Making the Perfect Cheese Toastie
Cheese Toasties, also known as Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, are a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages across Melbourne. They are simple to make at home and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Here is how to cook the perfect cheese toastie and some tips for making it even more delicious.
Image: Maker and Monger in Prahran
Ingredients:
Bread (of course!)
Cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or any cheese of your choice)
Butter
Step 1: Choosing the Right Bread
The first step to making the perfect cheese toastie is choosing the right bread. You want a bread that is soft and tender with a mild flavor that will not overpower the cheese. Some popular choices include white, wheat, and sourdough. We also think the bread should be relatively thick and cooked for crunchy caramelisation. You can also choose different types of bread such as a baguette or a ciabatta roll to add a unique twist to your toastie.
Step 2: Selecting the Cheese
The next step is to select the cheese. Quality cheese goes a long way, to even give your toastie the gourmet touch. The type of cheese you choose will greatly affect the flavor of your cheese toastie. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its sharp and tangy flavor, while Swiss cheese has a mild and nutty flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as brie, gouda, or mozzarella, to find the perfect flavor for your cheese toastie. (We've even been known to use Blue cheese).
Step 3: Preparing the Cheese Toastie
To make the cheese toastie, you will need to spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread (and maybe some on the inside). Then, place a generous amount of cheese between the two slices of bread. Be sure to spread the cheese evenly across the entire surface of the bread, so that it melts evenly. You can also add some seasonings such as garlic, herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika to add extra flavor.
Step 4: Cooking the Cheese Toastie
Now it's time to cook the cheese toastie. Heat a pan over medium heat and place the cheese toastie in the pan. We cook the bread with the butter on the outside against the cooking surface. Cook the cheese toastie until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the heat of the pan. If you prefer a crispy cheese toastie, you can cook it for a longer time on each side.
Step 5: Serving the Cheese Toastie
Finally, it's time to serve your cheese toastie! Cut it in half and serve it hot. You can also add some sides such as soup, salad, or fries to complete the meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Toastie:
Use high-quality ingredients: Always use high-quality bread and cheese for the best flavor. (Have used cheap ingredients in the past with bad results).
Grate the cheese: Grating the cheese will help it melt more evenly and quickly.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking too many cheese toasties at once can cause them to steam instead of grill, leading to soggy bread.
Press down on the cheese toastie while cooking: This will help the cheese melt faster and create a crispy crust.
Experiment with different flavor combinations: Try different cheeses, seasonings, and spreads to find your perfect cheese toastie combination.
Cooking the perfect cheese toastie is easy and straightforward. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food – the perfect cheese toastie!