Name: Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. mushrooms; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 2 lbs. russet potatoes; 6 oz. kale, chopped; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3/4 tsp salt, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a wholesome, comforting dish with a vibrant twist, this Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the perfect blend of deeply flavored, tender mushrooms glazed in a tangy balsamic marinade paired with creamy mashed potatoes infused with fresh kale and fragrant herbs. Every bite delivers that satisfying “meat and potatoes” feel while being completely vegetarian and packed with nourishing goodness. This recipe promises to warm both your heart and your taste buds with its rich textures and layers of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a single layer of whole and halved brown mushrooms that have a slightly shiny texture, showing they are coated in oil or sauce; the mushrooms are arranged loosely with the cut sides up and down, and the dish has some dark brown spots of cooked sauce at the bottom. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish truly shine. Each element has an important role — from the earthy mushrooms to the vibrant kale and aromatic herbs — creating a well-balanced, colorful meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

1 lb. mushrooms: Choose firm, fresh mushrooms for the best texture and taste after roasting.
1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps everything roast beautifully.
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy depth of flavor that caramelizes perfectly on the mushrooms.
1/2 Tbsp brown sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the glaze.
1 Tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami complexity, elevating the savory notes of the mushrooms.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses bold aroma and flavor.
1/4 tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the mushrooms.
2 lbs russet potatoes: Perfect for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth consistency.
6 oz kale, chopped: Brings a beautiful green color and nutrient boost to the potatoes.
3/4 tsp salt, divided: Enhances flavors at every stage of cooking.
1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes tanginess and creaminess to the mash.
1/2 cup milk: Helps achieve the ideal mashed potato texture.
1 tsp dried parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes.
1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings warm, slightly bitter flavor that balances richness.
1/2 tsp dried basil: Infuses a delicate sweetness and aroma.
1/4 tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor seamlessly.
1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds mild savory depth.
Freshly cracked pepper: Finishing touch to elevate the overall taste.

How to Make Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Mushrooms

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Give those mushrooms a good rinse and slice the larger ones in half to ensure even roasting. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme to create a rich marinade full of tangy and sweet notes. Toss your mushrooms in this mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. Arrange them in a casserole dish in a single layer – this helps them roast evenly and develop that irresistible caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Roast the Mushrooms

Pop the casserole dish into the oven and roast the mushrooms for 45 minutes. Don’t forget to stir them about every 15 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and soak up that luscious balsamic glaze. After roasting, your mushrooms should be tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, with a sticky sauce pooling at the bottom of the dish that you won’t want to miss.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While the mushrooms are roasting, tackle the mashed potatoes. Peel and dice your russet potatoes into one-inch cubes then rinse them thoroughly to remove excess starch. Place them in a large pot with half a teaspoon of salt and enough cool water to cover, then bring to a boil with the lid on. Boil until the potatoes are very tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step is key to achieving smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes without lumps.

Step 4: Wilt the Kale

As soon as the potatoes are cooked, drain them well. Use the same pot to sauté the chopped kale with a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of water over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, just until it wilts and turns a lovely deep green. This adds an earthy vibrancy to your mash and packs in extra nutrients without overwhelming the dish.

Step 5: Mash and Flavor the Potatoes

Return the drained potatoes to the pot and add sour cream, milk, dried parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth. Stir in the sautéed kale gently, folding it through so you get vibrant pockets of green in every bite. Always taste and adjust salt as needed — this step really brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Now for the fun part! Spoon a generous portion of the herby kale mashed potatoes into each bowl. Top with a hearty helping of those balsamic roasted mushrooms. Finally, drizzle a spoonful or two of the tangy mushroom sauce from the casserole dish over the top. This final touch adds a burst of flavor and ties the whole dish together perfectly.

How to Serve Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy mashed mix of white potatoes and green spinach, giving the bottom layer a soft, chunky texture with bright green and white colors mixed closely together. On top of this base layer, there are scattered slices of cooked brown mushrooms with a glossy look, adding a rich, slightly shiny texture and deep brown color over the mashed potatoes and spinach. Above the mushrooms, a spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring a dark brown sauce over the food, creating a small pool of sauce on the mushrooms. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a black chopstick lies next to the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish from delicious to downright stunning. Consider sprinkling some finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra herbal note and a pop of green. A little twist of lemon zest over the mushrooms can add brightness, cutting through the earthiness. For those who love a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes work surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

This Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or roasted root vegetables for a more robust meal. If you want to add a protein, grilled tofu or a simple egg dish will complement the flavors without overpowering the herbs and balsamic glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins or small bowls topped with the roasted mushrooms artistically layered on top. A drizzle of fresh herb oil or balsamic reduction adds a restaurant-quality finish. Alternatively, try stacking a mound of mash and layering mushrooms between, creating a beautiful tower that highlights every component.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day meal just as enjoyable as fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well when separated. Store the mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms individually in freezer-safe containers. The mashed potatoes can last up to 3 months, while mushrooms are best used within a month for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or water while warming the mashed potatoes helps revive their creamy texture. Mushrooms reheat beautifully in a skillet to regain some of their roasted charm.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! Cremini, button, or even shiitake mushrooms work well. Just choose fresh mushrooms with a firm texture for the best roasting results.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

For this recipe, peeling russet potatoes helps achieve a smoother mash, but if you love a more rustic texture, leaving skins on is fine as long as the potatoes are well washed.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely. Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and use plant-based milk. Ensure your soy sauce is vegan as well.

How can I add more greens to this dish?

Feel free to mix in spinach or Swiss chard with the kale for varied texture and additional nutrients. Just sauté them the same way before folding them into the potatoes.

What else can I serve with this dish for a full meal?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, crusty bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables all make excellent companions to round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Herby Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those joyful meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to impress anyone at your table — from vegetarians to meat lovers. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.