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Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich Recipe

4.8 from 52 reviews

The Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich is a savory delight featuring deeply caramelized onions and perfectly sautéed cremini mushrooms layered with melted Swiss cheese on toasted sourdough bread. This comforting sandwich combines rich, earthy flavors and a gooey cheese melt, making it an ideal meal for mushroom lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

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. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir well to coat them in the fat.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Cook the onions very slowly over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and become very soft. Lower the heat if they start to brown too fast.
  3. Add Sugar and Vinegar: Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the vinegar is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary.
  5. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze with Wine: Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce until almost completely evaporated. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Spread Dijon mustard evenly on the unbuttered side of two slices.
  8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the bread slices buttered side down in a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Top each with half of the Swiss cheese. On two slices, layer half the caramelized onions and half the sautéed mushrooms. Repeat for the other two slices.
  9. Cook the Sandwiches: Cook 3 to 5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and toasted and the cheese has melted. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
  10. Serve: Remove sandwiches carefully from the skillet. Stack one slice on top of the other to make a complete sandwich. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cooking the onions low and slow is key to developing their sweetness and deep flavor.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, you can omit it or substitute with vegetable broth for deglazing.
  • Using sourdough provides a nice tangy contrast, but any good-quality bread will work.
  • Covering the skillet while toasting helps melt the cheese perfectly without burning the bread.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushrooms while sautéing.

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