This Mushroom Toast with Mustard brings together the earthy, umami flavors of sautéed mushrooms, the creamy richness of butter, and the bright, tangy kick of Dijon mustard, all atop crispy sourdough bread.
Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or light lunch, this dish is an easy yet flavorful way to satisfy your cravings. The mustard adds a delightful sharpness that complements the soft texture of the mushrooms, while the fresh thyme and parsley bring a burst of freshness. It’s a satisfying meal that can be prepared in minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
Full Recipe:
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Toast the sourdough bread slices in a toaster or on a grill until golden brown and crispy.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Dijon mustard, thyme, and butter to the pan. Stir to coat the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the toasted bread and garnish with chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Mushroom Toast with Mustard: A Flavorful Delight for Any Meal
Mushrooms on toast is a dish that embodies simplicity, comfort, and rich flavor. While it may seem like a humble recipe, when done right, it can serve as an indulgent snack, hearty breakfast, or a light yet satisfying dinner. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, the earthy crunch of rustic bread, and the creamy melt of Swiss cheese brings out the umami flavors, while the mustard and fresh thyme add a vibrant zing. This Mushroom Toast with Mustard recipe, inspired by British culinary traditions, is both versatile and customizable.
What is Mushroom Toast?
Mushrooms on toast is a classic British dish that has evolved over time. Traditionally, it’s made by sautéing mushrooms and placing them atop a slice of toast, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but with a few additional ingredients, it can become a full meal that satisfies every craving. The version described here goes beyond the traditional by incorporating Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme for added flavor and richness. It’s a perfect example of how a few key ingredients can turn a basic dish into something special.
The Mushrooms: Cremini and Baby Bella
The choice of mushrooms is crucial to the success of this dish. Cremini mushrooms, often referred to as baby bella mushrooms, are favored for their robust flavor and perfect texture. These mushrooms have a firmer texture compared to white button mushrooms, and their flavor is more intense, adding depth to the overall taste of the dish.
However, if you can’t find baby bella mushrooms, you can opt for alternatives like white button mushrooms, which offer a milder taste. On the other end of the spectrum, Portobello mushrooms, which are larger and more mature, bring an even more robust flavor to the toast. In such cases, it’s better to dice the Portobellos rather than slice them to ensure they fit well atop the toast.
The Bread: The Foundation of the Dish
The bread you choose to serve the mushrooms on plays a significant role in the dish’s overall texture and taste. For this recipe, rustic, thick slices of French bread are preferred. The hearty crust and substantial body of the bread make it ideal for supporting the sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese without losing its shape or integrity.
If you can’t find rustic French bread, you can substitute it with other hearty, artisan breads such as sourdough. The tang of sourdough adds a delightful contrast to the savory richness of the mushrooms and cheese, further enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. Whichever bread you choose, ensure it has a thick crust to hold up well under the weight of the toppings.
The Cheese: Swiss for the Win
Swiss cheese is the ideal choice for this mushroom toast. Its mild, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the earthy taste of mushrooms, and its meltability creates a creamy, indulgent topping. Swiss cheese is known for its smooth, rich texture when melted, which adds to the overall appeal of the dish.
If you can’t find Swiss cheese, other options such as Gruyère, Jarlsberg, or sharp white cheddar can be used. Gruyère, though more expensive, brings a slightly more sophisticated flavor with a rich, creamy melt, making it a great alternative to Swiss. Jarlsberg, on the other hand, is a great middle ground, with a flavor similar to Swiss but slightly more intense. For a tangier twist, sharp white cheddar can also work, though it will alter the flavor slightly, making the dish more assertive.
Mustard and Thyme: The Flavor Boosters
What makes this recipe stand out from traditional mushroom toast is the addition of Dijon mustard and fresh thyme. The whole grain Dijon mustard provides a slightly tangy, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese. Mustard, particularly the whole grain variety, offers a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms.
Fresh thyme leaves add an aromatic element to the dish. Thyme has a robust, slightly lemony flavor that complements the mushrooms and cheese, bringing a balance of savory and fresh notes to the dish. Together, these ingredients elevate the toast from a simple snack to a more complex and refined meal.
Versatility: A Meal for Any Time of the Day
One of the most appealing aspects of mushroom toast is its versatility. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and depending on how it’s served, it can fit into different meals.
- Breakfast: Serve it with a fried egg on top for a savory start to your day. Pair it with some fresh fruit on the side for a balanced meal.
- Brunch: A fried or poached egg and a mimosa make this dish perfect for a weekend brunch.
- Lunch: This mushroom toast can serve as a quick and filling lunch. If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can indulge in both slices for a satisfying mid-day meal.
- Dinner: Turn it into a hearty dinner by adding chickpeas, beans, spinach, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower on top. This not only adds texture and flavor but also makes the dish more substantial.
- Appetizer: For a lighter, bite-sized option, serve the mushrooms on smaller slices of baguette as crostini. This is an ideal appetizer for dinner parties or casual gatherings.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Simple, and Customizable Dish
Mushroom toast with mustard is more than just a simple meal; it’s a celebration of earthy, umami flavors combined with the richness of cheese and the brightness of mustard. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, brunch, or dinner, it’s a dish that adapts to your tastes and preferences. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, hearty bread, melted Swiss cheese, and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard makes this toast irresistible.
The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this recipe so great. With just a few pantry staples—mushrooms, bread, cheese, mustard, and thyme—you can create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish will surely satisfy your hunger and impress your guests.
Finally, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Add toppings like a fried egg, crispy chickpeas, or sautéed greens to customize the dish to your liking. The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of the charm of this delicious mushroom toast with mustard.