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Cheesy mushroom and garlic toast on a white plate with melted cheese and parsley.

Cheesy Mushroom and Garlic Toast

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 315
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 thick slices of Sourdough or Ciabatta bread
  • 8 oz 225g Mixed Mushrooms (Cremini, Shiitake, or Button), sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère or Fontina cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Sauté: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  2. Season: Stir the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  3. Toast: Brush bread slices with the remaining olive oil. Toast until golden brown.
  4. Assemble: Pile the garlic mushrooms onto the toast slices. Top generously with shredded cheese.
  5. Melt: Place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Mushrooms: Do not wash mushrooms under running water; they act like sponges. Wipe with a damp paper towel to ensure they sear rather than steam.
     
  • The Sear: Cook mushrooms in a single layer without stirring for the first 3–4 minutes. This develops the deep brown umami crust essential for flavor.
     
  • Garlic Timing: Always add minced garlic during the last 60 seconds of sautéing. This prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
  • Bread Choice: Use a sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough. It provides the necessary structural integrity to hold the heavy mushroom topping without collapsing.
  • Cheese Substitutes: While Gruyère is recommended for its meltability, you can substitute with Emmental, Fontina, or a sharp White Cheddar for a similar profile.
  • Make it Vegan: Swap butter for additional olive oil and replace the cheese with a drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.