Everything hinges on driving off the water, so cook the finely chopped mushrooms over medium-high until the pan looks dry and the mass stops steaming. Shallot and a splash of wine season it as it tightens. Chop by hand or pulse in short bursts, but stop well before it turns to puree.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Makes1 1/2 cups
CuisineFrench
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1cups
Fresh mushrooms
Cremini or a wild mix, chopped fine as the body of the paste.
Chop very finePulse the mushrooms in short bursts or hand-chop to a near-mince. A puree turns gummy, so keep some grain.
Sweat the shallotsCook the shallots in butter over medium until soft and translucent, without letting them brown.
Cook it dryAdd the mushrooms, thyme, and porcini powder and cook over medium-high, stirring, until the water evaporates and the pan looks dry, about 15 minutes. This is the make-or-break step.
Deglaze and finishSplash in the wine, scrape the pan, and cook once more until dry. Season and cool before using it as a filling or spread.
Can you make Duxelles in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Duxelles? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Duxelles ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Duxelles gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Duxelles vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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