Introduction
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Cheese are a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional beef burgers. The meaty texture of portobello mushrooms makes them perfect for grilling, and when marinated with herbs, garlic, and olive oil, they become smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. Topped with melted cheese and served on a toasted bun with your favorite condiments, these burgers are a healthier yet equally satisfying option for vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter twist on a classic burger.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful. The mushrooms absorb the marinade beautifully, giving every bite a smoky, savory richness that rivals any meat-based burger. The addition of melted cheese makes it extra indulgent, while the toppings and sauces can be customized to suit your mood.
It’s also a recipe that brings everyone together—it pleases vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, and even die-hard meat lovers. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or a fun weekend cookout. For me, it’s the perfect balance of comfort food and clean eating.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Meaty & Satisfying – Without being heavy.
- Healthy & Wholesome – Lower in calories and fat compared to beef.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Works with endless toppings, cheeses, and sauces.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Calories per serving: ~320–380 kcal (varies with cheese & toppings)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American / Grill / BBQ
- Course: Main Course / Dinner / Lunch
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
- 4 large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and stems removed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Burgers
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or vegan cheese)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles (optional)
- Condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, aioli, or pesto)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Marinate mushrooms in olive oil, balsamic, garlic, and herbs.
- Grill mushrooms on medium heat until tender and juicy.
- Top each mushroom with cheese and allow it to melt.
- Assemble burgers with toasted buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, and desired condiments.
- Serve hot with fries, salad, or coleslaw.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
- Prepare the mushrooms:
- Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Remove stems.
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush marinade over mushrooms and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat grill or pan:
- Heat grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Lightly oil grates.
- Grill mushrooms:
- Place mushrooms cap-side down first. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
- Add cheese:
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each mushroom. Cover grill (or tent with foil) to melt.
- Assemble burgers:
- Toast buns on grill for 1–2 minutes.
- Layer bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled mushroom with cheese, onions, and condiments.
- Top with bun and serve immediately.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
- Pair with a chilled drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer.
- For a lighter option, serve the grilled mushrooms without buns over a salad.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t over-marinate mushrooms, or they may become soggy.
- Always grill mushrooms at medium heat to avoid burning while keeping them juicy.
- Use toothpicks or skewers to hold everything in place if burgers are stacked tall.
- Add a smoky flavor by grilling over charcoal.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or a spicy chipotle mayo.
- Gourmet Style: Top with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or avocado.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Double-Stack: Use two mushrooms per burger for extra heartiness.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (mushrooms become mushy when thawed).
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan (outdoor grill gives best flavor)
- Tongs for flipping mushrooms
- Basting brush for marinade
- Foil (to help melt cheese)
Conclusion
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Cheese are a healthy, hearty, and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers. Juicy marinated mushrooms, smoky grill flavor, and gooey melted cheese make each bite irresistible. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or vegetarian-friendly meals, this dish proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a satisfying burger experience.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Cheese
Description
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Cheese are a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional beef burgers. The meaty texture of portobello mushrooms makes them perfect for grilling, and when marinated with herbs, garlic, and olive oil, they become smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
For the Burgers
Instructions
-
Prepare the mushrooms : Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Remove stems. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush marinade over mushrooms and let them rest for 10 minutes.
-
Preheat grill or pan : Heat grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Lightly oil grates.
-
Grill mushrooms : Place mushrooms cap-side down first. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
-
Add cheese : In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each mushroom. Cover grill (or tent with foil) to melt.
-
Assemble burgers : Toast buns on grill for 1–2 minutes. Layer bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled mushroom with cheese, onions, and condiments. Top with bun and serve immediately.
