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Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich Recipe

4.7 from 126 reviews

The Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich is a hearty, savory sandwich featuring deeply caramelized onions, sautéed cremini mushrooms with garlic and thyme, and melted Swiss cheese on buttered sourdough bread. This comforting sandwich combines rich flavors and textures, making it a perfect vegetarian meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sautéed Mushrooms

  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 slices sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
  • 4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions to ensure even cooking.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced onions, stirring to coat them with the fat. Cook slowly over very low heat, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and soft. If onions brown too quickly, reduce heat to prevent burning.
  3. Add Flavor to Onions: Stir in brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the onions with tangy sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare Mushrooms: Clean and slice the cremini mushrooms, making sure they are ready for sautéing.
  5. Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Cook in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
  6. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the mushrooms. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
  7. Deglaze with Wine: Pour dry white wine into the skillet to deglaze and scrape up browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Allow the wine to reduce for 1-2 minutes until nearly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
  8. Prepare Bread: Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered sides of two slices for added flavor.
  9. Assemble Sandwiches: Place bread slices buttered side down in a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Layer half of the Swiss cheese on each slice. On one slice, mound half the caramelized onions and half the sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese. Repeat with the other slice of bread.
  10. Cook Sandwiches: Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes per side until the cheese melts thoroughly and the bread is golden brown and toasted. Covering the skillet with a lid helps melt the cheese faster.
  11. Serve: Carefully remove sandwiches from the skillet, stack one slice on top of the other to form a complete sandwich, cut in half, and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

  • Cooking the onions slowly over low heat is crucial to achieving their deep caramelization and sweet flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Using white wine adds depth of flavor but can be omitted or replaced with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • To avoid soggy bread, ensure the mushrooms are well sautéed and moisture is mostly evaporated before assembly.
  • Serve with a side salad or crispy chips for a complete meal.

Keywords: Swiss mushroom melt, caramelized onion sandwich, sautéed mushrooms, vegetarian sandwich, melted Swiss cheese, sourdough sandwich