How to Dry Mushrooms at Home
A long-lasting way to preserve! Drying mushrooms is a perfect method to save them for winter. Before cooking, soak them in hot water for a few hours, then use in various dishes.
Updated : 04 June, 2025
Easy
More than 1 hour.
Ingredients
2 kilograms
Mushroom
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
First, gather mushrooms from clean, ecologically safe areas – far from roads, factories, and farmland. That’s the only way to be sure they’re safe to eat.
Step 2
I will be drying only porcini mushrooms. You can use mushrooms of any size, but large ones are the easiest to work with. They should be clean and firm.
Step 3
Clean off any forest debris. Don’t wash the mushrooms before drying. Use a knife to scrape off any dirt. Check for worms – the cross-section should be clean, without worms or wormholes.
Step 4
Cut the mushrooms into thick slices, about 0.4–0.6 inches (1–1.5 cm) thick. They will shrink 5–7 times while drying. Don’t cut them too thin — they’ll dry faster but become too fragile.
Step 5
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the mushroom slices in a single layer.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 120°F (50°C). Place the tray in the oven for 2 hours. Leave the oven door slightly ajar — around 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) — to let steam escape. I use a convection setting for even drying. If your oven heats only from the top or bottom, rotate trays during the process.
Step 7
After 2 hours, the mushrooms will be slightly dried. Raise the temperature to 150–160°F (65–70°C) and dry for another 2 hours. Then reduce to 120°F (50°C) and continue drying for 3–8 more hours. Stir occasionally. Drying time depends on your oven.
Step 8
There are also other ways to dry mushrooms (e.g., in a dehydrator or natural drying).
Step 9
When finished, break one mushroom – it should be dry inside. Turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside.
Step 10
Mushrooms absorb odors easily, so store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with screw lids or vacuum bags work best. Dried mushrooms can be stored for up to 3 years. Enjoy your cooking!