Grilled Cheese with Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread (preferably sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite variety)
1 tablespoon butter (for spreading on the bread)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white mushrooms)
2 slices of cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese of your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté the mushrooms and onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become translucent.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set the mushrooms and onions aside.
Prepare the sandwich:
Heat another skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for grilling the sandwich.
Butter one side of each slice of bread with about 1/2 tablespoon of butter per slice.
Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
Layer the cheese on top of the bread in the skillet. Add a generous portion of the sautéed mushrooms and onions on top of the cheese.
Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top to form the sandwich.
Grill the sandwich:
Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can press down slightly with a spatula to help it crisp up.
Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling, and cook the second side until golden brown.
Serve:
Once the sandwich is grilled to perfection, remove it from the pan and slice it in half.
Serve immediately with your favorite side or dip.
Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or fresh thyme to the mushrooms and onions while sautéing.
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Gruyère or Havarti, for different flavor profiles.
If you want a more savory option, try adding a few dashes of balsamic vinegar or a bit of Dijon mustard.
Enjoy this indulgent, cheesy delight with a crispy, golden crust and flavorful mushroom-onion filling!