Mushroom Sandwiches for Breakfast

In many Eastern European homes, a quick and hearty 'buterbrod' (an open-faced sandwich) is the go-to breakfast, and this mushroom version is a true classic. It’s a simple yet elegant way to start your day, combining earthy, pan-fried mushrooms with a smooth layer of cream cheese on hearty rye bread. Fresh cucumber and sweet pepper add a delightful crunch and vibrant color, turning a simple toast into a well-rounded, nutritious meal. It's the kind of breakfast that feels both comforting and energizing, perfect for a busy morning or a lazy weekend brunch.

Cooking: 10 minutes
Quantity: 2 Servings
Per serving
Calories: 330 kcal
Proteins: 15 g
Fats: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g

Ingredients for Mushroom Sandwiches

  • 2 slices of whole grain rye bread
  • 2 cremini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1/4 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 fresh cucumber
  • 8 pitted olives
  • a few stalks of green onion (scallions)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • butter, salt

How to Make Mushroom Sandwiches

Wipe the cremini mushrooms with a damp cloth. If the mushrooms are dirty, wash them and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the mushrooms. Heat a frying pan and grease it with butter. Place the mushrooms in the hot pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; there should be some space between the slices.

Close-up of cremini mushrooms being sliced on a cutting board.

Slicing the mushrooms.

Mushroom slices frying in a pan until they are golden brown.

Browning the mushrooms on both sides until golden.

Slicing a loaf of dark rye bread into thin slices.

Slicing thin pieces of rye bread.

Brown the mushrooms on both sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Salt the fried mushrooms. It’s best to salt them at the very end to prevent them from releasing moisture while cooking.

Cut thin slices of whole grain rye bread. Slice the fresh cucumber thinly.

A slice of rye bread being spread with a generous layer of cream cheese.

Spreading cream cheese on the bread.

Thin slices of fresh cucumber being arranged on top of the cream cheese spread.

Placing a few cucumber slices on the cheese.

Golden-brown fried mushroom slices being placed on top of the cucumber layer.

Placing the fried mushrooms on the cucumbers.


Spread the cream cheese on the bread. A level tablespoon per serving is enough.

Place a few cucumber slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt.

Place the fried mushrooms on top of the cucumbers.

Thin strips of red bell pepper being added on top of the mushrooms.

Placing red pepper on the mushrooms.

Sliced black olives being sprinkled over the mushroom sandwiches.

Sprinkling the sandwiches with sliced olives.

Decorating the finished mushroom sandwiches with fresh, curled green onion strips.

Garnishing the sandwiches with green onion.


Cut a few narrow strips of sweet bell pepper. Place the red pepper on the mushrooms.

Slice the olives into rings or cut them in half. Sprinkle the sandwiches with the sliced olives.

Cut a few stalks of green onion lengthwise into long, thin strips. Place the sliced onion in a bowl of ice water for a minute; you can add a couple of ice cubes. In the cold water, the onion will curl into rings resembling springs. Garnish the sandwiches with the green onion and sprinkle with paprika or ground black pepper.

A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil being poured over the mushroom sandwiches on a plate.

Drizzling the sandwiches with cold-pressed olive oil on the plate.


Once on the plate, drizzle the sandwiches with cold-pressed olive oil, about one teaspoon per serving. These delicious and healthy mushroom sandwiches can be served with a poached egg or fried eggs. This will make a complete breakfast rich in protein and carbohydrates with a minimum of fat.

And there you have it – a beautiful and delicious breakfast that’s ready in minutes! These mushroom sandwiches are incredibly versatile. Feel free to serve them alongside a poached or fried egg for an extra protein boost, or sprinkle them with your favorite fresh herbs like dill or parsley. They also make a wonderful light lunch or a satisfying snack. We hope this recipe brings a touch of warmth and flavor to your morning table. Enjoy every bite!