When I’m looking for fun and happy heavy music, there’s a few bands that come to mind- especially those that were big in the 80s and 90s. Van Halen is one of them. When I’m looking for happy music, my vinyl of Van Halen’s 1984 is one of the first things I reach for. And what could pair better with this iconic album than a warm gooey grilled cheese to really immerse yourself in pure happiness? In this first installment of my Dinner & A Vinyl series, I’m bringing you the best recipe for a mushroom Swiss grilled cheese.
My two favorite things are definitely music and food. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog and Instagram for a while now, you know that heavy music is ingrained in everything I do. Cooking (and really eating) is no exception to that. As a matter of fact, it just makes it that much better when music is involved. But before we get into this week’s vinyl, let’s talk about this amazing mushroom swiss grilled cheese.
Why Is This Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese So Special?
Well for starters, this mushroom swiss grilled cheese sandwich is super delicious and easy to make. It’s basically a simple grilled cheese but done grown up style with added veggies. This recipe has also been a success with the picky eaters in my friends and family.
I first started making this grilled cheese combo for my husband very early on in our relationship, when we didn’t have much money, let alone for fancy groceries. There was also the issue that, while I try to eat at least relatively healthy, my husband is a guy who insists he regularly needs crap food (like potato chips) to survive. 😂 Over the years his taste buds have changed and he actually likes the healthier options better now (for the most part). However, at the time, he was the pickiest eater I knew.
This grilled cheese was our taste bud compromise that could be easily put together after a long day’s work, and with limited means. And after the first time he tried it, my husband asked if we could have it every week. *Cue the crowd cheers*
A Few Notes About This Mushroom Spinach Swiss Grilled Cheese
Over the years I’ve found that eating healthy is much easier when you still eat food you love, but make small healthy swaps. In this recipe I use whole wheat bread and olive oil butter spread, in lieu of regular white bread and butter. However, those will still work in this recipe though if that’s what you have on hand.
Why Does Van Halen’s 1984 Pair Well With This Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Van Halen’s 1984 is not only a fun listen, but it’s also good for when you are looking for something low stress. It’s an album that has a happy, carefree vibe and that’s exactly how I feel about this grilled cheese. Both of these things are something that I truly believe can put you in at least a slightly better mood when you’re feeling like you need a pick me up. Plus, 1984 is also a record that most people love, much like this grilled cheese recipe. And thus, the perfect pairing was born.
What To Serve With Grilled Cheese
The most popular choice to make this even more of a comfort food would be to pair this grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. You could also serve this with sweet potato fries or even potato chips (just don’t tell my husband that.) 🤣
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Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese Recipe + 1984
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A grown up version of the classic grilled cheese sandwich filled with spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Serves 5
Ingredients
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8oz. sliced white mushrooms
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2 cups of spinach
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10 slices of whole wheat bread
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Olive oil butter spread (or regular softened butter)
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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10 slices of swiss or baby swiss cheese
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Salt
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Pepper
Instructions
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Spread the olive oil butter (or regular softened butter) over 1 side of each of the slices of bread. (*1) Set aside
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In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes or until almost fully cooked.
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Once the mushrooms are almost fully cooked, add the spinach, sprinkle everything with salt and pepper, and saute until the spinach is wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
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Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat.
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Assemble the grilled cheese sandwich by placing the butter side of the first slice face down, then add 1 slice of swiss, a bit of the mushroom spinach mixture, another slice of swiss, and then top with the 2nd slice of bread with the buttered side facing up.
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Place the sandwich on the skillet or griddle and cook until the cheese starts to melt and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip and do the same with the other side.
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Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
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I always try to make sure I butter the bread first and pile them with the buttered sides facing each other on a plate while I cook the veggies. This will make it easier for you to assemble later.
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Make sure you do not over stuff your sandwich with the mushroom spinach mixture. It will make it more difficult to flip.
- Category: Sandwiches
Keywords: Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese Recipe
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