Cheese toasties are a beloved lunch choice, whether enjoyed at home or on the go. There are countless ways to customize this dish, from adding ham to mixing different cheeses or even incorporating smoked salmon. To help you perfect your toastie, several chefs have shared their expert advice with Express.co.uk.
Don't Rush the Process
Barry D'Arcy, Private Chef and founder of Ocean Earth Chefs, emphasizes that the most common mistake is cooking too quickly. He explains: "The biggest issue is heat. People turn the pan up too high because they want that golden colour quickly, but what actually happens is the bread browns before the cheese has properly melted. You end up with a toastie that looks right but tastes wrong. A cheese toastie needs time. If you cook it over medium-low heat, the cheese has a chance to fully melt while the bread slowly turns golden. That is what gives you that proper bakery-style texture, crisp on the outside and fully molten in the middle."
Bob Andrew from Riverford agrees: "We start the sandwiches in a cold pan and gently bring up the heat so that the cheese has time to melt before the outside has cooked. A steady heat and patience are the key, unless using a sandwich press or contact grill where the heat from both sides is enough to cook them quickly."
Choosing the Right Bread and Cheese
Jamie Newman, executive chef at Croeso Pubs, stresses the importance of ingredients: "For me, it starts with choosing the right cheese and the right bread. I always reach for mature cheddar for depth or mild if I want something creamier, and the bread matters just as much — white, brown, or a good sourdough if you want that crispy edge. Get it under a hot grill and make sure the cheese covers the whole slice so the bread doesn't burn and the cheese melts and browns evenly."
Unusual Substitutions: Mayonnaise
A surprising tip from professional kitchens is using mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread. Barry D'Arcy explains: "One thing I often see used in professional kitchens is mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. It sounds unusual, but it actually helps the bread brown more evenly because of the oil content, and it gives a slightly crisper finish. It is not about replacing butter entirely for everyone, but it is a useful option if you want a more consistent golden colour."
Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer at Gousto, recommends mixing mayonnaise into the cheese: "Stir a spoonful of mayonnaise through your grated cheese before it goes in. It sounds a bit odd, but it creates this incredibly smooth, melty filling and gives you that proper cheese pull. It's so easy, and once you've tried it, you won't go back." She also suggests an extra tip for crispiness: "For an extra-crispy, golden finish, butter the outside of your bread and sprinkle over a little grated cheese before it goes in the pan. The cheese crisps up beautifully against the heat - you get this irresistible crunchy crust that takes it to another level."
Creative Additions
David Colcombe, UK chef ambassador for Maple from Canada, recommends adding maple syrup: "A great cheese toastie is all about balance. You want a rich, melting cheese, something savoury for depth, and a crisp, buttery exterior. Adding a touch of sweetness, like pure maple syrup, can elevate it completely."
For those who enjoy spice, Nick Vadasz, founder of Vadasz pickles & ferments and author of The Pickle Jar, suggests adding kimchi: "I discovered the joy of melting cheese and kimchi before these toasties became so popular. They're one of life's great pleasures. The ultimate combination is kimchi, garlic and herb cream cheese and grated Cheddar." He advises: "Put the kimchi, cream cheese and Cheddar in a mixing bowl and mix well. If you want even more Kimcheese melty joy, add some mozzarella to the mix too. Melt the butter in a large pan over a very gentle heat. Add the bread and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes on each side. You want the bread to absorb the butter but not toast too much. When the butter has been absorbed, build the sandwich in the pan, spreading the kimcheese mixture on one bread slice and placing the other slice on top. Grill the sandwich for a few minutes each side on a low to medium heat until crisp."
