The grilled cheese toastie has always been an iconic sandwich. It’s the perfect lunch to brighten up these cold winter days and to get your taste buds going!
Not only is its gooey, buttery crispness comforting in all the best ways, in 2011 the BBC stated that the toasted sandwich was the UK’s cheapest meal. It’s therefore perfect for students!
The French have been making their version of the toastie, the famous Croque Monsieur, since the early 1900s. Over the years the grilled cheese sandwich has evolved from the traditional cheese and ham to versions created with fusion flavours.
Most recently it has become fashionable to create gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, with many chefs, such as Jamie Oliver, trying to perfect the recipe.
I’ve sourced some of the easiest versions of these scrummy cheesy lunches and I assure you they are worth the effort to make!
This toastie is perfect for all the vegetarians out there. The combination of leek and mushroom is simple but completely delicious.
Pack two slices of bread with sautéed leeks and mushrooms and then layer with your choice of cheese.
Either place in a toaster, or grill on each side in a frying pan until the bread is golden and the cheese is gloriously gooey!
Cheese and ham has always been a traditional combination for a toastie, but why not shake things up by adding in an extra garnish – in this case pickle.
My favourite garnishes are jalapeños and olives!
Not all toasted sandwiches have to be savoury.
This toastie is the perfect afternoon treat if you’re craving something sweet!
To make the French toast, simply whisk together eggs and milk and then pour the mixture into a bowl that is wide enough to contain a slice of bread.
Soak each slice in the mixture, and then fry until each side is evenly brown.
Add the cheese to the toast, along with thinly sliced apple and a spoonful of golden syrup.
Delicious!
Savoury and sweet ingredients can be the perfect combination when balanced correctly.
Apple, bacon and cheddar cheese work seamlessly together, and will provide the best breakfast and hangover cure for you and your housemates after a late night out at Ocean!
For those of you who are mildly lactose intolerant, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
Try this pesto, avocado and goats cheese toastie.
Goats cheese is also lower in calories and fat, so you don’t have to feel too guilty about this one!
Sources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15752918
http://www.thestayathomechef.com/2013/07/leek-and-mushroom-grilled-cheese.html#sthash.JxDGmqj8.dpuf
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/french_toast/#ixzz3IyyZ00zI
http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/truly-thrilling-grilled-cheese-sandwiches
http://thinnrecipes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/green-goddess-grilled-cheese-sandwich.html
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/history-of-grilled-cheese.htm
Edited by Nicole Jones