IRRESISTIBLE SWISS MUSHROOM MELT

Sink your teeth into a symphony of savory flavors where earthy mushrooms meet nutty Swiss, all nestled between slices of perfectly toasted bread. Imagine the warm, melted cheese stretching with each bite, the umami of the mushrooms dancing on your tongue, and the satisfying crunch of the crust. This Swiss Mushroom Melt is about to become your new go-to sandwich, guaranteed to satisfy even the strongest cravings.

Ingredients

For the Mushroom Mixture:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, rye, or even brioche work great!)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mushrooms:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their liquid, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t be afraid to let them get a little brown – that’s where the flavor is!
3. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a delicious depth of flavor.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, the soy sauce will add some saltiness, so go easy on the salt initially. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Swiss Mushroom Melt:

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
3. Top each slice of bread with a generous amount of Swiss cheese.
4. Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the cheese on each slice.
5. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese slices, and then the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You might need to gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
7. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before cutting in half and serving.

Picking the Perfect Mushrooms

While this recipe calls for cremini mushrooms, feel free to experiment with other varieties! A mix of shiitake and oyster mushrooms can add a complex, earthy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different mushrooms have different moisture contents. This is the perfect way to elevate your Meals To Make With Mushrooms and impress your family!

Choosing Your Cheese: It’s All About the Swiss

The star of the show (besides the mushrooms, of course!) is the Swiss cheese. Emmentaler Swiss, with its large holes and nutty flavor, is a classic choice, but Gruyere also works beautifully. For a milder flavor, you can even use baby Swiss. Experiment and find your favorite! Just be sure to use real Swiss, not processed cheese slices, for the best melt and flavor. Consider it one of the best Things To Make With Swiss Cheese that you will ever try!

Bread Bliss: Selecting the Right Slice

The bread you choose can really make or break your Swiss Mushroom Melt. Sourdough offers a tangy bite that complements the earthy mushrooms, while rye adds a hearty, slightly bitter note. For a touch of sweetness, brioche is a luxurious option. Ultimately, the best bread is the one you love the most, but I recommend something sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy, mushroomy goodness. A crusty bread will provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft filling.

Tips for the Ultimate Melt

Want to take your Swiss Mushroom Melt to the next level? Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making multiple sandwiches, cook them in batches to ensure even browning.
• Use a non-stick skillet: This will prevent the bread from sticking and burning. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, use plenty of butter.
• Low and slow is the way to go: Cooking the sandwiches over medium heat will allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
• Press it down: Gently pressing down on the sandwiches with a spatula will help the cheese melt evenly and create a cohesive melt.
• Add a little heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished sandwich.
• Get creative with toppings: Caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can all add extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal

A Swiss Mushroom Melt is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a complementary side dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries are always a crowd-pleaser. Or, for a heartier meal, try serving it with a bowl of Chicken Mushroom Soup or Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup. This Bon Appetit Recipes Dinners idea will definitely be a crowd pleaser!

Variations to Tempt Your Taste Buds

While the classic Swiss Mushroom Melt is a winner, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to suit your preferences! Think of it as a blank canvas for culinary creativity.

• The Cheesy Ground Beef Addition: Transform your melt into something more substantial by adding seasoned ground beef. This is similar to the flavors found in Cheesy Ground Beef Melt.
• Garlic Butter Boost: Sauté your mushrooms in garlic butter instead of olive oil for an extra layer of richness.
• Chicken Stuffed Delight: Add sliced grilled chicken or try it with a recipe like Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Garlic Butter Mushrooms.
• Creamy Dream: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a spoonful of sour cream to the mushroom mixture for a creamy, decadent twist. You can also explore similar flavors of Creamy Mushroom Soup.
• Veggie Power: Add other vegetables to the mushroom mixture, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Making it Ahead: Prep Like a Pro

Want to get a head start on your Swiss Mushroom Melt? You can prepare the mushroom mixture up to a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, just reheat the mushroom mixture in a skillet or microwave. You can also assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, but don’t butter the bread until just before cooking to prevent it from getting soggy.

The Swiss Sandwich: A Classic Reimagined

This Swiss Mushroom Melt is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night snack. The combination of earthy mushrooms, nutty Swiss cheese, and crispy bread is simply irresistible. It truly is the Ultimate Comfort food. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Irresistible Swiss Mushroom Melt

Alice Yowell

This Swiss Mushroom Melt is a savory sandwich featuring earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese, nestled between slices of perfectly toasted bread. It’s a satisfying combination of umami flavors, warm melted cheese, and a satisfying crunch, perfect for a quick lunch or comforting dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Griddle (optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ cup dry white wine optional
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 8 slices bread sourdough, rye, or brioche
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their liquid, about 8-10 minutes. Let them brown slightly for added flavor.
• Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
• Top each slice of bread with a generous amount of Swiss cheese.
• Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the cheese on each slice.
• Top with the remaining Swiss cheese slices, and then the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
• Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before cutting in half and serving.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished sandwich. You can prepare the mushroom mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Emmentaler Swiss or Gruyere cheese are excellent alternatives to regular Swiss. To prevent the bread from sticking, use a non-stick skillet or plenty of butter. Cooking the sandwiches over medium heat will allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.