Savory Sautéed Mushroom and Cheese Toast

Looking for the perfect savory snack or a quick and easy healthy breakfast? This Savory Sautéed Mushroom and Cheese Toast with Garlic and Thyme combines rich, tender mushrooms with the creamy goodness of provolone cheese. Toasted to perfection and topped with an aromatic garlic-thyme blend, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy morning in or as a flavorful lunch. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this garlic mushroom toast is a must-try for cheese lovers and mushroom enthusiasts alike!

Last Updated March 2nd, 2025.

Why You’ll Love this Mushroom Cheese Toast Recipe:

• Rich, Umami Flavor – The combination of sautéed baby bella mushrooms, garlic, and thyme creates a deep, savory taste that’s simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy to Make – This cheese and mushroom toast comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy day breakfast, quick satisfying snack, or fast healthy lunch.
• Melted Provolone Cheesy Perfection – The creamy, gooey provolone cheese perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms, creating a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.
• Customizable to Your Taste – Whether you prefer a gluten-free version or want to add extra herbs, this mushroom toast recipe is adaptable to fit your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Ingredient Notes:

• Baby Bella Mushrooms:
  • These mushrooms bring a deeper, richer flavor compared to white mushrooms, making them ideal for this rustic cheese and mushroom toast. If you prefer, you can substitute with white mushrooms, but baby bellas add an extra layer of umami flavor.
• Provolone Cheese:
  • Provolone offers a creamy, meltable texture that pairs beautifully with the sautéed mushrooms,
• Shredded Italian Cheese Blend:
  • A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and romano adds a touch of sharpness and enhances the overall meltiness. For a more intense flavor, consider using a sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even smoked Gouda cheese.
• Fresh Thyme:
  • Fresh thyme brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the mushrooms and cheese. If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• Worcestershire Sauce:
  • This adds a subtle depth of flavor, rounding out the savory notes of the mushrooms. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use soy sauce or tamari instead.
• Rustic Crusty Bread:
  • Sourdough or any hearty bread with a thick crust works best for this savory toast recipe. The crusty bread gives the toast a satisfying crunch and holds up well under the sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese.

Dietary Restrictions & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free:
  • To make this mushroom cheese toast gluten-free, simply swap out the rustic bread for your favorite gluten-free bread (I like Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Heritage Style Whole Grain Bread. It tastes great and is mush larger than other gluten-free breads I have tried) Many gluten-free bread options, like sourdough or ciabatta, work well for a crunchy, flavorful base.
• Dairy-Free:
  • For a dairy-free version, replace the provolone cheese with a plant-based cheese that melts well, such as Daiya or Violife. You can also use dairy-free butter or olive oil to sauté the mushrooms and garlic.
• Vegan:
  • To make this dish fully vegan, substitute the provolone and shredded Italian cheese blend with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly (some brands contain anchovies).
• Low-Sodium:
  • If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium butter and low- sodium soy sauce in place of Worcestershire sauce. Choose a low-sodium cheese or omit it altogether, and season the mushrooms to taste with salt.
• Nut-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check that your bread and cheese options don’t contain traces of nuts.

Additional Substitutions and Variations:

• Mushroom Varieties: While baby bella mushrooms are a great choice for their rich flavor, you can easily swap them for cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or even shiitake mushrooms for a different texture and flavor profile. Each will bring its unique taste to this mushroom toast.
• Cheese Options: If you prefer a sharper flavor, try substituting provolone with sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina. For a more classic melt, mozzarella is also a great option. You can also use a combination of these cheeses for extra depth and a variety of textures.
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or sage in place of thyme. A dash of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can add a little heat and smokiness to the herbed cheese toast.
• Add Meat: If you’re craving extra protein, consider adding crispy bacon, sausage, or chicken on top of your mushroom toast. These additions bring an extra savory element to the dish.
• Make it a Full Meal: For a more filling meal, top the toast with a fried egg or add avocado slices for added richness, creaminess, and nutrition. You could also serve it alongside a light salad for a full balanced meal or easy, quick dinner.
• Make it Spicy: To kick up the heat, add a few slices of jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for an extra layer of flavor and spice.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
  • When sautéing the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If the mushrooms are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sauté, resulting in a soggy texture. Cook them in batches if necessary for the perfect golden brown finish.
• Toast the Bread Well:
  • For the best texture, toast the bread until it’s crispy and golden. This ensures it will hold up under the weight of the melted cheese and sautéed mushrooms without getting soggy.
• Broil for the Perfect Cheese Melt:
  • The key to achieving that golden, bubbly cheese layer is broiling. Keep a close eye on the toast under the broiler to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts to perfection.
• Use Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor:
  • Fresh thyme adds a bright, aromatic flavor to this dish. If you’re using dried thyme as a substitute, remember to reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Customize the Bread:
  • For added flavor, consider using garlic bread or herb-infused crusty bread as your base. This will elevate the dish with an extra layer of flavor that complements the mushrooms and cheese.
• Make Ahead Option:
  • You can sauté the mushrooms and prepare the cheese toppings ahead of time. Store the mushrooms in the fridge for up to 2 days and assemble the sautéed mushrooms on toast just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair your cheese and mushroom toast with a light, refreshing salad or a cup of warm soup for a comforting meal. A crisp white wine or iced tea would also make for a delightful beverage pairing.

Mushroom Cheese Toast FAQ’s:

• Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
  • Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms work wonderfully, you can swap them for cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor. Each variety will give your cheesy mushroom toast a unique flavor.
• How do I keep my toast from getting soggy?
  • To prevent sogginess, make sure your bread is toasted until crispy and golden. Also, sauté the mushrooms until they’re nicely browned and any excess moisture has evaporated. As a final tip, do not microwave, instead broil the cheese on the bread for a quick melt that keeps the base crisp.
• Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
  • Yes, easily! To make mushroom cheese toast vegan or dairy-free, simply swap the provolone and Italian cheese blend for your favorite vegan cheese, and use a plant-based butter or olive oil for sautéing. Be sure to check the Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s vegan-friendly or use a soy-based alternative.
• How do I make this a full healthy breakfast or lunch instead of a snack?
  • To make this mushroom toast more filling, top it with a fried egg, avocado slices, or add a side salad. You can also pair it with a hearty soup like tomato or butternut squash for a well-rounded meal.
• Can I make the mushrooms ahead of time?
  • Yes! You can sauté the mushrooms and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the toast for a quick and delicious meal.
• What kind of bread works best for this toast?
  • For the best texture, choose a rustic crusty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or baguette. These types of bread hold up well under the sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese without getting soggy. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap for your favorite gluten-free bread.
• How can I make this dish spicier?
  • If you love spice, try adding sliced jalapeños to the sautéed mushrooms or drizzle some sriracha or chili oil on top of the assembled toast for an extra kick of heat.

10 More Savory Breakfast Recipes You Will Love:

• Gluten-Free Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Cucumber, Dill, and Greek Yogurt
• Bacon, Bleu Cheese, and Potato Tart with Spicy Honey Drizzle
• Sweet & Savory Honey Whipped Goat Cheese on Golden Butter-Fried Toast
• Southern-Style Breakfast Tater Tots with Sausage Gravy & Eggs
• How to Make Perfect Fluffy & Creamy Scrambled Eggs
• Garlicky Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
• Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Avocado Brunch Salad with Creamy Garlic Dill Dressing
• Leaky Cauldron Inspired Egg, Leek, and Mushroom Breakfast Pasty
• Pulled Pork Cuban Eggs Benedict with Mustard Cream Sauce
• Classic French Croque Madame Sandwich with Creamy Béchamel

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Savory Sautéed Mushroom and Cheese Toast with Garlic and Thyme

This Savory Sautéed Mushroom & Cheese Toast is a delicious, indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a quick dinner. Featuring tender sautéed mushrooms with garlic, fresh thyme, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, it’s topped with melted provolone and shredded Italian cheese on crispy toast. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe can be easily customized for dietary preferences and is sure to become a favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Brunch, Snack

Servings 2

Calories 402 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Mushroom Topping:

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter salted or unsalted
• 3 cups baby bella mushrooms cleaned and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp dry white wine
• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Toast:

• 2 slices rustic crusty bread such as sourdough
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Italian cheese like mozzarella or parmesan

Instructions

 

Prepare the Mushrooms:

• In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.

Add Flavorings:

• Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and dry white wine.
• Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the flavors are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toast the Bread:

• While the mushrooms are cooking, toast the slices of bread in a toaster or on a grill pan until golden brown and crispy.

Melt the Provolone Cheese:

• Place a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of toasted bread. Put the bread under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Assemble the Toast:

• Spoon the sautéed mushroom mixture generously onto the melted cheese-covered bread.
• Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese on top of the mushrooms.

Final Melt:

• Return the assembled toasts to the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shredded Italian cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Remove from the broiler and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your savory, cheesy mushroom toast!

Notes

• Preventing Sogginess:
  • To keep your toast crisp and prevent sogginess, ensure that the bread is toasted until golden brown and crispy.
  • Also, sauté the mushrooms until they are nicely browned and any excess moisture has evaporated.
  • Avoid microwaving the toast; instead, broil the cheese on top for a quick melt that keeps the base crispy and adds a nice golden color.
• Gluten-Free:
  • To make this mushroom cheese toast gluten-free, simply swap out the rustic bread for your favorite gluten-free variety. Many gluten-free options like sourdough or ciabatta work great for a crunchy, flavorful base.
• Dairy-Free:
  • For a dairy-free version, replace the provolone cheese with a plant-based cheese that melts well, such as Daiya or Violife. You can also use dairy-free butter or olive oil to sauté the mushrooms and garlic.
• Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20.8gFat: 19.1gSaturated Fat: 9.6gCholesterol: 47.4mgFiber: 3.9gSugar: 4.7g

Keyword mushroom and cheese toast

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