Kamil Perry
Cheese on toast is a quick, easy, and delicious snack or meal. The process is simple: butter one or both sides of a slice of bread, add sliced or grated cheese, and grill, bake, or fry until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The type of bread and cheese can be varied according to taste, and additional toppings such as Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, and ham can be added to create a more substantial dish.
How to Melt Cheese on Toast
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, sourdough, ciabatta, rye, homemade |
| Butter | Unsalted, salted |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, Gouda, Mozzarella, Feta, Provolone, American, Pimento |
| Other Toppings | Ham, Tomato, Onion, Chilli, Worcestershire Sauce, Pizza Sauce, Olives, Mayonnaise |
| Cooking Method | Oven, Toaster Oven, Pan-fried, Grilled |
| Cooking Time | 2-15 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 350°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice for cheese on toast due to its melting capabilities and strong flavour. Whether you choose mild or sharp cheddar, it will provide a gooey consistency and a distinct taste. Another option is Red Leicester, which belongs to the same family of cheeses as cheddar and shares similar melting properties.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated flavour, Gruyere is an excellent choice. It has a slightly sweet and nutty taste that can elevate your cheese on toast. Parmesan, especially when grated, can also add a nice salty kick to your dish. For a milder flavour, Fontina is a good melting cheese that won't overpower other ingredients.
Mozzarella, while not the best melting cheese, can still work well in a toastie, especially when paired with other cheeses. It has a mild flavour and a stretchy texture that can be enjoyable in a grilled cheese sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try combining different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile.
Additionally, consider the type of bread you're using. For airy breads like sourdough or ciabatta, a cheese that oozes through the holes, like a gooey cheddar or gouda, can be delightful. On the other hand, if you're using a denser bread like rye, a moist cheese like cheddar or gouda will help the toppings stick to the toast during cooking.
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Buttering the bread
First, select your bread. Sourdough will give a tangy flavour, while an airy bread like ciabatta will allow the cheese to ooze through the holes and burn slightly on the pan. If you want to avoid this, opt for a denser bread, at least 1/2 inch thick.
Next, decide whether to butter one or both sides of the bread. Buttering both sides will create a golden crust and a moist interior. However, some prefer to only butter one side, which will still give a golden brown finish, especially if cooked in a pan.
When it comes to the butter, you can use salted or unsalted. If you opt for unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the pan to add extra flavour. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then spread it onto your bread. Alternatively, place the bread in the oven at a low temperature, and the butter will melt.
If you want to add extra toppings, like sliced tomatoes, sprinkle them over the buttered bread before adding the cheese.
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Oven temperature
For a conventional oven, preheating to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This temperature allows for even melting and browning without burning the bread. It is important to keep a close eye on the toast, as the cheese can go from pale to burnt in a matter of seconds, especially under the broiler.
When using a toaster oven, the "broil" setting can be advantageous as it heats from above, giving the cheese an extra crisp texture. However, the high heat of the broiler can also turn the cheese rubbery if left unattended. It is advisable to place the food lower in the oven and set the broiler to high for more even browning.
For those who prefer their bread lightly toasted, a lower-temperature oven setting is recommended. Butter one side of the bread and placing it in a cold oven at its minimum temperature setting can achieve this. This method requires more attention, as the toast should be checked every few minutes to achieve the desired level of doneness.
The chosen variety of cheese can also influence the ideal oven temperature. For example, cheddar cheese melts well at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while American cheese, known for its melting properties, can handle higher temperatures without burning.
In summary, achieving the perfect melted cheese on toast involves considering the oven type, desired level of browning, and cheese variety. By adjusting the oven temperature and using the broiler setting judiciously, one can create a delicious, evenly browned cheese on toast without burning or overcooking.
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Adding toppings
Savoury Toppings
If you're a fan of savoury flavours, try adding some chopped tomatoes, onions, and green chillies to your cheese on toast. These toppings can be added before melting the cheese and will add a spicy kick to your snack. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding some meat, such as deli ham, to your cheese on toast before melting the cheese. Just be sure that any meat you add is already cooked.
Sauces
A dash of sauce can also elevate your cheese on toast. Try adding a thin layer of pizza sauce, pesto, or even a smear of mustard before adding your cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also mix grated cheese with milk, allowing the milk to soak into the cheese before adding it to your toast. This will create a creamy, savoury topping that is sure to please.
Herbs and Spices
For a flavour boost, try sprinkling some herbs and spices on top of your cheese before melting it. Dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add an Italian flair to your snack. A sprinkle of paprika, cayenne, or ground red pepper can add a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!
Extra Cheeses
Why stop at one cheese when you can have two or three? Try adding a slice of American cheese to your cheddar to make it extra melty. Or, for a more complex flavour profile, mix in some grated Parmesan or Gouda. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite cheesy duo or trio!
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Grilling
Grilled cheese is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling cheese on toast:
Bread Choice
The type of bread used for grilled cheese can vary according to preference. Sourdough is a popular choice due to its sturdiness and flavour. Other options include plain white sandwich bread, brioche, or ciabatta. It is important to ensure that the bread is not too thick, as this may prevent the cheese from melting properly. Delicate, thinly sliced breads should be avoided as they may fall apart easily.
Butter or Mayo
Butter is a traditional choice for grilled cheese, but some people prefer mayonnaise due to its higher smoke point and spreadability. If using butter, it is recommended to use room-temperature butter for optimal spreadability. Butter or mayo is applied to the bread to enhance flavour and improve crispness.
Cheese Selection
The choice of cheese is crucial to the success of grilled cheese. A combination of cheeses is often recommended, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese like cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. Mozzarella provides a good melt and stretch, while the other cheese adds flavour. Pre-shredded cheese should be avoided as it may not melt properly due to anti-caking agents. Grating your own cheese or using freshly sliced cheese is preferable.
Cooking Method
The bread can be toasted in a skillet, griddle, or pan. It is recommended to cook at medium-low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. A lid or tin foil can be used to trap steam and help melt the cheese. The bread should be toasted on one side first, then flipped and topped with cheese. The other slice of bread is then placed on top, toasted-side down, and grilled until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.
Add-ons
While grilled cheese can be delicious on its own, some people like to add toppings or fillings. These can include sliced raw onion, mustard, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. It is important to avoid watery ingredients that can make the sandwich soggy. Pickled red onions, kimchi, spicy tomato jam, or cilantro chutney can add a flavour boost.
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Frequently asked questions
Good melting cheeses include cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, and Gouda. Mozzarella can also be used, but it doesn't melt as well on its own.
Yes, buttering the bread will help it to brown and crisp up. Butter one side of the bread and place it in the oven or toaster. If you're frying the bread in a pan, you can butter both sides.
Preheat the oven to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This depends on your preferred level of doneness. Cook the cheese on toast for around 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. If you want to brown the tops, turn on the broiler for an additional 2 minutes.
Popular toppings include sliced tomatoes, ketchup, chutney, brown sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. For a pizza-style toast, you can add pizza sauce, meats, and other pizza toppings before sprinkling on the cheese.
