Description
The Swiss Mushroom Melt is a savory and satisfying sandwich featuring sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese on toasted hearty bread. Enhanced with garlic, thyme, and an optional Dijon mustard spread, this melt offers rich flavors and a deliciously melty texture perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushroom Mixture
- 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sandwich
- 4 slices of hearty bread (such as sourdough or whole grain)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and bubbling. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and moisture has evaporated.
- Toast bread: Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a separate pan until just golden.
- Spread mustard: Remove mushrooms from heat. If using, spread Dijon mustard on one side of each toasted bread slice for added flavor.
- Assemble sandwiches: On the uncoated side of two bread slices, evenly layer half of the mushroom mixture over each. Top each with two slices of Swiss cheese.
- Complete sandwiches: Place the remaining two bread slices on top, mustard side down, to form sandwiches.
- Grill sandwiches: Wipe down skillet and return to medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter and place one sandwich in the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Repeat grilling: Cook the second sandwich in the same way.
- Serve: Cut sandwiches in half, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the mushrooms as they cook.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich cheeses and mushrooms.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella if preferred.
- Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure your bread and butter are free from animal rennet and additives.