Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich Recipe
This Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich features deeply caramelized onions and savory sautéed cremini mushrooms layered with melted Swiss cheese on golden toasted sourdough bread. Perfectly balanced with a hint of thyme, garlic, and an optional touch of Dijon mustard, this comforting sandwich offers rich, savory flavors with tender textures in every bite. Ideal for a satisfying vegetarian meal or an elevated lunch option.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Sautéing and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the 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
For the Sautéed Mushrooms:
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the 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)
- Caramelize the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and soft. Stir in brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cook 2-3 minutes more until absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Clean and slice mushrooms. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook 8-10 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and thyme, cook another minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine to deglaze if using, and cook until mostly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Optionally spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place bread slices buttered-side down on a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Layer half of the Swiss cheese on each slice, then top one slice on each with half the caramelized onions and mushrooms.
- Melt and Toast: Cook sandwiches 3-5 minutes per side, covered if possible, until cheese melts and bread is golden brown and toasted.
- Combine and Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, place slices topped with ingredients on top of the plain slices to form complete sandwiches. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use quality sourdough bread and fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking brings out natural sweetness.
- Season onions and mushrooms well with salt and pepper.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyere, provolone, or sharp cheddar.
- Add sauces like garlic aioli, pesto, or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter, vegan cheese, and omit or substitute the white wine.
- Add grilled chicken, steak, or tofu for more protein if desired.
- Add red pepper flakes to mushrooms to introduce a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Swiss Mushroom Melt, caramelized onions sandwich, cremini mushroom sandwich, vegetarian melt, melted Swiss cheese sandwich, savory mushroom sandwich