This Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt is a warm and cheesy delight! Imagine a juicy beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between crispy bread.
I can’t help but smile while making this, especially when that cheese starts to ooze out. It’s the perfect meal for any day—quick, tasty, and oh-so-comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor might be milder.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, which is why I love it in this dish. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, you can try Gruyère or provolone for a different taste and great melting texture.
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms are perfect for this recipe. You can substitute them with portobello for a meatier texture or even sautéed spinach if you want a change.
Onion: A medium yellow onion works well, but if you prefer a milder flavor, use white or even shallots. For a sweeter option, add caramelized red onions.
Bread: Rye and sourdough are traditional choices, but whole grain or even gluten-free bread can work just fine if you need alternatives.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savory depth. If you’re looking for a substitute, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can do the trick for those with dietary restrictions.
How Do I Make Sure My Onions and Mushrooms Are Perfectly Caramelized?
Getting those onions and mushrooms just right is key to adding flavor to your patty melt. Caramelizing brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish. Here’s how to do it:
- First, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes so they can brown, then stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden. If you love garlic, add that in the last minute for a punch of flavor.
Take your time during this step; it’s worth it for that sweet, rich flavor!
How to Make a Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of bread (rye or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder or freshly chopped garlic
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the mushrooms and onions while the burgers cook in another pan, making this a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onions and Mushrooms:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté these until they’re softened and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. If you like a bit of garlic flavor, add some chopped garlic or garlic powder towards the end of cooking for extra zest!
2. Preparing the Beef Patties:
While the onions and mushrooms are cooking, take your ground beef and form it into two patties. Make them about the same size as your bread slices for easy assembly. Generously season each patty with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
3. Cooking the Patties:
In a separate skillet, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes to achieve medium doneness (you can adjust the time depending on how well done you want your patties). When they’re nearly cooked through, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet for about 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Assembling the Patty Melt:
While the cheese is melting, butter one side of each slice of bread. In a clean skillet or griddle set on medium-low heat, place two slices of bread butter-side down. On top of the bread, layer some of your sautéed mushrooms and onions, followed by the cheesy patties. Add more mushrooms and onions on top, then place the remaining slices of bread on top of everything, butter-side up.
5. Grilling the Patty Melts:
Carefully grill the patty melts until the bread is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwiches carefully and grill the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, which will take another 3-4 minutes.
6. Serving:
Once the patty melts are done, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a moment. If you’d like, slice them in half for easier eating. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or condiments. Enjoy your delicious Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little olive oil or even a pinch of seasoning to enhance the flavor. Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re safe to eat.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, you can use Gruyère, provolone, or even cheddar cheese as a substitute. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor, so choose according to your preference!
How to Store Leftover Patty Melts
Store any leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, or in an oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispiness of the bread.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt?
Definitely! Feel free to add other sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them small enough to layer easily in your sandwich!
