Ham & cheese toastie

Ingredients

• 2 sliceswholemeal bread
• 25 gcheddar cheese
• 2.9 slicessmoked ham
• 1 tomatotomato

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the toastie

   Layer the ham, cheese and tomato between the slices of bread. Place the sandwich in a toastie maker for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

What is a ham and cheese toastie?

A toastie is a filled sandwich cooked in a heated press until the outside is toasted and the filling is hot. It is a familiar British café and home-lunch staple, with many possible fillings.

This version pairs smoky ham and cheddar with tomato, while wholemeal bread gives the sandwich a hearty base.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 375 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat.

The bread supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the cheddar contributes much of the fat and some protein; the ham also adds protein. Pair the toastie with salad or vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Bread: Wholemeal slices give the toastie a robust texture. Choose slices that fit your toastie maker.

Filling: Cheddar melts into the ham, and tomato brings a juicy, fresh contrast. Keep the layers fairly even so the sandwich heats through.

Getting the layers right

Cheese: Distribute the cheddar across the filling so it can melt through the sandwich. Keeping it between the ham and bread also helps hold the filling together.

Tomato: Slice it thinly and avoid placing too much in one spot, which can make the centre wet.

Using a toastie maker

The method relies on a preheated toastie maker to toast both sides while warming the filling. Follow the appliance's instructions for loading and closing it.

Cook for 5 minutes, then check whether the cheese has melted. If it has not, continue briefly and check again.

Checking texture and doneness

The bread should be toasted, and the cheese should look melted rather than firm. Take care when opening the maker, as hot cheese and tomato can release steam.

Let the toastie rest for a short moment before cutting so the filling is less likely to spill out.

What to serve with it

Serve the toastie on its own for a quick lunch, or add a simple green salad or a bowl of vegetable soup. These sides bring freshness or extra warmth without complicating the meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Slice the tomato thinly so it warms quickly and is easier to bite through.
• Keep the filling within the edges of the bread to reduce leakage.
• Use the toastie maker according to its own instructions.
• Check the cheese after 5 minutes and cook a little longer if needed.
• Allow the toastie to rest briefly before serving.

Variations

• Add mustard: Spread a thin layer on the bread for a sharper flavour.
• Use mature cheddar: Swap in mature cheddar for a stronger cheese taste.
• Add spinach: Tuck a small handful into the sandwich for a leafy addition.
• Try a different ham: Use plain cooked ham in place of smoked ham.
• Add spring onion: Scatter finely sliced spring onion through the filling.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Thick tomato slices: They can make the centre soggy; slice the tomato thinly.
• Uneven filling: It may heat inconsistently; spread the ingredients across the bread.
• Overfilling: Ingredients can escape from the sides; keep the filling inside the bread's edges.
• Opening too soon: The cheese may not have melted; cook for 5 minutes before checking.
• Cutting immediately: The filling can spill out; let the toastie rest briefly first.

How to store

This toastie is best eaten freshly made. If needed, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and eat within 1 day; reheat in a toastie maker until hot throughout.

Frequently asked questions