Elevate your toast game with this savory Mushroom Toast, a quick, satisfying meal perfect any time of day.
Packed with fiber-rich mushrooms and protein from melty cheese, this recipe delivers heart-healthy fats and low saturated fat for a nutritious bite.
Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or effortless meal prep.
Mushroom Toast
Equipment
- 1 Medium skillet (10–12 inches)
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 Toaster oven or conventional oven
- 1 Measuring Spoons Set
Ingredients
- 2 –3 tbsp olive oil or ½ tbsp butter/ghee
- 12 –16 oz mushrooms any variety: cremini, button, oyster, shiitake, chanterelle, morel, or porcini, sliced or torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves sliced or roughly chopped
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme or sage/rosemary
- 4 tbsp wine white, sherry, red, rosé, or Marsala or broth/water as substitute
- 2 slices sourdough bread toasted
- 2 –3 oz cheese Gruyère, Comté, Swiss, Brie, or Cambozola goat cheese; vegan option available
- Drizzle truffle oil optional, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Toaster Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a toaster oven, simply set it to the toast or bake setting. Preheating ensures that your bread will become perfectly crisp while the cheese melts evenly later on. This small step makes a big difference in texture and presentation.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: While the oven is heating, clean your mushrooms using a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water, as mushrooms absorb moisture and can become soggy. Slice or tear the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces, keeping them roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Heat the Oil in the Skillet: Place a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and add 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil (or substitute with ½ tablespoon of butter or ghee for a richer flavor). Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking. The right temperature will help the mushrooms brown beautifully.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the hot skillet, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook evenly. Continue sautéing until the mushrooms become golden brown and tender. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Lower the heat slightly if the mushrooms begin to release too much liquid too quickly.
- Add Aromatics: Once the mushrooms are golden, create a small well in the center of the pan. Add a bit more olive oil if the pan looks dry. Stir in the chopped shallots, garlic slices, and fresh thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes in the center until fragrant, then fold the mushrooms back in. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in approximately 4 tablespoons of your chosen wine (white, sherry, red, rosé, or Marsala) or substitute with broth or water if preferred. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet—these add incredible depth of flavor. Allow the liquid to cook off completely, leaving a glossy coating on the mushrooms. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the mushrooms finish cooking, lay two slices of sourdough bread on a baking sheet or toaster oven rack. Generously spread or layer your choice of cheese over each slice. Cheese options include Gruyère, Comté, Swiss, Brie, or Cambozola goat cheese. If you prefer a vegan version, use a plant-based melting cheese.
- Toast the Bread and Melt the Cheese: Place the cheese-topped bread into the preheated oven or toaster oven. Toast until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted completely, forming a smooth, gooey layer. This should take roughly 3–5 minutes depending on your oven’s heat intensity. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
- Assemble the Mushroom Toast: Once the bread is toasted and cheese is melted, remove from the oven. Immediately pile the warm, sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheesy slices. Make sure to distribute the mushrooms evenly so every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Add Finishing Touches: If desired, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the mushrooms for a luxurious aroma and extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended for a restaurant-style finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Mushroom Toast immediately while warm. Pair it with a fresh salad or light side for a complete meal. These toasts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a simple dinner. For leftovers, store sautéed mushrooms separately in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling.
Notes
- Use a mix of mushrooms for depth of flavor, such as cremini, oyster, or shiitake.
- Avoid washing mushrooms under running water; gently wipe them clean with a damp cloth to maintain texture.
- Sauté mushrooms over medium to medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown edges without steaming.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at multiple stages to ensure maximum flavor.
- Truffle oil is optional but adds a luxurious, aromatic touch when drizzled just before serving.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep: mushrooms can be cooked ahead and reheated, while bread and cheese are best toasted fresh.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevate Flavor And Texture
The key to a truly memorable Mushroom Toast lies in balancing flavors and textures.
Always sauté mushrooms slowly to let their natural sugars caramelize, creating rich, earthy notes.
Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds aromatic complexity, while a splash of wine or broth deglazes the pan and concentrates flavor.
Choosing a high-quality, melty cheese ensures each bite is creamy and indulgent.
For a final touch, a drizzle of truffle oil instantly transforms a simple toast into a gourmet experience.
Experimenting with different mushroom varieties allows you to adjust the intensity of flavor and create your signature version.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings And Presentation
Mushroom Toast pairs beautifully with a light, fresh salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a side of roasted vegetables.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple soup like tomato bisque or creamy potato leek soup.
Garnish with microgreens, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or a few shavings of parmesan to elevate the presentation.
These toasts also make a sophisticated brunch option, paired with fresh fruit or a chilled glass of sparkling water.
Serving immediately ensures the bread remains crisp while the cheese is warm and gooey.
Storage Tips: Keep Mushrooms Fresh Longer
Sautéed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Avoid storing the toast assembled, as the bread can become soggy.
Instead, keep the mushrooms and cheese separate, and toast the bread fresh when ready to serve.
Reheat mushrooms gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their texture and flavor.
For longer storage, mushrooms can be frozen after cooking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, frozen mushrooms can be used, but they release more water. Thaw them first and sauté over medium heat to reduce excess moisture, then continue with the recipe for the best texture.
2. Which cheese works best on mushroom toast?
Melty, flavorful cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, Swiss, Brie, or Cambozola goat cheese are ideal. For a vegan option, choose plant-based melting cheeses that have a creamy texture.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the sourdough bread with a gluten-free bread variety. Toasting may take slightly less time, so monitor closely to avoid burning.
4. How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
Assemble the toast just before serving. Toast the bread and melt the cheese, then top with the mushrooms immediately. Avoid letting it sit assembled for extended periods.
5. Can I add extra flavorings to the mushrooms?
Yes! A splash of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of chili flakes can enhance the mushrooms’ depth of flavor. Add these carefully so as not to overpower the delicate mushroom taste.
