Jamie Oliver Cheese Toastie Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie is more than just a quick snack. It’s a celebration of simple, comforting flavors that hit all the right spots. This isn’t your average grilled cheese sandwich. Jamie’s version elevates the humble toastie with a few clever twists that make it irresistibly delicious.

The sandwich is crispy on the outside, thanks to perfectly buttered bread and oozes a rich, melty cheese filling on the inside. What sets it apart are the additional flavor layers. Jamie’s recipe typically includes a blend of cheeses, giving it complexity. There’s often a hint of seasoning and even a touch of mustard to deepen the flavor. It’s that balance of gooey cheese and crunchy bread, paired with those extra touches, that turns this simple dish into something special.

Jamie Oliver Cheese Toastie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• Bread: You’ll need thick, sturdy slices of bread. Sourdough or a good white bread works great but anything hearty that can hold the cheese without falling apart is ideal.
• Cheese: Jamie often recommends a mix of cheeses. You’re looking for something that melts beautifully, like cheddar, mozzarella and perhaps Gruyère or Emmental for extra flavor complexity.
• Butter: To spread on the outside of the bread. This ensures the bread crisps up beautifully and gives a golden-brown finish.
• Mustard: A teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper are a must. You can also add garlic powder or dried herbs if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Extras (optional): Some recipes include a bit of grated parmesan on the outside of the bread for an extra crispy, cheesy crust. If you want more indulgence, a dollop of tomato chutney or caramelized onions can add a burst of sweetness.

Equipment Needed

• A Frying Pan: Jamie often uses a non-stick skillet or frying pan. You could also use a griddle for those beautiful grill marks but a regular frying pan will work fine.
• A Spatula: To flip the toastie and keep everything in place while it cooks.
• Grater: If you’re using block cheese, a grater is necessary to get the perfect cheese shreds that melt effortlessly.
• Knife: For buttering the bread and spreading the mustard evenly.
• Paper Towel (optional): To absorb any excess butter after you’ve cooked your toastie.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie

1. Butter the Bread: Start by buttering both sides of each slice of bread. Don’t skimp on the butter. it’s the key to getting that crispy, golden crust. You want the bread to be evenly coated but not soaked.
2. Assemble the Toastie: Grate your cheese and mix it up. Jamie likes a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for meltability, plus something stronger like Gruyère for flavor. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of bread. Add a generous handful of cheese on top, ensuring it’s spread evenly. You can sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper here, too.
3. Cook the Toastie: Heat your frying pan on medium-high. Once it’s hot, place the sandwich in the pan. Cook on one side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the toastie gently with your spatula, pressing down a little to ensure the cheese starts to melt. Cook on the other side until it’s equally golden and crisp, another 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding parmesan to the outside for extra crunch, sprinkle it on the bread before flipping.
4. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the toastie rest for a minute or two before cutting it. This helps the cheese set slightly and prevents the filling from spilling everywhere when you slice.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie was a bit of a revelation. It’s so simple but the layers of flavor really elevate the dish. The mustard adds a surprising tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and the choice of multiple cheeses really makes a difference in texture and flavor.

The golden-brown, crispy exterior of the bread, paired with the soft, gooey interior, was exactly what you want from a grilled cheese. I also learned that the key is in the butter. don’t be shy with it, because it’s what gives that satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.

Another thing that stood out is how easy it is to customize. You can add extras like caramelized onions, a bit of chili for heat or even a handful of spinach to make it your own.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie

Jamie Oliver’s classic cheese toastie is already pretty close to perfection but there are always fun ways to give it a personal touch. Let’s look at some tasty tweaks to elevate your sandwich:

1. Cheese Variety:

   While Jamie’s recipe usually calls for a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, you can mix it up. Try adding Gruyère for a nutty depth or Brie for a creamy twist. You could even throw in some blue cheese for a sharp contrast.

2. Bread Choices:

   Instead of standard white or sourdough, go for something different. Rye adds a slightly earthy flavor. Ciabatta gives it a bit of a rustic feel and even multigrain can bring in a bit of texture and nuttiness.

3. Add Fresh Herbs:

   Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary on the cheese before grilling. It adds a fragrant touch that lifts the whole toastie.

4. Spicy Kick:

   For a bit of heat, mix chili flakes or a bit of sriracha into your cheese blend. You could also layer in some jalapeño slices for that extra punch.

5. Caramelized Onions:

   Slow-cook some onions with a little sugar and balsamic vinegar to make them sweet and savory. These are perfect for layering in the middle of your toastie, balancing the rich cheese.

6. Truffle Oil:

   If you want to go all-out, drizzle a little truffle oil on your bread before grilling. It adds a luxurious, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the melted cheese.

These tweaks don’t just add flavor. they turn your cheese toastie into a comforting, gourmet experience.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Sometimes you end up with leftover cheese toasties (though honestly, that doesn’t happen too often) and here’s how you can store and reheat them properly:

1. Cool Before Storing:

   Let your cheese toasties cool to room temperature. Don’t just toss them in the fridge hot or they’ll get soggy. Cooling them properly ensures the bread stays crispy when reheating.

2. Wrap Them Right:

   Wrap your toasties in wax paper or foil rather than plastic. This helps prevent the bread from getting too soggy while keeping it fresh. If you’re going for long-term storage, use an airtight container but line it with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

3. Refrigeration:

   If you’re planning to eat them within the next couple of days, stick them in the fridge. They’ll last about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a cast iron skillet or the oven for that crispy, golden crust.

4. Freezing for Later:

   For longer storage, freeze your cheese toasties. To do this, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just toast them straight from the freezer. They’ll crisp up nicely in a pan or oven.

5. Reheating Tips:

   To preserve the crispiness, always use a skillet or griddle when reheating. It’ll get that golden crunch back. You can also use the oven-wrap it in foil and heat at a low temperature, around 350°F (175°C), for about 10-15 minutes.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie?

A cheese toastie is a meal in itself but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its richness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Soup:

   You can’t go wrong with a comforting bowl of tomato soup. The acidity and freshness of the soup balance out the richness of the cheese toastie. For a twist, try a butternut squash soup or a spicy carrot and ginger soup.

2. Pickles:

   Add a tangy, crunchy contrast with some pickled cucumbers or gherkins. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, making each bite refreshing. You can also go for pickled red onions for a sharper, more vibrant flavor.

3. Salads:

   A light, crispy salad with a zingy dressing can brighten up the richness of your toastie. Think arugula, spinach or a crunchy slaw with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness is the perfect balance to the warm, cheesy comfort.

4. Avocado:

   For a more indulgent side, you can serve your toastie with sliced avocado. A drizzle of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes on top will complement the cheesy goodness with creaminess and a bit of heat.

5. French Fries or Chips:

   Let’s not forget the classic crispy side-fries. Thin-cut or chunky, fries or potato chips are the perfect snack to serve alongside a toastie. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle them with a bit of parmesan or truffle salt.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie Special?

Jamie Oliver’s recipe stands out for using high-quality cheese and adding a twist with unique ingredients like caramelized onions or a bit of mustard.

Can I Use Any Type Of Cheese For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Toastie?

You can, but Jamie often suggests a mix of mature cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for a gooey texture.

How Do I Get The Perfect Crispy Toastie?

To get that golden crunch, Jamie recommends using butter on the outside of the bread and cooking it on low heat to ensure the cheese melts evenly.