Four ways to make a toasted sarmie

EVER wondered how to make a perfect toasted sarmie without a snackwich machine or café-style press? Blue Ribbon shared four delicious and surprising ways to make toasties.

The pan-fried toastie is the simplest way to whip up a classic cheese toastie. Butter the bread and place the cheese on the unbuttered side. Cover with the remaining slice, buttered side up. Preheat a frying pan and cook the sandwiches for two minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Use another pan or large wooden spoon to press down on the bread as it cooks for even colouring. Cut into triangles and enjoy.

You can make a hot, crispy toasted sandwich that looks as good as it tastes by slow-toasting in the oven. Prepare your sandwich as normal. Set your oven on bake, heat at 160°C and place the bread on a greased (with butter) baking sheet. Place the sheet on the middle rack and bake for about 10 minutes. Save toppings like lettuce for after you have removed the sandwich from the oven to retain crispness and flavour.

For a crunchy, flavourful toasted sandwich with that great grilled effect, people can try the hot on the grill. Make your sandwich as normal and pop it directly on the oven racks. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping it over when it is halfway through. Cut down the cooking time for lightly toasted bread and use a lower heat for a bit more control. Try a grilled breakfast toasted sarmie filled with bacon, eggs and cheese.

South Africans love a good braai. Trade the meat for a toasted sandwich with all the trimmings with the quick braai toastie . Prepare your sandwich with a filling of tomato, onion and cheese. Add chutney for a kick of sweetness. Butter the outside for a crisp texture and golden-brown look. For melted perfection, go for grated rather than sliced cheese. Nothing is more disappointing than biting into a sandwich, only to have half the cheese melted. Braai inside a closed grid or on an open braai over mild coals for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. The coals should not be too hot as the bread cooks quickly.

Visit www.blueribbon.co.za for more bread tips.