4 delicious and surprising ways to make toasties

The easiest to use toastie makers are already in your kitchen (or outside at the braai). We’ve rounded up some tricks you can try for great results:

Pan fried toastie
This is the simplest way to whip up a classic cheese toastie. Butter the bread and place the cheese on the unbuttered side. Cover with remaining slice, buttered side up. Preheat a frying pan and cook the sandwiches for 2 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.

Slow-toasting in the oven
Make a hot, crispy toasted sandwich that looks as good as it tastes. 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’ve removed the sandwich from the oven to retain crispness and flavour.

Hot on the grill
For a crunchy, flavourful toasted sandwich with that great grilled effect, make your sandwich as normal and pop it directly on the oven racks. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping it over when it’s 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 – delish.

Quick braai toastie
South Africans love a good braai. Trade the meat for a toasted sandwich with all the trimmings. 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 cheese has melted. The coals shouldn’t be too hot as the bread cooks quickly.

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