Why We Always Choose Cremini Over White Button Mushrooms (2024)

• Skills
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Mushrooms

updated Oct 4, 2023

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

In addition to white button, cremini mushrooms are likely the most popular mushrooms you buy when at the store — and there’s a reason for that. These popular mushrooms, which have a size similar to white button mushrooms but resemble portobellos mushrooms, are super versatile in the kitchen.

Though cremini mushroom are easy to find, you may be wondering what exactly cremini mushrooms are and how much do they differ from other common varieties. Here’s what you need to know. An important aspect to know is that most of the table mushrooms, including cremini, we eat are all of the same variety and are a part of the Agaricus bisporus.

The difference between these popular varieties of mushrooms is just age. The white button mushrooms, those very familiar kitchen staples, are simply the youngest variety. They have been cultivated, too, for that white color and soft texture. In the wild these mushrooms are usually browner.

The portobello is the most mature mushroom of these three; it’s really just an overgrown white mushroom! Portobellos are left to grow for longer, until they have spread out into that delicious meaty cap.

A Guide to Cremini Mushrooms

The cremini mushroom is the same variety as the white button mushroom and the portobello mushroom, but is between the two in terms of age. It’s a moderately mature version of the white button mushroom, which is why it has a similar flavor. Cremini mushrooms are younger than the portobello, but still related, which is why they are sometimes sold as “baby bella” or “baby portobello” mushrooms.

Cremini mushrooms’ slightly more mature state means that they have a browner color, firmer texture, and better flavor than the younger white mushrooms. We use them frequently in stews and soups, since we find that they hold up better in liquid.

What Is a Substitute for Cremini Mushrooms?

On most occasions, cremini mushrooms can be substituted with white button or portobellos mushrooms. If you want a mushroom thaty has a relatively similar flavor to creminis, then it would be best to stick with using white button mushrooms. That said, though, mushroom provide a lot of unique flavor to any dish and many of the ingredients you add to them sometimes make more of an impact on the overall dish.

What Is the Difference Between Cremini Mushrooms and Other Types of Mushrooms?

The difference between popular varieties of mushrooms, such as white button and portobellos is just age. The white button mushrooms are simply the youngest variety. They have been cultivated, too, for that white color and soft texture. In the wild these mushrooms are usually browner. The portobello is the most mature mushroom of these three; it’s really just an overgrown white mushroom! Portobellos are left to grow for longer, until they have spread out into that delicious meaty cap.

Our favorite cremini mushroom recipes:

Filed in: