Smoky Portobello Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Marinated portobello mushrooms, sweet roasted peppers, fresh arugula, and smoked cheese combine to create the grown-up grilled cheese sandwich of your dreams.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley divided
- 1 generous pinch kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 2 sliced portobello mushrooms
- ¼ cup (50g) mayonnaise plus more for coating the outside of the sandwich
- 1 small clove minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 6 ounces (175g) shredded cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, and smoked mozzarella cheeses, or a mix of your favorite cheeses
- 1 roasted red bell pepper sliced (from a jar or homemade)
- ⅓ cup (12g) baby arugula
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and parsley with salt and pepper. Add mushrooms to the vinegar mixture, and allow to marinate.
- While the mushrooms are marinating, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and make the aioli. Mix ¼ cup (50g) mayonnaise with garlic and lemon juice, and set aside.
Step 2
- Add the mushrooms to a parchment-lined baking sheet, discarding leftover marinade.
- Roast the mushrooms for 15-20 minutes on one side, then turn and roast for 10-12 minutes on the other side. The mushrooms will be tender and browned. Add to a small bowl, and set aside to cool.
Step 3
- To assemble the sandwiches, set a cold skillet (I use cast iron) on the counter. Spread a slice of bread with mayonnaise, and place it mayo-side-down in the pan.
- Spread the side facing you with aioli. Layer with ¼ of the cheese, half of the mushrooms and red pepper, a small handful of arugula, and top with another ¼ of the cheese.
- Spread another slice of bread with aioli, and place it as the top slice on the sandwich with the dry side facing you. Spread the outside of the top slice with mayonnaise, and move the skillet to the burner.
Step 4
- Turn the burner to medium-low and cover. Check after 5 minutes to ensure that your bread becomes golden brown as the cheese melts. Your goal is to melt the cheese at the same rate that the bread toasts.
Step 5
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second sandwich. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve.
