BBQ Wild Mushroom and Västerbotten Cheese Swedish Open Sandwich

Introduction

This hearty Swedish open sandwich is bursting with rich, earthy flavors from fire-grilled wild mushrooms and the creamy, nutty taste of Västerbotten cheese. Using an Arteflame grill ensures perfectly seared mushrooms while bringing out their natural umami essence. This open sandwich offers a delightful combination of smoky, buttery goodness on crispy grilled bread.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of rustic sourdough bread
• 2 cups wild mushrooms (chanterelles, morels, or porcini), cleaned and trimmed
• 1 cup Västerbotten cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling bread)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.
4. Once ready, ensure the flat cooktop reaches an even temperature.

Step 2: Grill the wild mushrooms

1. Melt the butter on the flat cooktop near the center for a hotter sear.
2. Add the wild mushrooms and grill them, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
3. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and fresh thyme and continue to grill for another 2 minutes.
4. Move them to a slightly cooler area of the grill to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the bread

1. Spread butter on both sides of the sourdough slices.
2. Grill the bread directly on the flat cooktop, flipping occasionally, until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Assemble the sandwich

1. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard and honey on each slice of grilled bread.
2. Layer the grilled wild mushrooms generously over the bread.
3. Sprinkle the grated Västerbotten cheese on top of the mushrooms.
4. Let the cheese melt slightly on the warm mushrooms before serving.

Tips

• Use a mix of wild mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the mushrooms while grilling; this ensures perfect caramelization.
• For extra crunch, toast some crushed walnuts and sprinkle on top.
• If you can't find Västerbotten cheese, use Gruyère or aged Cheddar as a substitute.

Variations

1. Truffle Delight: Drizzle truffle oil over the grilled mushrooms before serving.
2. Garlic & Herb: Add roasted garlic puree and fresh rosemary for a deeper herbal taste.
3. Smoky Bacon: Grill crispy bacon alongside the mushrooms for extra richness.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes while grilling the mushrooms.
5. Blue Cheese & Fig: Replace Västerbotten cheese with blue cheese and add grilled fig slices.

Best Pairings

• A chilled glass of Swedish aquavit
• Light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc
• Dark rye beer for a malty contrast
• Pickled herring as a classic Swedish accompaniment

Conclusion

This BBQ Wild Mushroom and Västerbotten Cheese Swedish Open Sandwich is an explosion of flavors, textures, and enticing aromas. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, every bite is rich, smoky, and incredibly satisfying. Whether made as a hearty meal or an indulgent snack, this dish is guaranteed to impress.