Andy Montoya
Cheese on toast is a quick, easy, and comforting snack that can be eaten at any time of the day. While there are no hard-and-fast rules on how to make it, people can be particular about the correct way to make cheese on toast, depending on their preferences and where they are from. This paragraph will explore the different ways to make cheese on toast, including various ingredients and methods, to help you decide what to put on your cheese on toast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Crumpets, Ciabatta |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Goat's Cheese, Red Leicester, Mozzarella, Feta, Provolone, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Stilton, Tunworth |
| Add-ons | Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Mayonnaise, Chilli Flakes, Pepper, Mixed Herbs, Chorizo, Chutney, Brown Sauce, Ketchup, Honey-roasted Pears, Walnuts, Beer, Cider, Grated Beetroot, Tomato, Light Mint and Garlic Pesto, Ricotta, Branston Pickle, Sweet Pickled Onions, Sliced Apple, Lime Pickle, Mango Chutney |
| Cooking Method | Oven, Toaster, Frying Pan, Microwave, Grill |
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What You'll Learn
Sliced or grated cheese
There are many ways to make cheese on toast, and people can be quite particular about the "correct" way to make it, depending on their background. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, there are some variations to consider.
Some people prefer to slice their cheese, while others insist on grating it. Grating the cheese creates layers and tiny pockets of air, making the dish feel lighter and less stodgy. However, grating the cheese can be more time-consuming, and pre-grated cheese should be avoided as it doesn't melt well due to additives.
If you're using sliced cheese, it's better to add sauces such as Worcestershire sauce after broiling the cheese, as the sauce may pool or slide off if added beforehand.
Other tips
To prevent the crusts from burning, ensure the edges of the bread are completely covered with cheese. It may look like too much cheese, but it will melt down.
For a less soggy base, let the toast cool down slightly before adding the cheese. This can be achieved by standing the toast upright for a couple of minutes after toasting.
Add-ons
Some people add a tablespoon of malt vinegar to their grated cheese, along with thinly sliced raw onion. Others prefer to add a thin layer of mustard before adding the cheese, though some purists disagree with this addition.
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To pre-toast or not
There are many ways to make cheese on toast, and the answer to this question depends on the method you choose. If you're using an oven, you'll need to pre-toast the bread before adding the cheese. This will ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese and give it a firmer texture and bite. It will also prevent the crusts from burning. To pre-toast the bread, simply place it in a cold oven at its minimum temperature setting, or toast it in a toaster first. You can also fry the bread on both sides in a pan for a minute on each side to make it extra rich and delicious.
If you're using a grill, you can choose whether to pre-toast the bread or not. Some people believe that you only need to grill one side of the bread, add the cheese to the uncooked side, and then grill again. This method creates a softer texture. Others prefer to grill both sides of the bread before adding the cheese, which results in a firmer bite.
If you're short on time, you can pop the bread in the toaster and put the cheese in a bowl in the microwave. This method doesn't require pre-toasting, and it's a quick and easy way to make cheese on toast.
Ultimately, the decision to pre-toast or not depends on your personal preference and the method you choose to make your cheese on toast. Experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you!
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Butter or oil the bread
Buttering or oiling the bread is a crucial step in making cheese on toast. While some people prefer to butter the bread after toasting it, others argue that buttering the bread before toasting results in a richer and crispier toast. This is because the butter melts and soaks into the bread, creating a frying effect that makes the toast crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
When buttering the bread before toasting, it is important to spread the butter thickly and evenly across the entire slice of bread. This ensures that the butter melts and soaks into the bread evenly, creating a consistent texture and flavour. It is also recommended to use a toaster oven or the broiler in a regular oven instead of a pop-up toaster, as the butter can melt, scorch, or even start a fire in a pop-up toaster.
Oiling the bread is another option, especially if you are looking for a lighter and healthier alternative to butter. Oiling the bread before toasting can help to create a crispy texture and prevent the bread from becoming soggy, especially when paired with melted cheese. Using a neutral-flavoured oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, can ensure that the flavour of the cheese remains the star of the dish.
Ultimately, the decision to butter or oil the bread before or after toasting comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the richer flavour and crispier texture achieved by buttering the bread before toasting, while others may opt for a lighter and healthier option by using oil instead. Experimenting with different types of butter, oils, and toasting methods can help you find the perfect combination that suits your taste and texture preferences.
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Add-ons and condiments
A good melting cheese, such as cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyere, or Parmesan, is a great base for your cheese on toast. But what can you add to take it to the next level?
For a tangy twist, try adding a tablespoon of malt vinegar to your grated cheese. You could also add sliced raw onion to the toast before adding the cheese.
If you're a fan of spice, sprinkle some chilli flakes onto your cheese on toast. You could also add pepper, mixed herbs, or mustard. For a more subtle flavour, try spreading a thin layer of English Colman's mustard under the cheese before grilling. Alternatively, zig-zag some mayonnaise over your cheese on toast.
Meat lovers might like to add sliced chorizo or ham to their cheese on toast. Or, for a vegetarian option, try adding honey-roasted pears and walnuts.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, why not try mixing your cheese with beer, milk, or heavy cream? You could also add a spread of butter to your bread to make it golden brown and moist.
Finally, don't forget the classic combination of cheese and tomato. You could also try drizzling your cheese on toast with mint and garlic pesto or adding a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce.
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Oven, grill, or toaster
There are a few different ways to make cheese on toast, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and how much time you have.
Oven
Using the oven is a simple way to make cheese on toast. First, preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Butter your bread generously and place it on a baking tray lined with foil or baking paper. Bake for 3 minutes or until the butter has melted. Then, take the tray out of the oven and cover the bread slices with cheese. Put the tray back into the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden brown patches. This method may take longer than using a grill or toaster, but it results in a delicious, oozy cheese on toast.
Grill
If you're short on time, using a grill is a faster option. First, toast your bread on one side only. Then, mix coarse grated cheddar with a good dollop of chutney, a lightly whisked egg, and salt and pepper. Pile this mixture onto the untoasted side of the bread and grill until golden. Alternatively, you can simply place sliced or grated cheese on the untoasted side of the bread and grill until the cheese is melted.
Toaster
If you're really in a hurry, you can use a toaster. Pop your bread in the toaster and put some cheddar cheese in a bowl in the microwave to melt it. Then, spread the melted cheese on your toast.
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Frequently asked questions
Good melting cheeses include cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, and Gouda.
Common toppings include mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chilli flakes, pepper, mixed herbs, and sliced raw onion.
Less common toppings include honey-roasted pears, walnuts, lime pickle, and sliced apple.
Welsh Rarebit is a leveled-up version of cheese on toast where the toast is topped with a cheese sauce flavoured with ale, mustard, and spices.
Cheese on toast can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in a frying pan, under a grill, in the oven, or in the microwave.
