Cheese on Toast: Elevating a British Classic into a Gourmet Delight

Ah, cheese on toast – a humble, comforting dish that has graced British homes for generations. Simple, quick, and satisfying, it’s often a go-to snack or an easy supper. 

But what if we could transform this basic staple into a gourmet delight worthy of the finest kitchens? 

With a few tweaks, choice ingredients, and a dash of creativity, you can take your cheese on toast to the next level – tantalising your tastebuds and setting the gold standard for this beloved dish. 

Here’s how to turn the everyday into the extraordinary.

1. Start with the Right Bread

The foundation of any great cheese on toast lies in the bread. Swap out your usual sliced loaf for a high-quality sourdough or a thick-cut artisanal bread. Sourdough offers a robust, slightly tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with rich cheese, while its chewy texture holds up well under the grill. Other great options include a rustic farmhouse loaf or rye bread, which adds a deeper, earthy flavour.

Pro tip: Lightly toast the bread on both sides before adding the cheese, creating a crispy base that contrasts perfectly with the gooey topping.

2. Choose Your Cheese Wisely

Cheddar may be the traditional choice for cheese on toast, but to elevate the dish, consider blending cheeses for complexity. Opt for a mix of a sharp, mature cheddar with a creamy cheese like Gruyère or Red Leicester. For extra indulgence, add a little blue cheese such as Stilton or Roquefort – just a touch will bring an intense, savoury depth.

Pro tip: Grate your cheese rather than slicing it. Grated cheese melts more evenly, ensuring every bite is as luscious as the next.

3. Enhance with Flavoursome Add-Ons

To make your cheese on toast stand out, layer on flavour with a few key ingredients:

Mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon or wholegrain mustard on the toast before adding the cheese. It cuts through the richness with a sharp, tangy kick.

Worcestershire Sauce: A classic partner for cheese on toast, a drizzle of this sauce adds a savoury umami note that’s hard to resist.

Garlic Butter: Infuse butter with finely chopped garlic and herbs, then brush it onto the bread before grilling. This adds a fragrant, mouth-watering aroma that elevates the dish to gourmet levels.

Chutneys or Onion Marmalade: A dollop of caramelised onion chutney or tomato relish adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty cheese.

4. Top it Off with a Finishing Flourish

Once your cheese has melted to golden perfection under the grill, it’s time for a finishing flourish. To turn your cheese on toast into something really special, consider these gourmet toppings:

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives, parsley, or thyme adds freshness and colour.

Truffle Oil: A light drizzle of truffle oil brings an irresistible, luxurious earthiness.

Crispy Prosciutto: For a bit of crunch and a hit of salty goodness, add some crispy prosciutto or pancetta on top.

Chilli Flakes or Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like it hot, a pinch of chilli flakes or fresh jalapeños will give your cheese on toast a fiery kick.

Baked beans can add a welcoming, warming layer to gourmet cheese on toast.

5. Grill to Perfection

The secret to achieving the perfect gourmet cheese on toast is all in the grilling. You want the cheese to be bubbling and golden, with the edges just starting to brown and crisp. Keep a close eye as it grills, as there’s a fine line between perfectly toasted and burnt.

Pro tip: Use the top shelf of your grill for an extra-crispy, golden finish.

6. Serve with Style

Presentation is key when elevating any dish to gourmet status. Serve your cheese on toast with a side of lightly dressed salad greens for a refreshing contrast. A few slices of heirloom tomatoes with a sprinkle of sea salt and olive oil also make an excellent accompaniment. Or for a wintery twist, serve with a cup of creamy tomato or roasted red pepper soup.

The Gold Standard of Cheese on Toast

By paying attention to quality ingredients and thoughtful details, you can transform the humble cheese on toast into a sophisticated yet comforting meal. With the right bread, a blend of exquisite cheeses, and an array of flavourful add-ons, you’ll have a dish that tantalises the tastebuds and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or as an indulgent snack, this gourmet take on a British classic is sure to set the gold standard.

So, next time you crave cheese on toast, skip the basics and treat yourself to this gourmet version – because even the simplest dishes deserve to be extraordinary.