Cheesy Mushroom Toast with Garlic & Thyme

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This Cheesy Mushroom Toast with Garlic & Thyme is one I make all the time. It’s rich, melty, packed with deep umami flavor, and so, so easy. Golden slices of crusty bread are layered with gooey provolone, garlicky sautéed mushrooms, and a sprinkle of Italian cheese, then broiled to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a cozy lunch, lazy brunch, or quick dinner (especially with a glass of wine).

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Mushroom Toast:

Deep, Savory Flavor – Sautéed mushrooms with garlic, thyme, and a splash of wine create a rich, umami-packed topping you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Quick & Satisfying – Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe is simple enough for a weekday lunch but feels indulgent enough for a weekend brunch.

Cheesy Mushroom Toast Ingredients:

Butter – Adds rich flavor and helps the mushrooms caramelize. Salted or unsalted both work.
Baby Bella Mushrooms – Also called cremini mushrooms. Meaty, flavorful, and sauté beautifully.
Garlic – For that punchy, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced, jarred, or garlic paste all work for this recipe.
White Wine – A splash of dry white wine adds brightness and balances the richness of the mushroom toast. Sub with a splash of lemon juice or omit entirely if needed.
Fresh Thyme – Earthy and aromatic. Dried thyme works as well, just halve the amount.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds savory depth and umami. A little goes a long way!
Crusty Bread – Choose something sturdy like sourdough or a rustic loaf to hold all the toppings without getting soggy.
Provolone Cheese – Melts smooth and creamy. Mozzarella or fontina would also be delicious.
Italian Cheese Blend – A final sprinkle adds flavor and a golden bubbly top that holds everything together.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

To Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular crusty bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Look for a hearty, thick slice to hold all the toppings! For this recipe I used Schär’s Gluten-Free Deli Style Bread, which worked great, is a nice size, and is very reminiscent of sourdough.
To Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Swap the butter for dairy-free butter (like Earth Balance), and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as vegan provolone and mozzarella-style shreds, or omit the cheese entirely. If making vegan, swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegan alternative or soy sauce.
To Make it Low-Carb/Keto: Use a low-carb bread option (like Cloud Bread or Baked Cottage Cheese) to keep this toast keto-friendly while still satisfying.
To Make it Without Wine: If you prefer to skip the wine, sub with a small splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain that bright acidity. Or omit it completely!

How to Make Cheesy Mushroom Toast with Garlic & Thyme:

Prepare the Mushrooms: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize.
Add Flavor: Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the white wine (if using), and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces and the mushrooms are coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the Bread: While the mushrooms cook, toast the crusty bread slices using a toaster or place them under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and crispy.
Add Provolone: Once the bread is toasted place on a prepared baking sheet. Lay 2 slices of provolone cheese on each piece. Place under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Assemble the Toast: Spoon half of the mushroom mixture onto each slice of toast. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend on top.
Broil for Perfection: Return the assembled toasts to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes to melt the Italian cheese and create a golden bubbly topping.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Cheesy Mushroom Toast:

Watch the Broil – Keep an eye on the broiler while melting the provolone and Italian cheese. It can quickly go from perfectly melted to burnt under the high heat!
Serve Immediately – These toasts are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the broiler, when the cheese is gooey and the mushrooms are still warm.
Want a Bit of Spice? – Try adding a few red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture, or a few dashes of hot sauce on top for a little kick!

Make Ahead & Storage:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the mushroom topping up to 2 days in advance. Simply cook as directed, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your toast.
Storage: While this mushroom toast is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored! Keep assembled toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat under the broiler or in a toaster oven until warm and melty again. Note: the bread may soften after storing.
This recipe is not freezer-friendly.

Savory Sautéed Mushroom and Cheese Toast with Garlic and Thyme

Cheesy Mushroom Toast FAQ’s:

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! While baby bellas are great for their meaty texture and flavor, white mushrooms, shiitake, or even a wild mushroom mix will work great.

What kind of bread is best?

A sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough, Italian loaf, or a rustic country bread holds up best under all the melty toppings. Just make sure it’s thick enough not to get soggy.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Just make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain anchovies), or substitute with soy sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe easily scales up. Just cook the mushrooms in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.

Can I skip the wine?

Of course! This recipe is still delicious without it. If you’d like to keep a bit of brightness, you can substitute a small splash of lemon juice.

More Mushroom Recipes You Will Love:

Tried This Cheesy Mushroom Toast recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.