And what better excuse to indulge in one (or several) than National Cheese Toastie Day, celebrated every year on 27th October?
A National Treasure in Bread and Cheese Form
The cheese toastie has earned its place as a true British classic. Crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the sort of snack that feels equally at home as a quick lunch, a late-night bite, or a nostalgic comfort meal on a rainy day.
Whether you call it a cheese toastie, a grilled cheese, or simply “the best sandwich ever,” there’s no denying its magic. The beauty lies in its simplicity — bread, butter, cheese — but within those three ingredients lies an infinite number of delicious possibilities.
The Perfect Cheese Toastie
Everyone has their own “perfect toastie” method, but here’s a tried-and-true approach to guarantee golden success:
Ingredients:
Two slices of good-quality bread (sourdough, bloomer or granary all work brilliantly)
Butter or mayonnaise for spreading
A generous handful of grated cheese (a mix of mature Cheddar and mozzarella gives both flavour and stretch)
Optional extras: a slice of tomato, caramelised onion chutney, or a dab of English mustard
Method:
Butter the bread – on the outside for that glorious golden crust.
Pile on the cheese – don’t skimp; this is the star of the show.
Add your extras if you fancy – chutney and onion are perfect partners.
Grill or toast in a sandwich press or frying pan until both sides are crisp and the cheese is oozing.
Slice and serve – ideally with a steaming mug of tea or a bowl of tomato soup.
Toasties Around the UK
While the classic cheese toastie reigns supreme, regional variations add a bit of fun to the mix. In Wales, you might find a toastie inspired by Welsh rarebit, with mustard and ale in the cheese sauce. In Scotland, cafés often serve toasties with Branston pickle or haggis, while some Cornish cafés pair them with local cheeses and chutneys made from apples or onions grown nearby.
Fun Ways to Celebrate
Here are a few ways to mark National Cheese Toastie Day this year:
Host a “toastie-off” with friends or family – who can create the most inventive combo?
Visit your local café and try their signature version.
Experiment at home with unexpected fillings – think brie and cranberry, cheddar and chilli jam, or stilton and pear.
Share your creation online using #NationalCheeseToastieDay and show the world your melty masterpiece.
The Final Cheesy Word
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a cheese toastie – that first bite of bubbling cheese between buttery, golden bread never fails to bring a smile.
On 27th October, join the nation in raising your sandwich press to celebrate one of the simplest yet most satisfying comfort foods ever created.
Because sometimes, happiness really is just melted cheese between two slices of bread.
Whilst France has it's croque-monsieur which first appeared on a café menu in Paris in 1910, toasted cheese sandwiches in Britain date back to at least medieval times, when Welsh Rabbit became widespread. Apparently the name originated with the word rarebitten, meaning to nibble or bite something. An ideal way to consume a cheese toasty!
And let us not forget it's cousin, cheese on toast!