Adding crispy chilli oil to a cheese toastie adds an umami kick with a decent spice level, elevating the sandwich, according to Nicola Roy, Spare Time writer.
Cheese toasties are a comfort meal that can be enjoyed all year round, but they are especially popular as autumn approaches, perfect for dunking in homemade soup on a chilly evening. The simplicity of a good cheese toastie means it only requires bread, cheese and a little butter or oil for the outside of the slices. However, for those bored of the traditional way, a simple ingredient can add a delicious hit of flavour.
Inspiration from Instagram
Roy found the idea on Instagram, from a recipe posted by @diningwithdhoot about a year ago. The video featured a stunning cheese pull and an inventive tip: adding crispy chilli oil alongside the cheese inside the toastie.
Chilli oil, particularly the Lao Gan Ma brand, is Roy's most-used condiment at home. She puts it on everything, from eggs and noodles to avocado toast, and had never thought to put it in a toastie before. Since trying it, she finds it hard to eat toasties any other way, craving it every single day.
How to make the chilli oil cheese toastie
To make the toastie, spread one piece of bread with a teaspoon or two of the oil, depending on the bread used, making sure to get some of the crispy bits for crunch and flavour. On the other piece of bread, add the cheese of choice, sliced thin so it melts easily. Cheddar works, but mozzarella or Red Leicester also work brilliantly.
Once assembled, cook the sandwich in a large frying pan with some oil or butter over a medium heat. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden. Roy prefers a toastie that's slightly burnt over a soggy, underdone one, but notes that is just her preference. Once ready, transfer to a chopping board and cut into two triangles.
The cheese should be beautifully melted and combines with the chilli oil in a delicious and decadent way. It is not too spicy, but adds a lovely warmth that is made for dunking in soup this autumn. Once you start adding chilli oil to toasties, there is no going back, Roy says.
