Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Garlic Butter Mushroom Provolone Melts are the perfect balance of umami, creaminess, and crunch. The garlic butter sauce infuses the mushrooms with rich, savory flavors, while the provolone cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, delicious layer on top. The toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these melts are perfect for mushroom lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g) mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 4 slices of provolone cheese
- 4 slices of crusty bread (such as baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Once the mushrooms are tender, add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the bread: While the mushrooms are cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and lightly brush each side with olive oil. Toast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the melts: Once the bread is toasted, top each slice with a generous amount of the garlic butter mushroom mixture. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each mushroom-covered toast.
- Melt the cheese: Return the bread to the oven and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the provolone cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the melts from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 melts (1 per person)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage to the mushrooms before topping with cheese.
- Vegan Version: Swap the provolone cheese for a vegan cheese alternative and use plant-based butter for the garlic butter sauce.
- Different herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme, try using rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the melts before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These melts are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the mushroom topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can store the toasted bread separately, but once topped with mushrooms and cheese, it’s best to enjoy it immediately.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat, place the melts under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes to re-melt the cheese and crisp up the bread.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, or any cheese that melts well.
2. Can I make these melts without bread?
Yes, you can skip the bread and serve the garlic butter mushrooms with a side of roasted vegetables or over pasta for a low-carb option.
3. Can I use frozen mushrooms?
While fresh mushrooms provide the best texture, you can use frozen mushrooms if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter mushroom mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mushrooms, toast the bread, and melt the cheese.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the mushrooms as they cook, or drizzle hot sauce over the melts before serving.
6. Can I make this recipe without garlic?
While garlic adds incredible flavor, you can skip it if needed. You could also use garlic powder for a milder flavor.
7. Can I use a panini press instead of broiling?
Yes, you can use a panini press to toast the bread and melt the cheese. Just be sure to assemble the melts first, then press until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
8. Can I use any other kind of bread?
Yes! You can use any bread you prefer, such as baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread for a healthier option.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the mushroom mixture?
Definitely! You can add onions, spinach, or even bell peppers to the mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
10. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy bread, make sure to toast it well before adding the mushroom mixture and cheese. The crispy, toasted bread will hold up better under the toppings.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Mushroom Provolone Melts are an easy and flavorful dish that combines everything you love about savory snacks into one irresistible bite. The rich, garlicky mushrooms, creamy provolone cheese, and crispy bread create a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a side, these melts will be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of this delicious treat!
PrintGarlic Butter Mushroom Provolone Melts
Garlic Butter Mushroom Provolone Melts combine savory mushrooms, rich garlic butter, and creamy provolone cheese, all served on crispy toasted bread for a flavorful and satisfying snack or main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 melts (1 per person)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Skillet, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g) mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
4 slices of provolone cheese
4 slices of crusty bread (such as baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Once the mushrooms are tender, add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the bread: While the mushrooms are cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and lightly brush each side with olive oil. Toast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the melts: Once the bread is toasted, top each slice with a generous amount of the garlic butter mushroom mixture. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each mushroom-covered toast.
- Melt the cheese: Return the bread to the oven and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the provolone cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the melts from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy.
Notes
- Storage: These melts are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the mushroom topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can store the toasted bread separately, but once topped with mushrooms and cheese, it’s best to enjoy it immediately.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat, place the melts under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes to re-melt the cheese and crisp up the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg