Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Savory grilled cheese featuring sautéed mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese melted between crispy rye bread.

# What You'll 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

# How to Make It:

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 of the bread slices.
04 - Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with another slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices.
05 - Butter the outsides of each sandwich generously.
06 - 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 completely melted, pressing gently with a spatula as needed.
07 - Slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The mushrooms add a savory, umami richness that makes this feel like a restaurant sandwich you can make in your own kitchen.
  • Swiss cheese melts beautifully without becoming greasy, and its mild nuttiness complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
  • Rye bread brings a slight tang and sturdy texture that holds up to all the melty, savory filling.
  • It comes together in under half an hour, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
02 -
  • Let the mushrooms cook long enough to release and then evaporate their liquid, or your sandwich will turn out soggy instead of crispy.
  • Use medium low heat when grilling the sandwiches so the bread toasts evenly without burning before the cheese has time to melt.
  • Softened butter spreads much more easily than cold butter and creates a more even, golden crust on the bread.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt evenly and bond all the layers together.
  • If you are making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it distributes heat beautifully and gives the bread an even, golden crust.
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