The Canned Vegetable That Gives Your Grilled Cheese An Instant Umami Boost

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From the debate between frying your sandwich in oil, butter, or mayo to figuring out the ideal cheese to use, there are many schools of thought when it comes to crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Once you have your ideal recipe down, you're not likely to deviate from it. But, for those looking to go beyond the basic sandwich, there's a way to utilize an underrated ingredient for an added umami flavor and unique texture: canned mushrooms.

Canned mushrooms are surprisingly flavorful and juicy due to the fact that they are preserved in a combination of water, salt, and citric acid. The liquid keeps the mushrooms hydrated and allows them to maintain their characteristic, umami-forward taste until you're ready to use them. For a grilled cheese, you'll want to opt for sliced mushrooms or mixed pieces and stems to ensure an even texture.

To add them to a grilled cheese, pour the mushrooms into a colander, rinse them, put them on a paper towel, and pat to dry. Rinsing your mushrooms removes the slightly metallic flavor from the canning process, and drying them after prevents your grilled cheese from getting soggy in the middle. Layer the mushrooms between the cheese before putting your sandwich in the pan. The cheese will melt and glue everything together, making each bite evenly distributed and delicious.

For a further upgrade to your grilled cheese's flavor, saute the canned mushrooms on the stove before adding them to your sandwich. White button mushrooms, the most common canned variety, have a nutty, mild taste when raw, but when sauteed, their flavor deepens and becomes even more umami-forward. They take on the essence of whatever they're cooked with, so use salt, pepper, oil, and any seasonings of your choice.

In terms of sourcing this sandwich addition, canned mushrooms like Great Value's 4-ounce cans retail at Walmart for about $1.50 apiece. You can also buy them in bulk, with an 8-pack costing $12, which is ideal for mushroom aficionados who want to bring an earthy flavor to all kinds of meals, from pasta salad to frozen pizza. The small size of the cans is ideal for a sandwich or two, so you won't end up with extra mushrooms, all dressed up with no place to go. Whether you're making a fancy grilled cheese with three different types of cheeses, or using the nostalgic combination of margarine, Wonder Bread, and American single slices, this adaptable, inexpensive addition plays well on the palate, without breaking the bank.