A classic steakhouse-style mushroom appetizer with buttery richness, light seasoning, and that familiar Applebee’s comfort-food finish.
Photo by David Erickson
Copycat Applebee’s Chardonnay Mushrooms
Applebee’s Chardonnay Mushrooms are a simple, savory appetizer featuring tender mushrooms sautéed in butter, herbs, and a splash of white wine for depth without heaviness.
They’re warm, aromatic, and designed to complement steaks, chicken, or seafood without stealing the spotlight.
You can make Applebee’s Chardonnay Mushrooms at home with just a handful of ingredients and one pan. This copycat version recreates the buttery texture, gentle wine flavor, and soft mushroom bite that made the restaurant dish a longtime favorite.
- Best For: Steak sides, simple appetizers, casual dinner pairings
- Flavor Profile: Buttery, savory, lightly herbed, mild wine finish
- Skill Level: Easy
- What Makes It Like the Restaurant: Gentle seasoning, soft sautéed mushrooms, and restrained use of Chardonnay for aroma rather than acidity
About Applebee’s
Applebee’s built its reputation as a neighborhood grill focused on approachable American comfort food served in a casual, familiar setting. While best known for burgers, ribs, and signature appetizers, the menu has always included lighter steakhouse-inspired sides designed to balance richer entrées.
Chardonnay Mushrooms fit squarely into that philosophy. They weren’t flashy or trend-driven, but dependable and versatile. The dish leaned on classic techniques rather than bold seasoning, allowing the mushrooms themselves to stay front and center.
Over time, items like this became quiet staples for guests who wanted something savory and satisfying without ordering a full appetizer platter. Chardonnay Mushrooms often appeared alongside steaks or chicken dishes, reinforcing Applebee’s role as a place where familiar flavors mattered more than culinary theatrics.
Why Applebee’s Mushrooms Always Worked
Chardonnay Mushrooms fall into a broader category of American steakhouse-style sides that emphasize restraint and balance. Instead of heavy sauces or aggressive seasoning, the dish relies on butter, aromatics, and a light splash of wine to enhance the mushrooms’ natural earthiness.
This style became popular in casual dining restaurants that wanted to offer something more refined without alienating guests looking for comfort food. The result is a side that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
Served warm and spoonable, the mushrooms pair easily with grilled meats or roasted poultry, making them a flexible addition rather than a standalone showpiece. That versatility is what kept dishes like this on menus for years.
Applebee's Chardonnay Mushrooms Recipe
Applebee's Chardonnay Mushrooms are those delicious little "flavor-bombs" you get on top of your Steak at Applebee's. Now you can make them at home and put them on anything you like. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Chardonnay Mushrooms will taste just like Applebee's.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/4 teaspoon minced Garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
- 1 pound fresh Mushrooms cut into quarters
- 1/4 cup Chardonnay
- 2 tablespoons dried Parsley
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter, stirring often, for 4 minutes, or until soft.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Turn off heat and immediately pour Chardonnay onto mushrooms.
- Add parsley and toss to coat.
Related Copycat Recipes
- Applebee’s Bourbon Black and Bleu Burger – Bold, smoky burger with mushrooms and serious steakhouse vibes
- Johnny Carino’s Baked Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked, cheesy mushroom caps with a hearty appetizer feel
- Red Lobster Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – Rich seafood stuffing in tender mushroom caps, baked golden
- Saltgrass Steakhouse Sauteed Mushrooms – Classic buttery mushrooms made to sit next to a steak
- The Capital Grille Roasted Chanterelle Mushrooms – A more upscale mushroom side with deep roasted flavor
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Questions People Ask
Can I use a different wine?
Yes. Any dry white wine will work, but Chardonnay best matches the original flavor profile.
Are these mushrooms meant as an appetizer or a side?
They work as either, but they were most often served as a steak or chicken accompaniment.
Should the wine flavor be strong?
No. The wine should enhance the aroma and depth without tasting sharp or dominant.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove.
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Photo of “Applebees Chardonnay Mushrooms” is by David Erickson and is used by permission under the Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Creative Commons License. Read the Full License Here – http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode.en. Photo of “Applebee’s” is by <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Mike Mozart</a> and is used by permission under the Attribution 2.0 Generic Creative Commons License. Thank you, David and Mike. Great Pictures. Photos may be representative of the recipe and not the actual finished dish. All photo licenses listed were correct at the time of the posting of the page. Recipe is original to Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes. Recipe created by Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes based on information from the restaurant and other sources on the internet – many courtesy of the Wayback Machine. Additional Information is from original research done by Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes and/or courtesy of Wikipedia and is used by permission.