It takes just three ingredients and ten minutes of cook time to make an amazing Mushroom Side Dish with Bacon that is full of flavor. This is one of the easiest Keto side dishes you'll ever make, and it is so unbelievably good!

Why You'll Love This Marvelous Mushroom Recipe

I'm almost embarrassed to post this as a recipe. Because really there's not much to it. It's literally 3 ingredients: Bacon, mushrooms, and garlic. No salt. No pepper. Honestly, it didn't need it.

If you can't really put something on the table with just 3 ingredients, you just go ahead and garnish it with a little parsley and you can feel all good about yourself. In fact, I put that in this mushroom low carb side dish recipe, and I put it in the picture to add a little color to the recipe, but you can safely omit it. You could also add some fresh oregano or fresh thyme instead if you prefer.

Actually, I did mix up three different kinds of mushrooms to make it though, so perhaps I shouldn't call it 3-ingredient. The variety of mushrooms really helps to add not just taste, but also some different textures to this dish. Plus, you can never get enough Keto vegetables.

This mushroom side dish was so good that, although I debated blogging such an easy side dish, I really want you to go try this.

Besides, I specialize in stupid simple recipes, so there is that.

What Sides Can I Eat On The Keto Diet?

My favorite part about the Keto way of life is how SIMPLE it is. As long as you keep the carbs low and the fiber high, there's not too much else to worry about. Veggies are always a great keto side dish, but stay away from starchy vegetables and root vegetables as a rule of thumb.

Ingredients You'll Need

4 strips Bacon- The bacon adds savory, smoky richness and provides the flavorful fat needed to sauté the mushrooms. As it cooks, the rendered bacon fat becomes the base of the dish, infusing everything with deep umami notes.
6 cloves Garlic- The garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor that complements both the bacon and mushrooms. It adds depth and a slightly sweet savoriness as it softens in the bacon fat.
4 cups Mushrooms- The mushrooms are the star of the dish, offering a tender, earthy bite. Using mixed varieties (such as cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms) gives the dish complexity in texture and flavor.
1/4 cup Water- A small splash of water helps deglaze the pan, lifting the flavorful browned bits from the bacon and garlic. It also helps the mushrooms soften and cook evenly without burning.
1/4 cup Chopped Parsley-The parsley adds freshness, color, and a bright herbal contrast to the rich bacon and earthy mushrooms. It’s stirred in at the end to finish the dish with a burst of brightness.

How To Make This Mushroom Side Dish with Bacon

Heat a saucepan on the stove and add the chopped bacon. Cook 5-7 minutes until it's almost cooked through.
Add garlic and cook until it is no longer raw and the bacon has finished cooking (about 2 minutes).
Add mushrooms and stir well to coat them with bacony goodness.
Pour in 1/4 cup of water and use it to deglaze the pan.
Cook the mushrooms uncovered, stirring occasionally until they've cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley. I didn't use salt or pepper for this. The bacon provided plenty of salt, and everything else provided a lot of flavor. You could choose to add it.

Tips For Making This Keto Side Dish

Creating a flavorful mushrooms and bacon side dish is all about building layers of richness, aroma, and texture. These tips will help you get perfect results every time.

It is important that you layer the bacon on top of the mushrooms. Mushrooms need fat in order to cook correctly without drying out, and layering the bacon on top of the mushrooms helps ensure that the mushrooms absorb the fat it needs to cook correctly.
Though there seems to be too few ingredients in this healthy side dish, I assure you this recipe is full of flavor! The bacon and the mushrooms work together to create a delightfully rich and deep flavor profile.
If you really must add something to the dish you can add green onions or even white onions, diced big. This is, of course, if your carb count allows for the addition of the onions.
You can use this cooking technique for things like asparagus and other keto friendly vegetables that are tough and have substance but not much oil. The fat from the bacon helps keep the veggies from drying out too much while cooking and the flavor absorbed from the bacon fat gives the veggies a delightful richness.
I used a mix of cremini, portabella, and shiitake mushrooms when I made the dish, but you're free to use whatever mushrooms you prefer.

Variations

If you want to switch up the flavors or tailor the dish to your main course, here are some easy and tasty variations to try.

Creamy Version- Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end and simmer for 2–3 minutes for a rich, velvety sauce.
Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms- Add 1–2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking for a tangy, slightly sweet finish.
Herb-Packed Option- Swap parsley for fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to match your meal’s flavor profile.
Spicy Kick- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the garlic for heat.

What To Eat With This Low Carb Side Dish

This rich, savory side pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, from simple weeknight proteins to elegant holiday roasts:

Steak or Prime Rib- The earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon complement beef perfectly.
Roast Chicken or Turkey- Adds richness and moisture to lean poultry dishes.
Pork Chops or Pork Tenderloin- Pork and mushrooms are a natural flavor match, especially with smoky bacon in the mix.

How Long Does It Last?

This mushroom and bacon side dish typically lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the mushrooms from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge. Because the bacon adds fat and moisture, the dish reheats very well.

Just warm it gently in a skillet or microwave to revive the flavors.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, mushrooms and bacon can be frozen, but with a few considerations. Mushrooms tend to soften after freezing, and while the flavor remains delicious, the texture may become a bit more tender than when fresh.

To freeze this side dish, let the mushrooms cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to help evaporate excess moisture and revive the bacon’s flavor.

More Magnificent Mushroom Recipes

If you're a big fan of mushrooms or looking for more Keto side dishes, you're sure to enjoy my Asparagus and Mushrooms Stir Fry or my Mascarpone Mushroom Pasta as well!

If you're looking for more easy and deliciously keto recipes, check out my list of 35+ Five-Ingredient (or Fewer) Easy Keto Dishes!

I know, this recipe sounds so overly simple, but this Mushroom Side Dish with Bacon is simplicity at it's best! Make sure to share this recipe with your friends who love Keto veggies on Facebook and Pinterest so they can enjoy it as well!