers, this mushroom pate blends earthy and creamy textures with a hint of garlic and thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Mushroom Pate
- 300 g mushrooms, chopped (10.5oz or about 10–12 flat, portobello or Swiss brown mushrooms)
- 100 g brie, roughly chopped (1/2 wheel / 3.5oz; can substitute camembert, ricotta, or cream cheese)
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ cup walnuts, roasted and chopped (45 g / 1.6oz)
- 6 tsp garlic, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme (can substitute rosemary)
- 2 tbsp water (or substitute sherry, port, or red wine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (to seal if not eating immediately)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Drizzle half of the olive oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium heat to warm the oil.
- Fry aromatics: Add the chopped garlic and onion to the pan and fry them for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms, fresh thyme, and the remaining olive oil to the pan. Fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the mushrooms to slowly cook down and release their moisture.
- Add walnuts and herbs: Pour in the water (or alternative liquid), add the chopped walnuts and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together and continue frying for a few more minutes to warm the walnuts and let the parsley turn bright green.
- Incorporate cheese: Turn off the heat and place the pieces of brie on top of the mushroom mixture. Let the residual heat melt the cheese for 15-30 seconds, then stir thoroughly until fully combined.
- Blend the pate: Transfer the mixture to a food processor or use a stick blender in a bowl, and blend until smooth. For a coarser texture, you may skip this step.
- Serve or store: Spoon the pate into a ramekin and smooth the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread or savory crackers. If not serving right away, pour melted butter over the surface to seal and refrigerate. Store for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can substitute brie with camembert, ricotta, or cream cheese depending on availability and taste preferences.
- For a more intense flavor, use sherry, port, or red wine instead of water when cooking the mushrooms.
- If you prefer a chunkier pate, skip the blending step and serve as a rustic mushroom spread.
- Melted butter on top helps preserve the pate if storing in the refrigerator.
- Use freshly chopped thyme or rosemary to retain aromatic freshness.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, paired with crusty bread or crackers for best enjoyment.
Keywords: mushroom pate, easy mushroom spread, quick appetizer, mushroom recipe, vegetarian pate, brie mushroom pate, walnut mushroom spread, savory pate
