8 Best Cremini Mushroom Substitutes

Mushrooms bring a special earthy, savory flavor to meals—and cremini mushrooms are one of the most popular choices. They’re versatile, delicious and add depth to everything from pasta to soups.

But what happens if your recipe calls for creminis and you can’t find them at the store? Don’t worry—you have plenty of great substitutes right in your produce aisle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best cremini mushroom substitutes, when to use each one and the right recipes for tasty dishes.

What Are Cremini Mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms (also called baby bellas, baby portobellos, or brown button mushrooms) are part of the Agaricaceae family.

They’re actually the same species as white button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms—the difference is maturity:

• White Button Mushrooms → harvested young, very mild in flavor.
• Cremini Mushrooms → harvested at a middle stage, deeper and earthier.
• Portobello Mushrooms → fully matured, large, and meaty.

This is why creminis are often labeled as “baby portobellos” at the store.

8 Best Cremini Mushroom Substitutes

White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms are the closest and easiest swap. They’re widely available and affordable. These mushrooms are native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. Their flavor is milder, so if you want more texture, slice them a little thicker. I usually prefer them raw as salads and other fresh applications due to their crisp bite and semi-firm texture. They are low calories food, high in protein and vitamin D.

• Best For: All-purpose cooking (soups, sauces, sautés)
• Swap Ratio: 1 cup white button mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Portobello Mushrooms (Earthy & Meaty)

Think of portobellos as the “grown-up” version of creminis. They have a meaty bite and a slightly stronger flavor. To mimic creminis, cut portobellos into smaller pieces before cooking. These are the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world. I like them grilling.

• Best For: Grilling, roasting, hearty stews, pasta dishes
• Swap Ratio: 1 cup portobello mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Oyster Mushrooms (Delicate & Slightly Briny)

Oyster mushrooms are edible mushrooms known for their delicate, ruffled appearance and earthy flavor. They have tender texture and a mild, almost seafood-like flavor. They shine in recipes with fish, seafood, or lighter sauces. They are a good source of B vitamins, vitamin D, and fiber. 

• Best For: Seafood dishes, stir-fries, soups
• Swap Ratio: 1 cup oyster mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms (Umami-Rich Asian Favorite)

Shiitakes bring a deep umami flavor and a chewy texture. They’re excellent in Asian-inspired dishes, broths, and stir-fries. You can use both the stems and caps (though stems are a bit tougher).

• Best For: Asian dishes, ramen, stir-fries
• Swap Ratio: ½ cup shiitake mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Porcini Mushrooms (Intense & Flavor-Packed)

Porcini mushrooms are known for their rich, bold flavor. They’re more expensive but fantastic when you want to elevate a dish with big umami notes.

• Best For: Risottos, pasta sauces, umami-heavy recipes
• Swap Ratio: ½ cup porcini mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Chestnut Mushrooms

Chestnut mushrooms are actually a variety of cremini mushrooms. They taste slightly nuttier and are perfect for cozy, winter dishes like stews and roasts.

• Best For: Comfort food, roasted dishes, winter recipes
• Swap Ratio: ¾ cup chestnut mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Chanterelle Mushrooms (Gourmet Option)

Chanterelles have a peppery, fruity flavor and a meaty bite. They pair beautifully with creamy sauces and pasta. They’re pricier, but a great swap if you want something elegant.

• Best For: Creamy pasta, risotto, gourmet dishes
• Swap Ratio: 1 cup chanterelle mushrooms = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Eggplant (Vegetarian-Friendly Alternative)

Not a mushroom—but eggplant can mimic the meaty texture of creminis when cooked well. It’s a handy substitute if mushrooms aren’t an option.

• Best For: Pasta sauces, stews, vegetarian dishes
• Swap Ratio: 1 cup cooked eggplant = 1 cup cremini mushrooms

Quick Mushroom Substitution Chart

Substitute	Flavor & Texture	Best For	Swap Ratio
White Button	Mild, softer	All-purpose	1:1
Portobello	Earthy, meaty	Stews, pasta	1:1
Oyster	Delicate, briny	Seafood	1:1
Shiitake	Umami, chewy	Asian recipes	½:1
Porcini	Rich, bold	Risotto, pasta	½:1
Chestnut	Nutty, earthy	Winter dishes	¾:1
Chanterelle	Fruity, peppery	Creamy sauces	1:1
Eggplant	Meaty, mild	Veggie dishes	1:1 (cooked)

Which one alternative of cremini mushroom you are going to try?