Cheese toast refers to toast or bread that has been topped with cheese and then grilled or toasted to melt the cheese.
It is a simple but tasty dish that is commonly served as a snack, appetizer, or side.
There are many variations that can make cheese toast more flavorful. Let's explore the common ingredients and customizations.
Common Ingredients
While specific ingredients can vary, most cheese toast recipes call for:
- Bread - This is usually white bread or sourdough, but any bread can be used. Many recipes suggest Texas toast or thick slices of bread to provide a base that can support melted cheese.
- Cheese - Popular options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan, Swiss, and Colby Jack. Stronger cheeses provide more flavor. The cheese can be pre-shredded, grated, or sliced.
- Butter - Softened butter is often spread on the toast before adding the cheese to provide extra richness and help the bread brown.
- Garlic - Minced or powdered garlic gives cheese toast a zesty kick.
- Herbs - Oregano, basil, parsley or chives lend some freshness.
Some recipes use just one type of cheese, while others use a blend to achieve a custom flavor profile. Get creative and use up bits of cheese in your fridge!
Tasty Customizations
While plain cheese toast is delectable in its own right, there are many ways to dress it up:
- Meats - Cooked crumbled bacon, chopped ham, or sautéed onions or mushrooms make savory additions.
- Sauces - A smear of pizza sauce, pesto, or salsa injects an extra flavor punch.
- Veggies - Fresh or grilled tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or avocado lend color and texture.
- Spices - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, paprika or cayenne pepper makes for a spicy toast.
You can create sweet versions too by using jam, honey or fruit compotes in place of traditional savory add-ins. The possibilities are endless!
Key Takeaway: Cheese toast can be endlessly customized with meats, veggies, sauces and spices to suit any taste or meal.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese toast is highly adaptable and can be served:
- On its own as a snack, appetizer or quick meal
- Alongside pasta, chili, eggs or salad
- Dipped into soups or sauces
- As sandwiches stuffed with deli meat
- Cut into cubes for topping salads or soups
Its portability also makes cheese toast perfect party food. Prepare ahead, cook quickly right before guests arrive and slice into pop-able bits.
For easy snacking and dipping, cut each piece of toast into thirds after cooking. Serve warm or at room temperature along with marinara or ranch dressing for dunking.
Nutrition & Benefits
A single serving of basic cheese toast provides:
- 216 calories
- 13g carbohydrates
- 16g fat
- 5g protein
Since it's loaded with gooey cheese, this toasted treat offers lots of calcium and vitamin D too. The exact amounts will vary based on ingredient choices.
While cheese toast does pack a caloric punch thanks to its high-fat cheese and buttery goodness, it can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Make it with whole grain bread and low-fat cheese if you're looking for better nutrition.
History & Culture
Toasting bread and melting cheese is an ancient cooking method that appears in cuisines worldwide. Some accounts suggest Roman legionnaires cooked a primitive version over campfires.
Cheese toast as its own specific dish traces its origins to Wales. Welsh rarebit is essentially the same concept but made with a creamy cheese sauce rather than sliced cheese.
The terms Welsh rarebit and cheese toast are now often used interchangeably. However, cheese toast is more precise when referring to the broiled open-faced version.
These days, cheese toast is beloved not just in Wales and Britain but also Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the Caribbean and the United States. It's a staple snack, comfort food and fun appetizer on tables across the English-speaking world.
How to Make Classic Cheese Toast
Want to whip up your own cheese toast? Follow this easy method:
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick white or sourdough bread
- 2 ounces grated cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread the softened butter evenly over one side.
- In a small bowl, mix the cheddar cheese, garlic, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Mash and stir with a fork until well-combined.
- Divide the cheese mixture between the two bread slices, spreading over the UNBUTTERED side. Pile it on generously.
- Place the cheese-topped bread slices on a baking sheet. Pop into a preheated 375°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Set oven to broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Be careful of hot, melty cheese!
And that's all there is to it! Now that you know the basics, try getting creative with your own cheese blend or added ingredients. This simple yet impressive dish is sure to be a hit.
FAQs
What kind of cheese is best for cheese toast?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. Their melting properties make them perfect for toasting. Stronger cheeses like Gruyere, gouda and Parmesan also have lots of flavor. Soft cheeses like brie can work but may get too runny when melted.
Can I make cheese toast in an air fryer?
Yes! Simply butter the bread, top with cheese and air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts. Watch closely so the bread doesn't burn. An air fryer makes crispy cheese toast without needing to turn on the broiler.
What can I serve with cheese toast?
Cheese toast pairs well with soup, salad, eggs or pasta. It's commonly served alongside Italian dishes, with chili or stews, or simply on its own as an appetizer. Dip into tomato soup or marinara sauce for a delicious combo!
Can I freeze leftover cheese toast?
You sure can! Allow cheese toast to cool completely then place in a sealable freezer bag. It will keep for 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F until hot and crisp. The texture may suffer slightly but the taste will still be great.
Conclusion
Cheese toast has the perfect balance of crisp bread, melted cheese, and custom flavors. This snack has spanned centuries and borders.
While traditional Italian bruschetta has similar ingredients, cheese toast sets itself apart with its thicker bread, more generous cheese layer and broader flavor variations.
From its humble beginnings as primitive soldier fuel to its current global recognition, cheese toast remains beloved for its straightforward preparation and ingredient flexibility.