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Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich Recipe

Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich Recipe

5 from 15 reviews

The Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich is a warm, savory delight featuring caramelized onions and sautéed cremini mushrooms layered with melted Swiss cheese on toasted sourdough bread. This hearty vegetarian sandwich combines deep caramelized sweetness, earthy mushrooms, and gooey cheese, perfect for a comfort meal or satisfying lunch.

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 Onions: Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions to start the caramelization process.
  2. Heat Oils: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat to create a base for the onions.
  3. Add Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with oil and butter.
  4. Caramelize Onions: Cook the onions over very low heat, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes until they become a deep golden brown and very soft, adjusting heat if they brown too fast.
  5. Add Sugar & Vinegar: Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and vinegar is absorbed.
  6. Season and Set Aside Onions: Season with salt and pepper, then remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
  7. Prepare Mushrooms: Clean and slice the cremini mushrooms for sautéing.
  8. Heat Oil for Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Sauté Mushrooms: Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes until browned and softened; work in batches if needed.
  10. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking an additional minute until garlic is fragrant.
  11. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine, scraping browned bits from the pan, and let reduce for 1-2 minutes until nearly evaporated.
  12. Season and Set Aside Mushrooms: Season mushrooms with salt and pepper and remove from skillet.
  13. Butter Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  14. Apply Mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices of bread.
  15. Assemble Sandwich Base: Place bread slices, buttered side down, in a clean skillet over medium-low heat and top each with half the Swiss cheese.
  16. Add Fillings: On one slice, layer half the caramelized onions and half the sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese; repeat with the other slice.
  17. Cook Sandwiches: Cook sandwiches for 3-5 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread is golden brown, covering the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese faster.
  18. Serve: Remove sandwiches, place one slice on top of the other, cut in half, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cooking onions low and slow is key for perfect caramelization without burning.
  • If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, omit the white wine and replace it with a splash of vegetable broth or water.
  • Use a good quality sourdough bread to add tanginess and robust texture.
  • The Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

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