Braai Up a Braaibroodjie!
Braai Up a Delicious South African Braaibroodjie!
A braaibroodjie is the South African version of a grilled cheese, but taken to a whole new level of flavor with the smoky goodness of the braai (barbecue). Here’s how to make this tasty treat:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread (white, brown, or a hearty sourdough work well)
- Butter, softened
- Cheddar cheese, sliced (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
- Mango chutney
- Red onion marmalade
- Mustard
- Biltong (South African cured meat)
- Droëwors (dried sausage)
Instructions:
Fire up the braai! Get your coals nice and hot, but not burning fiercely. You want a medium-low heat for even cooking.
Butter up the bread. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble your masterpiece. Place half the bread slices buttered-side down on a plate or braai grid.
Layer the flavors. Add cheese, tomato slices, onion slices, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to each open-faced sandwich.
Get fancy (optional). Now’s the time to add your favorite twist! Spread some chutney, marmalade, or mustard on the cheese for a tangy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some biltong or droëwors for a protein boost.
Top it off! Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered-side facing out, to enclose the fillings.
Hit the braai! Gently place the sandwiches on the braai grid. You can use a braai grid that folds shut for even heat distribution.
Get that perfect char. Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Rest and enjoy! Take the braaibroodjies off the heat and let them cool slightly before taking a bite. The melted cheese can be very hot!
Tips:
- If you don’t have a braai, you can grill the sandwiches on a stovetop grill pan or even in a panini press.
- To prevent the bread from burning, you can move the sandwiches to a cooler area of the braai if they start browning too quickly.
- Experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your perfect combination.
Now you’re ready to braai up a batch of delicious South African braaibroodjies! Enjoy the taste of summer and the company of friends and family.