1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the baguette or rustic crusty bread into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and a light sprinkle of salt.
4. Toast the bread in the oven until golden and crispy.
5. Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat while the bread is toasting.
6. Slice and add your choice of mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, or white button) to the skillet.
7. Sauté the mushrooms until browned and tender.
8. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme or oregano to the sautéed mushrooms.
9. Season the mushroom mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, then stir well to combine.
10. Remove the toasted bread slices from the oven once golden and crispy.
11. Immediately top each slice with the sautéed mushroom and garlic mixture.
12. Sprinkle your choice of grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella, gruyere, or parmesan) generously over the mushroom layer.
13. Place the assembled toasts back in the oven or under the broiler.
14. Bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slightly golden top.
15. Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with extra fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
16. Serve the toasts immediately while the cheese is melty and the bread remains crunchy.
17. Enjoy your Gourmet Cheesy Mushroom and Garlic Toasts as a standalone snack or pair them with a soup or salad for a complete meal.