Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Savory grilled cheese with earthy mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and crispy rye bread. A gourmet twist on a classic comfort favorite.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 cup cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
02 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 - 4 slices Swiss cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for sautéing

→ Bread

06 - 4 slices rye bread

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for 1 minute until softened.
02 - Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and any liquid has evaporated. Stir in garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Lay out rye bread slices. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on two bread slices. Spoon mushroom mixture evenly over cheese, then top with another slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices.
04 - Butter the outer surfaces of each sandwich generously.
05 - Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-low heat. Add sandwiches and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula as needed.
06 - Slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms a humble grilled cheese into something deeply savory and satisfying without any fuss.
  • The combination of Swiss cheese and earthy mushrooms tastes like a cozy bistro tucked into your own kitchen.
  • You can have it on the table in under half an hour, making it perfect for quick lunches or lazy dinners.
  • Rye bread adds a nutty complexity that white bread just can't match.
02 -
  • Don't rush the mushrooms, if you crank the heat too high they'll steam instead of caramelize and you'll lose all that deep, savory flavor.
  • Use medium low heat when grilling the sandwiches or the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt properly.
  • Make sure the mushroom mixture is not too wet before assembling, or it'll make the bread soggy instead of crispy.
03 -
  • Press down gently but firmly with your spatula while the sandwiches cook, it helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the pan for an even crust.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Always use softened butter on the bread, it spreads more evenly and prevents tearing, which means a more uniform golden crust.
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