If you’ve been on the hunt for a grilled cheese sandwich that brings something truly special to the table, look no further than this Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe. It’s a gorgeous harmony of earthy, garlicky mushrooms paired with melting layers of provolone and mozzarella cheese, all hugged by perfectly toasted sourdough bread. This sandwich elevates the humble grilled cheese into a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Every bite delivers that irresistible blend of savory garlic, tender mushrooms, and ooey-gooey cheese, making it an instant favorite for any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential for bringing out the ultimate comfort and flavor in your Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy cheeses to the aromatic garlic, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons, divided: Adds a rich, golden crust and helps cook the mushrooms perfectly.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Balances the butter and helps sauté mushrooms evenly without burning.
- Cremini or button mushrooms, 8 oz, sliced: Provide that meaty, earthy texture and a deep umami flavor.
- Garlic cloves, 2 minced: Infuses the mushrooms with a robust and enticing aroma.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with just the right seasoning.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a gentle kick that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon: Brings a lovely herby note that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- Sourdough or artisan bread, 4 slices: The sturdy base that crisps up wonderfully and holds all the fillings.
- Provolone cheese, 4 slices: Melts smoothly with a mild, buttery flavor that balances the mushrooms.
- Mozzarella cheese, 4 slices: Offers that classic stretch and creamy texture in every bite.
- Optional fresh parsley: Perfect for a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the sandwich.
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms to Perfection
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 6 to 8 minutes until they become beautifully browned and tender. Stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly without sticking. Once the mushrooms have released their moisture and have that golden finish, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells fragrant and irresistible. Then, remove the skillet from heat and set your savory mushroom mixture aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread for Grilling
Take the remaining butter and generously butter one side of each slice of bread. This will help you create that signature crisp, golden exterior on your grilled cheese. Buttering the right amount is key—enough to crisp up nicely but not so much that it becomes greasy.
Step 3: Build Your Sandwich Layers
Place two slices of bread butter side down on a clean skillet set to medium-low heat. Now for the fun part: layer each slice first with a slice of provolone, then spoon half of your garlicky mushroom mixture on top. Follow that with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then finish by topping with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up. The careful layering lets the flavors meld together, guaranteeing every bite is packed with melted cheese and savory mushrooms.
Step 4: Grill Until Golden and Melty
Cook the sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly to ensure even toasting and melting. Watch for that perfect golden brown color and listen for the subtle sizzle that tells you it’s just right. Flip gently and repeat with the second sandwich. When both grilled cheeses have that luscious crust and gooey cheese, remove them from the skillet and allow to cool just a bit before slicing—this keeps all the melty goodness inside!
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a perfect pop of green and a subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of this sandwich. It’s a simple touch that brings brightness and makes your plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Tomato soup is also a classic and comforting option that complements the mushrooms and cheese with its warm, tangy notes. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of crunchy pickles can round out the meal with added texture and flavor variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your grilled cheese into bite-sized wedges and serve with an herbed aioli or garlic dipping sauce. You can also elevate presentation by layering the sandwich open-faced under a broiler for a minute to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese top. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper and tying it with twine makes an adorable picnic treat or lunchbox surprise. The possibilities to make this classic your own are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the bread from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the sandwiches before grilling by wrapping each one well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then grill as usual. This trick is perfect for prepping quick meals in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, the key is to regain that crispy crust without losing the melty cheese magic. Use a skillet over low heat and cover the sandwich with a lid to trap heat and melt the cheese, flipping carefully after a few minutes. Microwave reheating isn’t ideal as it can make the bread rubbery and the mushrooms watery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms are recommended for their texture and flavor, baby bella, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms can also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re tender and well browned.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can swap out butter for vegan margarine or olive oil and use vegan cheese slices that melt well. Just be sure the bread you choose does not contain dairy or eggs. The garlic mushrooms remain delicious and flavorful in a vegan adaptation.
What type of bread works best for this grilled cheese?
Sourdough or artisan bread is ideal because it toasts up crispy on the outside while still holding the fillings without getting soggy. However, whole-grain, white, or multigrain breads can be used depending on your preference; just make sure they’re sliced thick enough to hold up during grilling.
Can I add extra ingredients to this grilled cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to add caramelized onions, a handful of fresh spinach, or even a drizzle of truffle oil over the mushrooms for a gourmet touch. Just remember to keep balance so the garlic mushroom mix stays the star of the show.
How long does it take to prepare this Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe?
The total time, including prep and cooking, is around 20 minutes. This makes it a fantastic quick meal option that feels special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe enough—it’s one of those simple pleasures that instantly lifts your spirits and satisfies your cravings. With its hearty mushrooms, lush melted cheese, and buttery toasted bread, it’s a perfect dish to make for yourself or to share with someone you love. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese is a deliciously hearty sandwich combining earthy sautéed mushrooms with melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses, all nestled between golden-buttered slices of artisan bread. It’s a perfect vegetarian main course, featuring rich garlic and thyme flavors for a comforting twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Ingredients
Mushroom Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough or artisan bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread with the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place two slices of the bread, butter side down, on a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Layer each with one slice of provolone cheese, half of the garlic mushroom mixture, then one slice of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Cook Sandwich: Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted throughout. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Sourdough bread can be substituted with whole grain or white bread as preferred.
- Adding a drizzle of truffle oil to the mushrooms enhances the flavor with an earthy depth.
- Swiss or fontina cheese are excellent alternatives to provolone or mozzarella.
