This Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt is a delicious mix of juicy beef, melty Swiss cheese, and flavorful mushrooms all nestled between two slices of buttery bread. Yum!
What makes it great? The crispy bread with the gooey cheese is hard to resist! I love making this when friends come over. It’s like a warm, cozy hug in sandwich form! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend provides a balance of flavor and moisture, which keeps your patty juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef will work, but the patty might be less juicy.
Swiss Cheese: While Swiss is the classic choice, try Gruyère for a more nutty flavor or even sharp cheddar for a twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add depth, but button mushrooms are fine too. If you want a different taste, feel free to use portobello for a meatier texture or even shiitake for a more pronounced flavor.
Bread: Sourdough or rye are great for their taste and sturdiness. Whole grain bread can be a healthy alternative, or even a gluten-free option if needed.
Condiments: Mayonnaise adds creaminess; if you’re looking for a healthier choice, swap it for Greek yogurt. Dijon mustard adds a nice kick, but you could skip it or use yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Patties Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the patties to perfection can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- First, don’t overwork the meat when forming the patties. This keeps them tender.
- Make the patties larger than your bread because they will shrink during cooking.
- Cook them on medium-high heat for a nice sear. About 4-5 minutes per side usually works well.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure: 160°F for medium doneness.
- Cover the skillet in the last minute with cheese on top. This helps melt the cheese perfectly.
If you want to add flavor, feel free to mix spices like garlic powder or onion powder into the beef before making the patties. It gives them an extra tasty kick!
How to Make a Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices of sourdough or rye bread
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll be enjoying your mouthwatering meal in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Mushrooms and Onions:
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they’re soft and caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet. Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and sauté them until they’re nicely browned and have released their moisture, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine both the onions and mushrooms in a bowl and set them aside.
2. Form and Cook the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape the beef into two equal patties, making them slightly larger than your slices of bread since they will shrink while cooking. Heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place Swiss cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.
3. Prepare the Bread:
While the patties are cooking, spread mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread. If you’re using Dijon mustard, go ahead and spread it on the other side of two slices of bread. This will give your sandwich a lovely flavor!
4. Assemble the Patty Melt:
Once your patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, it’s time to assemble! Place one patty (with the melted cheese) on a slice of bread with the mayonnaise side down. Pile on a generous amount of the mushroom and onion mixture over the patty. Finish by adding another slice of bread on top (with the mayonnaise side facing up).
5. Grill the Patty Melt:
Carefully return your assembled sandwich to the skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. You can gently press the sandwich down with a spatula while it cooks to help it hold its shape.
6. Serve:
Once both sides of the sandwich are perfectly browned and crispy, take it out of the skillet. Slice it in half and serve it hot with your favorite sides or condiments. Enjoy your Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, and turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little olive oil or butter to the mixture to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
What if I Don’t Have Swiss Cheese?
No problem! You can use other types of cheese like provolone, fontina, or even cheddar. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely and complements the flavors of the mushrooms and onions. Grate or slice it thinly for easier melting.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or even black bean patties. Use additional mushrooms for a heartier texture, and keep the rest of the ingredients as is. You’ll still get that delicious mushroom and cheese flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to warm them up in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.
