Mushroom Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Quick Indian-Style Grill

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mushroom Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Quick Indian-Style Grill

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious. This Mushroom Cheese Sandwich is exactly that. It’s a little twist on a classic, borrowing some of my favorite Indian flavors to create something truly special. I first made this when I was craving something warm and cheesy, but wanted a little more zing than a regular grilled cheese. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average sandwich. It’s fast – ready in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a sneaky little blend of Indian spices. And it’s seriously satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies you might have hanging around. It’s the perfect quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing sandwiches:

• 4 bread slices (approx. 80-100g each)
• 0.5 cup chopped mushrooms (approx. 75g)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (approx. 20g)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped capsicum (approx. 20g)
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper powder (approx. 1.25g)
• 0.5 teaspoon garam masala powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 4 tablespoons grated mozzarella cheese (approx. 40g)
• Salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons oil (approx. 10ml)
• 0.75 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds) (approx. 3.75g)
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (approx. 5ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using fresh, good-quality ingredients always makes a difference.

• Mushrooms: I prefer button mushrooms, but you can use any kind you like – cremini, shiitake, even oyster mushrooms would be fantastic.
• Onion & Capsicum: Finely chopping these ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the filling.
• Garam Masala & Jeera (Cumin Seeds): This is where the magic happens! Garam masala is a warm, fragrant spice blend that adds incredible depth. The cumin seeds, when tempered in oil, give a lovely earthy aroma. These aren’t typical sandwich additions, but they really elevate the flavor. You can find garam masala in most supermarkets or Indian grocery stores.
• Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of paneer would be delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter – you’ll know they’re ready when they start to dance in the oil!
2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
3. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Fry until the onions turn translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix in the chopped capsicum and sauté for just a minute. We want it to retain a little bit of crunch, not get mushy.
5. Add the chopped mushrooms. Cook on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and have released some of their moisture.
6. Sprinkle in the pepper powder and garam masala powder. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Then, turn off the heat and set aside.
7. Now for the assembly! Place a generous spoonful of the mushroom filling on one slice of bread. Top with grated cheese, and cover with another slice of bread.
8. Butter the outside of both slices of bread. This is key for that golden-brown, crispy finish.
9. Grill in a preheated sandwich maker until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey – usually about 3-5 minutes.
10. Slice diagonally and serve immediately. Seriously, don’t wait!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
• A little bit of butter on the outside of the bread makes all the difference.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red chili powder to the mushroom filling.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili to the filling for an extra spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, peas, or carrots to the filling.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Use a blend of cheeses for an even more decadent sandwich.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this vegan? No problem!

• Use vegan bread.
• Substitute the cheese with a vegan mozzarella alternative.
• Ensure your garam masala doesn’t contain any hidden dairy ingredients (some blends do!).

Spice Level Adjustment

If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of pepper powder and garam masala. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili.

Festival Adaptation

This sandwich is a lifesaver during festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi when you need a quick and satisfying snack. It’s easy to make even when you’re busy with celebrations!

Gluten-Free Option

Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. There are some fantastic gluten-free options available these days.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of raita (yogurt dip)
• A simple green salad
• A cup of hot chai (Indian tea)

Storage Instructions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the mushroom filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the sandwich.

FAQs

Is this sandwich suitable for kids?

Yes! You can adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or paneer are all great options.

How can I make the mushroom filling ahead of time?

You can definitely make the filling ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What is Garam Masala and where can I find it?

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can find it in most supermarkets or Indian grocery stores.

Can I make this sandwich in a regular pan instead of a sandwich maker?

Yes! Butter the bread and cook it in a pan over medium heat, pressing down with a spatula until golden brown and the cheese is melted.