Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8-12 ounces fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced, stems removed
- 3-4 medium shallots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich
- 1/3 cup fresh grated Gruyere cheese
- 4-6 large or medium slices fresh whole grain bread (or bread of your choice)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- Extra olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Start by heating your cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for sautéing the ingredients.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the shallots and mushrooms, removing the stems from the mushrooms to ensure even cooking and best texture.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the hot pan along with a portion of the olive oil. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and thyme, then sauté until the mushrooms reduce in size and become caramelized, developing a rich brown color. Once done, transfer them to a plate.
- Sauté Shallots: Add more olive oil to the pan if needed. Add the sliced shallots and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and caramelized, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate once caramelized.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the whole grain mustard evenly on all the slices of bread, covering the entire surface to the edges. Layer the mushrooms and shallots on half of the bread slices, then sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top. Optionally, add a small sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
- Cook the Panini: Brush the top side of the assembled sandwiches lightly with olive oil. Place the sandwich oiled side down onto the hot pan. If you have a press or a heavy pan, cover and press down gently. Cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip and Finish: Brush more olive oil onto the top side of the sandwich, then carefully flip it over. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the panini from the pan, cut in half, and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan for the best crispy texture and even heating.
- Adjust the amount of mushrooms to your preference—more mushrooms mean a heartier sandwich.
- Pressing the panini helps achieve a beautiful crust and melts the cheese faster.
- If you prefer, substitute Gruyere with another melting cheese like Swiss or fontina.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the panini warm and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian