This Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt is a tasty sandwich featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melted Swiss cheese and flavorful mushrooms. It’s grilled to golden perfection, making it a real treat!
Who can resist warm, delicious cheese and savory mushrooms nestled between crispy bread? I love serving it with a side of fries—it’s the perfect comfort food combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use 90/10 beef, but it may be a bit drier. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter patty melt.
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms are both great choices for their flavor. For more depth, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms. If you have a mushroom allergy, consider using sautéed spinach or zucchini for a veggie twist.
Swiss Cheese: Traditional Swiss cheese melts nicely and adds creaminess. If you can’t find Swiss, Gruyère is a fantastic substitute. For non-dairy needs, look for vegan cheese options that melt well.
Bread: Rye bread adds a nice flavor, but sourdough is another fabulous option. If you’re gluten-free, there are good gluten-free breads available that will work just as well.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Onions and Mushrooms?
Getting your onions and mushrooms right is key to this dish. Proper sautéing enhances their natural flavors. Start with medium heat to let them cook slowly, bringing out sweetness without burning.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet. Add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and stir occasionally. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until they’re golden.
- Keep an eye on the heat; you want them to brown, not steam. Remove them when tender and set aside to maintain that great flavor.
How to Make a Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button)
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, so you can enjoy it in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mushroom and Onion Mixture:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Season with a little salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and tender. Remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
2. Form the Patties:
While the mushroom and onion mixture is cooking, take the ground beef and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into patties that are a bit larger than your bread slices. Don’t forget to season both sides of the patties well with salt and pepper!
3. Cook the Patties:
Using the same skillet, crank up the heat to medium-high. Add the beef patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they get a nice brown sear. Flip the patties over and place two slices of Swiss cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your liking.
4. Prepare the Sandwich:
Now, it’s time to build our sandwich! Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Place the cheese-covered patties on the non-mayo side of two slices. Top each patty with the sautéed mushrooms and onions for that delicious flavor.
5. Assemble and Grill the Sandwiches:
Place the other two slices of bread on top of the patties, mayo side up. In the same skillet (making sure to wipe it out if necessary), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and grill them until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. If you have more sandwiches, repeat with the remaining bread and patties.
6. Serve:
Once your sandwiches are nicely grilled and golden, remove them from the skillet. Slice them in half if you like, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so they may require a bit of extra seasoning or cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out. Aim for a blend that includes some fat (like 85/15) for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use provolone or a mild cheddar as a tasty alternative. Each will give you a slightly different flavor, but they still melt beautifully and complement the mushrooms and beef well.
How Do I Store Leftover Patty Melts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, covered, to maintain moisture, or you can pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.