Bread with Grated Strong Cheese

Introduction

You toast one side of thick-cut bread first, then add grated strong cheese and toppings before a final broil that makes the top bubbling and brown. It takes about 17 minutes and works well for a quick lunch, a late snack, or a simple supper with soup or salad.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• Thick-cut bread
• Firm-fleshed strong-flavoured cheese, grated
• Toppings (e.g. pickles, onion, walnuts, etc.)

Instructions

1. Toast one side of the bread under a medium broiler.
2. Lightly toast the other side of the bread, just enough to warm it, then spread the grated cheese over it. Add desired toppings.
3. Broil the cheesy side of the bread until the cheese is bubbling and brown.
4. Eat quickly, but be careful, as the cheese will be tongue-burningly hot!

Variations

• Change the thick-cut bread to rye or sourdough if you want a firmer base and a stronger, slightly tangy flavor.
• Change the firm-fleshed strong-flavoured cheese, grated to cheddar for a sharper bite or Gruyère for a smoother melt and nuttier finish.
• Change the toppings (e.g. pickles, onion, walnuts, etc.) to sliced tomato or mushrooms if you want a softer, juicier topping instead of crunch.
• Add the toppings after broiling if you want ingredients like pickles or raw onion to stay crisp and keep their bite.

Tips for Success

• Use thick-cut bread so it stays sturdy under the cheese and toppings instead of going limp.
• Keep the second side only lightly toasted, as written, so the cheese can grip the surface rather than sliding off.
• Grate the strong-flavoured cheese finely enough to melt before the bread overtoasts.
• Watch the final broil closely; the cheese can go from bubbling and brown to scorched in under a minute.
• If you use walnuts or onion as toppings, keep the layer light so the bread heats through evenly.

Storage and Reheating

This is best eaten immediately. If you need to keep leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

FAQ

Can you make this in a toaster oven instead of under a broiler?

Yes. Use the toast or broil setting and keep a close eye on it, since the cheese browns quickly in a small oven.

What kind of cheese works best for this?

Can you prep it ahead?

You can grate the cheese and prepare the toppings ahead of time, then assemble and broil when you want to eat. Once assembled, it is better cooked right away.

Which toppings work best without making the bread soggy?

Pickles, onion, and walnuts all work well because they either stay crisp or add texture without releasing much moisture. If you use wetter toppings, keep them in a thin layer.