Double Bacon Swiss Mushroom Melt (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 680 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 cup (60 g) fresh breadcrumbs or panko
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 120 ml whole milk
05 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
06 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 cup (90 g) Swiss cheese, shredded
11 - 6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
12 - 225 g mushrooms, sliced
13 - 0.5 onion, finely chopped

→ Glaze

14 - 120 ml ketchup
15 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

# Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 175°C. Ensure rack is centred for even baking.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. Mix gently by hand just until combined.
03 - Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and mix thoroughly.
04 - Fold in shredded Swiss cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion. Distribute evenly without overmixing.
05 - Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Shape into an even loaf with smooth surfaces.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until fully blended.
07 - Spread glaze evenly over the surface of the loaf. Bake for 60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 71°C at the centre.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Substitute turkey bacon or standard pork bacon to suit preference. Add sharp cheddar to increase cheesiness. Use portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavour or swap panko for standard breadcrumbs.
02 - Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. For sandwiches, serve slices on a toasted roll with arugula and extra Dijon mustard.
03 - After cooling completely, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices up to 3 months and reheat as needed.
04 - Meat mixture may be prepared ahead and refrigerated until baking. Resting the loaf after baking ensures juiciness and cleaner slices.