Cheese toasties are one of the UK's favourite comfort foods. They are quick to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. Most people have their own way of making them. Some keep things simple with bread and cheese, while others add extra ingredients to create more flavour. But according to cooking experts at The Culinary Cartel, there is one common mistake many people make when preparing a toastie. The food experts have shared their tips for making what they describe as the "ultimate cheese toastie."
The Secret Ingredient: Mayonnaise
Getting a crispy golden crust is just as important as making sure the cheese melts properly. One of their biggest recommendations is swapping butter for mayonnaise. While butter is often used on the outside of toasties, The Culinary Cartel says mayonnaise produces better results. The experts explained that mayonnaise spreads more easily than butter and helps prevent bread from tearing. They also say it has a higher smoking point, meaning it is less likely to burn while cooking. According to the experts, the combination of eggs and oil in mayonnaise helps create a crisp, golden crust.
Cheese Selection and Additional Ingredients
The Culinary Cartel also recommends using a mixture of cheeses rather than relying on just one. Mozzarella helps create the classic cheese pull, while mature cheddar adds extra flavour. The recipe also includes leeks, which help balance the richness of the cheese. Another important tip is to cook the toastie slowly. The experts advise using medium heat to give the cheese enough time to melt while allowing the outside to become golden and crisp. Cooking it too quickly can leave the cheese unmelted and the bread overcooked. Once finished, The Culinary Cartel recommends adding a light drizzle of honey. The experts said: "A very light drizzle of honey turns any toastie into something really special."
The Ultimate Cheese Toastie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-thick slices of bread, such as sourdough or a country loaf
- 20ml mayonnaise
- 1 leek, washed and thinly sliced
- 30g mozzarella, grated
- 40g mature cheddar, grated
- Honey, for serving
- Chilli flakes (optional)
Method:
- Place a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add a little oil.
- Add the sliced leek and cook for around two minutes until softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Spread the mayonnaise evenly over both sides of each slice of bread.
- Place the mozzarella and cheddar onto one slice of bread and top with the cooked leeks.
- Add the second slice of bread and gently press down to hold the filling together.
- Put the toastie into the warm pan and cook over a medium heat.
- Press lightly with a spatula as it cooks to help create an even crust.
- Cook until the underside is deep golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side.
- Transfer to a plate and drizzle lightly with honey.
- Add chilli flakes if desired and serve immediately.
