Take Grilled Cheese Up A Notch Using A Canned Ingredient With Extra Fiber

There are few things as comforting as an ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich, and there are many variations on the classic, including plenty of international styles worth trying. However, they can often include specialty ingredients that can be difficult to source, not to mention pretty pricey if you're trying to save money. Fortunately, there is one easy and affordable way to add a little oomph to your regular grilled cheese. Canned mushrooms are often overlooked in grocery store aisles, but this convenient kitchen staple can really take your sandwich to the next level while also incorporating some fiber — around 3 grams per drained can.

Mushrooms are packed with umami, the fifth taste that is responsible for giving foods their savory qualities, and it's also present in cheese, so the fungi can really amp up the flavor of your sandwich. They also provide a meaty, chewy texture that can break up the monotony of your run-of-the-mill meal. Raw mushrooms, though, contain a lot of water, and you need to cook them down to prevent your sandwich from getting soggy, which can delay you from enjoying your favorite lunch. Canned mushrooms, however, are ready to use in a classic preparation or something more creative, like a pizza grilled cheese.

If you find canned mushrooms on their own a little boring, jazzing them up with some seasonings, like black pepper or oregano, which pair well with the fungi, can really take them up a notch. You can also marinate your canned mushrooms in something like soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to really amp up the flavor.

While you can use canned mushrooms straight from the can, there are some tips and tricks you can employ to ensure that you have the best grilled cheese experience. First of all, you should thoroughly drain your mushrooms before using them, and rinsing them in water will help remove some of the metallic taste and residual salt from the canning process. To ensure that you don't end up with a soggy sandwich, pat the mushrooms dry using a paper towel.

Regardless of how you prep them, though, mushrooms will always retain a little moisture. To alleviate this, make sure to place them between slices of cheese. Not only will this prevent the bread from soaking up their juices, but the savory liquid will combine with the melted cheese to create an umami-packed cheese sauce in your sandwich.

If you have a little extra time, try sauteing them for a few seconds. This will further dry them out while also concentrating the flavors. You also have the opportunity to add other seasonings while browning them, and you can try using dark soy sauce instead of light. Just a drizzle will give your mushrooms a deep flavor and beautiful caramel color. Adding a splash of wine will also enhance the flavor and give the mushrooms some acidity, which will brighten the overall dish. As a final touch, toss your mushrooms with some grated parmesan for extra cheesiness in your sandwich.