Quick Cheesy Toast: Broiling Time And Tips

Cheese on toast is a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients are bread, butter, and cheese, but additional ingredients such as mustard, mayonnaise, or ham can be added for extra flavor. The key to making perfect cheese on toast is to ensure that the bread is toasted but not burnt, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Different types of cheese, such as Cheddar, Gruyere, or Mozzarella, can be used depending on personal preference. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of oven or toaster used, but it typically takes around 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese and toast the bread.

How to make cheese toast in the oven

Ingredients

• Bread (soft white bread, Texas toast, rustic bread, or thick-sliced white bread)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, American, Swiss, Grana Padano, Gruyere, red Leicester, Parmesan, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, Gouda, or your choice of cheese)
• Optional: sugar, mustard, cayenne, ham, or any other ingredients of your choice

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 250ºC (480ºF). Place your desired amount of bread slices on a baking sheet or cookie sheet. If you're using a toaster oven, there's no need to preheat. Instead, set the temperature to 250ºC (480ºF) and place the rack in the lowest position.

Butter one or both sides of the bread slices. This step adds flavour and helps create a golden crust and a moist interior. You can also add a pinch of salt to the pan if you're using unsalted butter.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Other Ingredients

If you want to add any extra ingredients like sugar, mustard, or cayenne, ham, sprinkle them on top of the buttered bread. You can also add thin slices of ham to make a croque monsieur.

Now, add your cheese. You can use grated or sliced cheese, depending on your preference. Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Muenster. You can also combine a good melting cheese with a stronger-flavoured cheese that may not melt as easily.

Step 3: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is lightly toasted. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. The cheese should have golden brown patches.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the cheese toast from the oven and serve hot. You can eat it plain or with your favourite condiments, such as chutney, brown sauce, or ketchup. Enjoy!

How to make cheese toast on the stove

Ingredients:

• Bread (white, brown, sourdough, ciabatta, or rye)
• Butter
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, red Leicester, gouda, or a mix)
• Optional: mustard, cayenne, ham, or other ingredients of your choice

Method:

• Butter your bread: Spread butter on one or both sides of the bread. This will create a golden, toasted crust and a moist interior.
• Fry the bread (optional): Place the bread in a hot skillet or pan and fry for about a minute on each side until golden brown. This step will make your toast extra crispy and rich. If you prefer softer bread, you can skip this step.
• Add optional ingredients: Spread mustard or sprinkle cayenne on the bread for a kick of heat. You can also add ingredients like ham, creating a croque monsieur.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle or layer grated or sliced cheese on top of the bread. Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Muenster.
• Cook the cheese toast: Place the bread back in the skillet or pan and cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, transfer the cheese toast to a plate and serve hot. Enjoy it plain or with condiments like chutney, brown sauce, or ketchup.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your favorite combination.
• If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the pan for extra flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the cheese toast, as the cheese can turn rubbery or burn.

The best types of cheese for cheese toast

There are many different types of cheese that can be used for cheese toast, and the best option depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile and texture. Here is a list of some of the most popular cheeses for cheese toast:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for cheese toast. It melts well and comes in a range of varieties, from mild to sharp, which offer different flavour intensities. Cheddar is a good melting cheese and pairs well with other cheeses, bread, and additional ingredients.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for cheese toast due to its excellent melting properties, resulting in a gooey, stretchy texture. It has a mild flavour, so it is often paired with other cheeses or ingredients like basil and tomato to add more flavour.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a nutty, salty cheese that melts well and is often paired with other cheeses like cheddar or used in recipes with ham, crabmeat, or caramelised onions. It is a good option for those who want a more complex flavour without being too sharp or overpowering.

Red Leicester

Red Leicester is a good melting cheese that adds a vibrant orange colour to the dish. It has a strong, tangy flavour that stands out in cheese toast and is often paired with other cheeses like cheddar.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard cheese that can be grated over cheese toast to add a salty, savoury flavour. It melts well and forms a crispy, golden crust when cooked, enhancing the texture of the dish.

Fontina

Fontina is a mild, buttery cheese that melts easily, making it a good choice for cheese toast. It is often paired with other cheeses or used in recipes with fruit chutney, pear, or sautéed broccoli rabe.

Gouda

Gouda is a nutty, sweet cheese that melts well and is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches. Younger, mild gouda is recommended for cheese toast as it melts more easily than aged gouda, which tends to be harder and crystallised.

Muenster

Muenster is a good melting cheese with a mild flavour that pairs well with other cheeses or ingredients. However, some varieties can be salty, so it is important to taste the cheese before using it to avoid overpowering other flavours.

American Cheese

American cheese, specifically sliced Land o Lakes yellow American cheese, is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its melting properties and ability to provide a good cheese pull. It has a classic flavour and creamy texture that many people enjoy.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild, melting cheese that can be used on its own or paired with other cheeses like gouda or cheddar. It is versatile and works well with a variety of additional ingredients.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, melty cheese that can be used as a substitute for cheddar or American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches. It also comes in smoked versions, adding a unique flavour to the dish.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is similar in texture to havarti and is a good choice for a tuna melt grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with caramelised onions or broccoli rabe, enhancing the flavour of the dish.

Feta

Feta is a poor melting cheese, so it is recommended to pair it with a good melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. It has a strong, salty flavour that can add a unique twist to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a controversial choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as people have strong opinions about it. However, when paired with the right ingredients, like fresh pears, fig jam, arugula, or caramelised onions, it can make a delicious and sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich.

How to make cheese toast in a toaster

Ingredients:

• Bread (soft white bread, Texas toast, or thick-sliced white bread)
• Butter
• Cheese (good melting cheese such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Muenster)
• Optional: mustard, cayenne, or ham

Method:

• Start by pre-toasting your bread in the toaster. This will ensure that the bread is crispy and not soggy from the melted cheese.
• Once your bread is toasted to your liking, spread butter on one side of the bread. This step will help the toast become golden brown and slightly moist.
• If desired, add a spread of mustard or a pinch of cayenne for a kick of heat. You can also add a slice of ham to make a croque monsieur.
• Now, it's time to add the cheese. Select a strong-tasting, good melting cheese such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Muenster. Cover the buttered side of the bread completely with thin slices or grated cheese, making sure every inch is covered to create a delicious bubbling cheese hat.
• Place the cheese toast back in the toaster or under a broiler. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly.
• Remove from the toaster or broiler when the cheese has completely melted and started to bubble, with some brown patches. This should take around 3-5 minutes, depending on your cooking method.
• Enjoy your cheese toast! It goes well with chutney, brown sauce, or ketchup.

Tips:

• If you're feeling adventurous, try using different types of bread such as sourdough, ciabatta, or rye for unique flavors and textures.
• If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the pan for extra flavor.
• You can also fry the bread on both sides before adding the cheese for an extra rich and delicious flavor.
• Be careful not to overheat the cheese, as it can turn rubbery.
• If you're making grilled cheese, try putting the toaster on its side so the cheese stays on top of the bread instead of slipping off.

Enjoy your cheesy creation!

How to make cheese on toast without burning it

Cheese on toast is a delicious snack, but it can be tricky to get it just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect cheese on toast without burning it:

Choosing the Right Cheese

Select a good melting cheese such as cheddar, Gruyere, Red Leicester, or Parmesan. These cheeses will melt into a gooey, bubbly consistency. If you want to use a poor melting cheese like mozzarella, feta, or provolone, pair it with one of the good melting cheeses.

Preparing the Bread

Use thick-sliced bread, preferably white, as it will provide an extra barrier against burning. You can also experiment with other types of bread, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or rye, for different flavors and textures. Butter one or both sides of the bread to create a golden crust and a moist interior. You can also add a pinch of salt to the pan if you're using unsalted butter for extra flavor.

Cooking the Bread

If you want to fry the bread before adding the cheese, cook it over medium-low heat for about a minute on each side until it's lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a rich flavor to the toast. If you prefer your bread softer, you can skip this step.

Adding the Cheese

After frying the bread, add your chosen cheese, covering the bread completely. You can also add other ingredients like mustard, ham, or chutney at this stage for extra flavor.

Melting the Cheese

Place the bread with cheese in the oven or under a grill/broiler. Keep a close eye on it, as the cheese can go from melted to burnt very quickly. In the oven, cook at 250ºC (480ºF) for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If using a grill/broiler, place the bread about 4 inches below the heating element and cook for a shorter time, as grills/broilers tend to run hotter.

Final Tips

• Always keep an eye on your cheese on toast while it's cooking to prevent burning.
• If your cheese does burn, you can try peeling off the burnt parts and eating the gooey cheese underneath.
• Get creative and experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your favorite combination.

Frequently asked questions