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Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce Recipe

4.2 from 67 reviews

This Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce featuring crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious blend of cream, beef stock, and white wine, enhanced with Dijon mustard and aromatic spices. Perfectly paired with meats or potatoes, it offers a comforting and elegant taste experience inspired by traditional German cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 4 oz bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

Dairy and Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Liquids and Condiments

  • 1 cup beef stock
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, and leave the rendered fat in the pan to add flavor to the sauce.
  2. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Add the finely chopped onions to the bacon fat and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Then add the sliced cremini mushrooms and butter, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms are nicely browned.
  3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the browned mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  4. Incorporate Liquids and Flavorings: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavorful browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
  5. Simmer and Thicken: Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with dried thyme and paprika for aromatic depth.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Return the crispy bacon to the pan, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld perfectly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sauce with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Use cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor; button mushrooms can be substituted if unavailable.
  • Dry white wine adds acidity and complexity; use a variety suitable for cooking like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Serve this sauce over grilled meats, roasted potatoes, or spaetzle for an authentic German experience.
  • For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure to cook the flour long enough to avoid a raw taste but avoid browning it too much.
  • To keep it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: German sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, hunter's sauce, bacon mushroom sauce, easy stovetop sauce