Is there anything better than a cheesy, gooey, crispy toasted cheese sandwich? Yours doesn’t have to be basic! Level up the classic with these simple tips on how to make yours irresistible.
Think about your bread choice
Although a simple sliced white bread works perfectly fine, choosing the type of bread to use for your sandwich can make a big difference. Using interesting artisan bread like sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, seed bread, focaccia, and even an English muffin will add texture and flavour. Although any bread would work, try bread that’s not too perforated with air bubbles. If there are too many holes, the cheese will drip out.
Top tip: Use your day-old bread to make toasted cheese. Your bread won’t go to waste, and you’ll get a delicious sandwich. Seems like a win-win!
Choose your cheeses
The cheese is the star of the show in this comfort classic. Best part of eating your toasted cheese? That first bite into that gooey, melted centre. Opt for cheeses that melt well, like Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyère, mozzarella and Brie. Dry, fresh cheese like goat’s cheese, Parmesan and pecorino cheese don’t melt very well but do pack a flavour punch. If you like the flavour of these dry cheeses, pairing them with a cheese that melts will blend well and add another flavour dimension. Not to mention it instantly makes it fancier.
Top tip: A great melter-and-non-melter pairing is mozzarella and feta cheese. Add fresh herbs and voila!
Add your toppings
Switch up your toastie with toppings adding different flavours, dimensions and textures. There’s no rule book on what’s allowed and what’s not – that’s the fun! You can add preserves, condiments and chutneys. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil and coriander give delicious freshness. Deli meats like salami give it texture and a yummy salty flavour.
Top tip: Switch your toasted sandwich from savoury to sweet. Simply top with fresh fruits – try strawberries – and chocolate spread to make it a sweet delight.
The grill
Choose your bread and add the cheese, condiments, and toppings. Close the sandwich and spread butter on the outside slices of bread. Heat your non-stick pan or skillet to medium-to-low heat. Add butter to the pan and grill your sandwich on both sides until crispy and golden brown.
Top tip: Replacing the butter on your outside slices with a thinly spread layer of mayonnaise before adding it to the pan will brown the sandwich just as well and add a tangy, sweet flavour.
Try this delicious dessert sandwich recipe:
Cheddar, berry and basil grilled sandwich
Ingredients
1 tbsp strawberry jam
2 tbsp chopped strawberries
2 slices seed bread
Butter, to spread
3 slices mature cheddar
5 leaves basil
Method
- Mix jam and berries in a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute.
- Butter both slices of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread the berry compote and top with cheddar and basil. Close the sandwich with the other slice, butter facing outwards.
- Fry until toasted.
