Andy Montoya
A cheese toastie is a British classic and a quick, easy, and comforting meal. There are endless variations, but the foundation of a good cheese toastie is choosing the right bread and cheese. For the bread, a good-quality, sliced loaf that is not too thick, thin, soft, or holey is best. Sourdough is a popular choice. For the cheese, a combination of cheeses is often used to achieve the perfect melt and flavour. A good melting cheese like mozzarella is often paired with a flavoured cheese like cheddar, Red Leicester, or Gruyère.
Characteristics of a Good Cheese Toastie
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white, whole-grain, granary, sandwich loaf, artisan, robust, fluffy white, not too thick, thin, or soft |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Red Leicester, Wensleydale, Cheshire, blue cheese, soft Italian taleggio, Swiss cheese, or a combination |
| Butter | Butter on the outside of the sandwich, on the inside, or both |
| Fillings | Ketchup, crisps, beef, onion, sliced tomatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, malt vinegar, raw onion, braised ox cheek, pickled fennel, hollandaise sauce, ham, bacon, mushrooms |
| Cooking Method | Frying pan, grill, griddle, toastie machine, oven |
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What You'll Learn
Bread: sliced white, sourdough, or whole-grain
When it comes to bread, you have a few options to consider for your cheese toastie: sliced white, sourdough, or whole-grain. Each has its own unique characteristics and will impact the overall taste, texture, and experience of your grilled cheese sandwich.
Sliced white bread is a classic choice for a cheese toastie. It provides a neutral flavour that allows the cheese to shine. White bread is also softer, which can result in a toastier, crispier exterior. However, some varieties of white bread may be too soft and thick, potentially leading to a soggy sandwich. For this reason, it is important to choose a sturdy type of white bread that can hold up to the melting cheese.
Sourdough bread offers a more complex flavour profile to your toastie. It has a tangy, slightly sour taste and a chewy texture that can add an interesting dimension to the sandwich. Sourdough also tends to have a thicker crust, providing a nice contrast in textures. When using sourdough, opt for a loaf with a normal crust thickness to avoid a tooth-breaking experience.
Whole-grain bread, including granary bread, can be a healthier option for your cheese toastie. It provides a nuttier flavour and a chewier texture compared to white bread. Additionally, whole-grain bread often has a denser structure, which can help contain the melted cheese. This option is ideal for those seeking a more substantial and filling sandwich.
Regardless of your bread choice, it is important to consider the thickness of the slices. Avoid slices that are too thick, as they may prevent the cheese from melting properly. On the other hand, slices that are too thin may fall apart or become soggy. Aim for a slice thickness that is just right—not too thick, not too thin—to ensure even cooking and a harmonious balance between bread and cheese.
Furthermore, toasting the bread before adding the cheese can enhance the structure of your toastie. Lightly toasting both sides of the bread can help create a sturdier base, preventing sogginess and ensuring the bread can withstand the weight of the cheese and any additional toppings.
In conclusion, the type of bread you choose for your cheese toastie depends on your personal preference and desired outcome. Sliced white bread offers simplicity and a crisp exterior, sourdough contributes a tangy flavour and chewy texture, and whole-grain provides a nuttier taste and denser structure. By selecting the right bread, toasting it appropriately, and considering slice thickness, you can elevate your cheese toastie to new heights of deliciousness.
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Cheese: grate or slice, and choose from cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese
When it comes to making a cheese toastie, the type and preparation of cheese you use are key factors in achieving the perfect result. While some people prefer to slice their cheese, others swear by grating it, as this creates layers and pockets of air, resulting in a lighter, less stodgy texture. Grated cheese also tends to melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring that the bread and cheese are cooked in harmony. However, it's worth noting that some soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, are challenging to grate and may be better sliced.
If you're a fan of cheddar, it's recommended to grate it using a large-hole grater, as a small-hole grater can cause the cheese to melt too quickly before the bread is toasted. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as mature English cheddar or a blend of two cheddars with varying fat contents, to create a unique flavour profile and texture.
Mozzarella is another popular choice for cheese toasties due to its excellent melting qualities and the desirable cheese pull it provides. However, as mentioned earlier, mozzarella has a very mild flavour, so it is often combined with other cheeses, such as cheddar or a flavoured cheese, to enhance the taste.
Blue cheese is an option for those who want to add a distinct flavour to their toastie. It is recommended to use a mature and semi-hard variety of blue cheese to ensure it holds up during the cooking process. You can crumble the blue cheese over your other cheeses of choice to create a unique blend of flavours and textures.
Ultimately, the decision to grate or slice your cheese, and the specific type of cheese you use, comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and preparation methods to discover your perfect cheese toastie.
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Butter: spread on the outside of the sandwich
Butter plays a key role in achieving the perfect cheese toastie. While some recipes suggest buttering both sides of the bread, others recommend only buttering the outside of the sandwich. Buttering the outside of the sandwich will create a crispy, golden exterior and prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
When buttering the outside of the sandwich, it is important to use softened butter for easier spreading. Use a butter knife or pastry brush to evenly distribute the butter on the bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the bread, including the edges, to create a barrier that will prevent the cheese from oozing out.
The type of butter you use can also make a difference. Unsalted butter is a good option as it lets the flavour of the cheese shine through. However, if you want to add a salty kick to your toastie, you can use salted butter instead.
After buttering the outside of the sandwich, it's time to grill! Place the sandwich, buttered-side down, on a hot griddle or frying pan. You can also use a toastie machine if you have one. Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden and crisp, then flip it over and cook the other side.
By focusing on the technique of buttering the outside of the sandwich, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crispy cheese toastie with a gooey, melted cheese centre.
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Fillings: ketchup, crisps, ham, bacon, or vegetables
When making a cheese toastie, you can use any type of bread, cheese, and fillings to make it truly unique. Here are some ideas for fillings: ketchup, crisps, ham, bacon, or vegetables.
If you're feeling adventurous, try using two types of cheese: one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like Gruyère or vintage cheddar. Sourdough bread is a great option for the base, and don't forget to butter both sides of each slice generously. For a classic combination, layer your cheese with thick-cut ham and a smear of ketchup.
If you're a fan of crisps, crush them up and sprinkle them inside your toastie for a crunchy surprise. Or, if you're looking for a heartier option, add some bacon to your toastie. Just remember to cook the bacon beforehand so it's nice and crispy.
For a vegetarian option, load up your toastie with thinly sliced mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes. If you're feeling really adventurous, try all three! You can even add some spinach, butternut squash, tamarind, or a splash of hot sauce to take your toastie to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of fillings to find your perfect cheese toastie.
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Cooking: use a frying pan or toastie machine
Cooking: Frying Pan or Toastie Machine
You can use a frying pan or a toastie machine to make a cheese toastie. Some people prefer the convenience of a toastie machine, while others argue that a frying pan creates a better contrast between the crispy exterior and molten interior of the sandwich.
If you're using a frying pan, start by buttering your bread. Some recipes suggest only buttering the outside of the sandwich, while others recommend buttering all four slices of bread. You can also add mayonnaise to the outside of the bread for extra flavour. Next, grate your cheese. Using freshly grated cheese will give you a better melt than pre-shredded cheese, which is coated in anti-caking agents. Hard cheeses like cheddar, emmental, Gruyère, or Red Leicester are good options, and you can add a dollop of Greek yoghurt for a tangy flavour. Place the cheese and any other fillings (like ham, onion, or tomato) on the bread.
When cooking your toastie in a frying pan, preheat your pan to a medium or medium-low heat. You don't need to add any oil or butter to the pan. Place your sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, using a spatula to press it down lightly and flip it over. Cook the sandwich for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, pressing down lightly and flipping again if necessary, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
If you're using a toastie machine, simply assemble your sandwich and place it in the machine. Close the machine and cook until the cheese is melted and starting to leak out.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any sliced bread, but it shouldn't be too thick, thin, soft, or holey. Sourdough is a popular choice, but some people prefer white bread.
You can use any cheese you like, but it's best to use a combination of cheeses. For example, you could use mozzarella for its melting qualities, along with a flavoured cheese. Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Blue Cheese are also popular choices.
Lightly toast the bread and let it cool slightly. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the cheese on the unbuttered side.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the slices of bread, cheese-side up, and cover with a lid for 2 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue frying until the underside of the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Sandwich the slices together and continue cooking, turning the sandwich every minute, until the cheese is melted and the bread is deep golden.
Yes, you can add fillings such as thick-cut ham, cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes. You can also add condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.
