The writer tested three methods for making a cheese toastie at home: oven-baking, air-frying, and pan-frying. Using sourdough bread with sliced mozzarella and cheddar for consistency, each method was evaluated for crispiness and ease.
Oven-baked cheese toastie
The oven method involved placing the cheese between the bread and baking for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway. While the taste was good, the sandwich was not crispy enough, even after an additional five minutes in the oven. However, the method is simple and requires minimal attention, making it a satisfactory option despite lacking crunch.
Air-fried cheese toastie
The air fryer method was also straightforward, but the writer's air fryer was too small to fit the whole sandwich, requiring each half to be cooked separately for about eight minutes each. This took roughly the same total time as the oven. The result was slightly crispier than the oven version, but only marginally so.
Pan-fried cheese toastie
Pan-frying was the clear winner, delivering the perfect level of crispiness. The cheese could have melted a bit more, which may have been due to the cheese quality rather than the method. This approach demands more attention and is not suitable for multitasking, but for a weekend treat it is well worth the effort.
