Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Swiss Panini
If you are looking for a quick hot lunch or a comforting sandwich to pair with dinner, this panini, packed with baby bella mushrooms, gooey swiss cheese, and sweet sauteed onions is a fantastic choice.
I needed to make something fairly quick for lunch and since I still have 97 things left to check off my to-do list for the day, this worked out perfect.
It took 20 minutes to make from start to finish and only 2 minutes to eat.. While the onions & mushrooms were cooking, I started prepping the sandwiches and heating the panini press.
Panini sandwiches have become a popular meal option for those looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. These delicious gourmet sandwiches consist of a variety of ingredients sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread and then pressed and grilled to perfection. The result is a warm and toasty sandwich with a crispy exterior and a gooey, melty interior.
One of the best things about paninis is their versatility. You can use almost any combination of ingredients to create a delicious and unique sandwich. From classic combinations like turkey and avocado or ham and cheese to more exotic options like brie and apple or prosciutto and fig, the possibilities are endless.
When making a panini, it is important to use the right bread. A good quality, crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia works best, as it holds up well to the heat of the grill and provides a good crunch. Next, choose your filling. Layer your ingredients evenly on one slice of bread, making sure not to overstuff the sandwich. Finally, top with the second slice of bread and place the sandwich in a panini press or on a grill pan. Press down gently on the sandwich to help it cook evenly and develop those delicious grill marks.
One of the keys to a great panini is the cheese. A good melty cheese like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar can take your sandwich to the next level. The heat from the grill will help melt the cheese and bring all of the flavors together.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic combination or want to get creative with your ingredients, panini sandwiches are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With so many possibilities for fillings and flavors, you can enjoy a different panini every day of the week. So fire up your panini press and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 6 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 3 ciabatta rolls, halved
- 3 tbsp of dijon mustard
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add onions, mushrooms, and fresh thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are browned (about 15 minutes). Set aside.
- Cut a ciabatta bread in half and spread each half with 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each half. Divide the mushroom and onion mixture between the two slices of bread.
- Lightly brush the tops of the bread with olive oil. Place the sandwiches on the hot panini press and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don't have a panini press, you can use a cast iron skillet with a foiled covered brick or a george forman grill works great too.
Caramelized Onions, Sautéed Mushrooms, thyme, swiss cheese, dijon on ciabatta bread pressed until crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey melted cheesy goodness on the inside.
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If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next panini creation, here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Caprese Panini: Layer fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves on ciabatta bread and drizzle with balsamic glaze before grilling.
– Turkey Pesto Panini: Spread pesto on one side of the bread, then layer sliced turkey, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese before grilling.
– Cuban Panini: Layer ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread and grill until crispy and golden
