The perfect cheese toastie

Ingredients

• 4 sliceswhite bread
• 60 ml (4 tbsp)mayonnaise
• 100 ggrated Cheddar
• 2 slicesyoung matured cheese
• to tasteketchup

Instructions

1. 1

   Assemble the sandwiches

   Divide the slices of young matured cheese and the grated Cheddar between 2 slices of bread. Put the remaining slices on top.

2. 2

   Spread with mayonnaise

   Coat the outside of each cheese sandwich with mayonnaise.

3. 3

   Heat the pan

   Warm a frying pan over a medium-high heat, then place the toasties in the pan.

4. 4

   Cook until golden

   Turn the heat down and fry the toasties until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown.

5. 5

   Serve with ketchup

   Serve the cheese toasties with ketchup.

What is a cheese toastie?

A cheese toastie is a hot sandwich cooked until the bread is browned and the cheese inside melts. This version uses a familiar Dutch combination of white bread and cheese, with ketchup on the side.

Two cheeses give it a mix of soft, stretchy filling and a fuller Cheddar flavour. Mayonnaise on the outside helps the bread brown as it cooks in the pan.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 580 calories, 26g protein, 35g carbs, 39g fat.

The bread provides most of the carbohydrates, while the mayonnaise and cheese contribute much of the fat. The two cheeses also supply most of the protein. Pair a toastie with salad or vegetables for freshness and extra variety on the plate.

Why use two cheeses?

Young matured cheese: the slices make a simple, even layer inside the sandwich.

Cheddar: grated cheese spreads through the filling, so it can melt across the bread rather than staying in one thick piece.

Getting the outside crisp

Mayonnaise: spread it over the entire outside surface of each sandwich, right up to the edges. This helps the bread brown evenly in the pan.

Pan heat: start at medium-high, as directed, then lower the heat for the cooking stage. That gives the bread time to colour while the cheese melts.

How to tell when it is ready

Look for bread that is golden brown on both sides and cheese that has melted inside. If the bread is colouring quickly but the centre is still firm, keep the heat low and give it more time.

A quick lunch or snack

The toasties are rich and filling on their own, with ketchup adding a sweet, tangy contrast. For a more balanced plate, serve them with a simple green salad or sliced vegetables.

Recipe notes & tips

• Grate the Cheddar evenly so it can melt throughout the sandwich.
• Spread the mayonnaise over the full outside of each slice for an even golden finish.
• Use a frying pan large enough to hold both toasties without crowding them.
• Lower the heat after adding the sandwiches so the filling has time to melt.
• Serve straight from the pan while the cheese is still soft.

Variations

• Add tomato: tuck in a few thin slices, keeping them away from the edges.
• Use brown bread: swap the white bread for brown slices with a heartier flavour.
• Add mustard: spread a thin layer inside for a sharper note.
• Try another cheese: replace the Cheddar with a well-melting cheese you enjoy.
• Add spring onion: scatter a little finely sliced spring onion over the cheese before closing the sandwich.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too much filling: an overfilled sandwich can be difficult to turn; keep the cheese within the bread edges.
• High heat throughout: the bread may brown before the centre melts; turn the heat down after the toasties go into the pan.
• Patchy mayonnaise: uncovered areas may brown unevenly; coat the whole outside surface.
• Turning too soon: the sandwich can shift before its first side firms up; wait until the underside is golden before turning.
• Serving late: the cheese firms as it cools; bring the toasties to the table as soon as they are cooked.

How to store

These toasties are best eaten freshly cooked. If needed, refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 2 days, then reheat in a frying pan over a low heat until hot through and crisp again.

Frequently asked questions