Puffball mushrooms are a unique kind of edible fungi. They’re easy to spot, often growing to be quite large, and have a mild flavor that makes them an ideal blank canvas for cooking. Their texture allows them to absorb different flavors, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
This article is your guide to cooking with puffball mushrooms. We’ll share some delicious recipes using puffball mushrooms, including puffball “steaks,” creamy puffball pasta, and even puffball pizza!
Before we get started, it’s crucial to remember that proper identification is key. Never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% certain of what it is.
Identifying and Preparing Puffball Mushrooms
Before you can enjoy puffball mushrooms in a recipe, you have to be able to identify them and prepare them safely. Puffballs are generally considered safe to eat, but some poisonous mushrooms look similar, so it’s important to be sure.
Identifying puffball mushrooms
Here are some characteristics of edible puffballs:
- White interior
- No gills
- Round or pear-like shape
- Smooth outer skin
Some mushrooms to avoid are button mushrooms (especially when they’re young and still underground) and poisonous earthballs.
To be absolutely sure you have a puffball, cut it open and check the interior. If it’s white, you’re good to go!
Preparing puffball mushrooms for cooking
Here’s how to prepare your puffball for use in a recipe:
- Cleaning: Gently wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth or brush. Try to avoid washing them unless you have to, since they tend to soak up water.
- Peeling: If the outer skin feels tough or looks discolored, peel it off.
- Cutting: Slice or cube the puffball to whatever size you need for your recipe.
- Checking for freshness: The inside should be firm and white. If it’s yellow, brown, or powdery, throw it out.
Basic Cooking Techniques for Puffball Mushrooms
Puffball mushrooms have a mild, earthy flavor and a unique texture that makes them surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some basic cooking methods to get you started:
Sautéing
- Heat a little oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced or cubed puffball.
- Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Grilling
- Brush puffball slices with oil and season them.
- Grill over medium heat.
- Cook until grill marks appear and the mushroom is tender.
Baking
- Place puffball slices or cubes in a baking dish.
- Toss with oil or butter and season.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until tender.
Frying
- Dip puffball slices in batter (tempura or breadcrumbs work well).
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Puffball Mushroom Recipes: Savory Dishes
When you’re ready to experiment with puffball cookery, here are a few savory dishes to try:
Puffball Mushroom “Steaks”
Cut the puffball into thick slices, about an inch thick.
Make a marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
Marinate the puffball slices for at least 30 minutes.
Grill or pan-fry until tender and browned on both sides.
Serve these “steaks” with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Puffball Mushroom and Egg Scramble
Dice the puffball into small pieces.
Sauté the diced puffball with diced onions and garlic until softened.
Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as thyme or parsley.
Serve with toast or warm tortillas.
Creamy Puffball Mushroom Soup
Dice the puffball into small pieces.
Sauté the diced puffball with diced onions, celery, and carrots until softened.
Add vegetable broth and simmer until the vegetables are very tender.
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
Stir in cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a swirl of cream before serving.
Puffball Mushroom Pizza Topping
Slice the puffball into thin pieces.
Sauté the sliced puffball with garlic and herbs, such as oregano or basil.
Use as a topping for your homemade or store-bought pizza, along with cheese and any other vegetables you like.
Puffball Mushroom Recipes: Creative Applications
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few creative ways to use puffball mushrooms in the kitchen:
Puffball Mushroom Fries
- Cut the puffball into pieces that resemble French fries.
- Coat them in breadcrumbs or a seasoned batter (cornmeal, flour, and spices).
- Deep fry or air fry until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Puffball Mushroom “Crab” Cakes
- Shred or finely dice the puffball mushroom.
- Mix it with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, seasonings (Old Bay, perhaps?), and a binder like egg or flaxseed meal.
- Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry until golden brown.
- Serve with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Puffball Mushroom Lasagna Layer
- Thinly slice the puffball and saute it with garlic, herbs, and a little olive oil.
- Use it as one of the layers in your lasagna for a unique flavor and texture.
Closing Thoughts
Puffball mushrooms are so versatile and delicious! I hope these recipes have inspired you to try cooking with them.
Feel free to experiment with your own creations, but please, please, please be sure you have positively identified your puffball before you eat it. Happy cooking!