Braaibroodjie (South African Grilled Cheese, Tomato and Onion Sandwich)
In short: A toasted sandwich of melted cheddar, tomato and onion with chutney, grilled over braai coals until the buttered bread turns golden and crisp. It takes about 18 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 18 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 505 kcal
Braaibroodjie, the braai sandwich, is a toasted sandwich of melted cheese, tomato and onion cooked over coals alongside the meat. It is usually the first thing off the fire, eaten while the boerewors and chops finish cooking. Butter on the outside crisps the bread, and a spoon of fruit chutney gives a sweet edge. A hinged grid makes turning easy, but a pan works as well.
Instructions
- Heat a grill until the coals are covered in gray ash and the heat is medium, or heat a grill pan or sandwich press over medium heat.
- Butter one side of every slice. Turn 4 slices butter-side down and spread each with chutney.
- Layer on half the cheese, then the onion and tomato, season lightly, and finish with the rest of the cheese. Top with the remaining slices, butter-side up.
- Put the sandwiches in a hinged grill basket, or on a pan set on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Rest for 1 minute, cut diagonally and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook over medium coals. If the fire is too hot, the bread burns before the cheese melts. Move the sandwiches to a cooler spot if they color too fast.
- Blot the tomato slices with paper towel so they do not make the bread soggy.
Questions and answers
Can I make braaibroodjies without a braai?
Yes. A sandwich press, grill pan or frying pan over medium heat works well. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
Which cheese is best for braaibroodjies?
Mature cheddar melts well and has a good flavor. Gouda gives a milder result, and a mix of the two is common.
What do you serve with a braaibroodjie?
At a braai they go alongside boerewors, chops and a salad. At home they also work as a quick lunch with soup.
How long does it take to make Braaibroodjie (South African Grilled Cheese, Tomato and Onion Sandwich)?
About 18 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Braaibroodjie (South African Grilled Cheese, Tomato and Onion Sandwich)?
About 505 kcal per serving, with 19 g of protein, 39 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 505 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
