Garlic Cheese Toast Recipe – Quick & Easy Indian-Style Grilled Sandwich

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Cheese Toast Recipe – Quick & Easy Indian-Style Grilled Sandwich

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, comforting snack. And honestly, this Garlic Cheese Toast is my go-to. It’s ridiculously easy, takes minutes to make, and is packed with flavour. I first made this when I was craving something cheesy and garlicky and didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen – and it’s been a family favourite ever since! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any cheese toast. It’s a little slice of happiness, perfect for a speedy breakfast, a satisfying evening snack, or even a quick bite when friends pop over. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, and the aroma while it’s grilling? Divine! Plus, it’s super customisable – you can tweak the spices to your liking, making it mild, medium, or fiery hot.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano/mixed herbs
• ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
• Butter, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Bread: In India, we often use white bread for this, but you can absolutely use brown bread, multigrain, or even sourdough if you prefer. It’s all about what you enjoy!
• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter – I usually go with salted because I love the extra flavour, but unsalted works just as well. If using unsalted, you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt to the garlic-herb mix.
• Cheese: This is where things get fun! While processed cheese slices are classic for this, feel free to experiment. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) work beautifully. In some parts of India, people also love using a bit of grated cheese mixed with some cream cheese for extra richness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, butter one side of each bread slice. This is important – we want that golden-brown, crispy goodness!
2. Now, flip the bread over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Place a cheese slice on each one.
3. Sprinkle the cheese with garlic powder, oregano (or mixed herbs), and chilli flakes. Don’t be shy with the spices!
4. Top each cheesy slice with another bread slice, buttered side facing up this time.
5. Heat a grill pan (or a regular frying pan) over medium heat and brush it lightly with butter.
6. Gently place the sandwich on the hot pan. Now, here’s a little trick – press down gently with a flat plate or potato masher. Don’t go overboard, just enough to help everything melt together.
7. Spread a little butter on the top slice of the sandwich. Once the bottom is golden brown (about 2-3 minutes), flip it over and repeat.
8. Continue toasting until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. This usually takes another 2-3 minutes.
9. Cut diagonally and serve immediately! Seriously, don’t wait – it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Expert Tips

• Low and Slow: Don’t crank up the heat too high! Medium heat ensures the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
• Gentle Pressure: Pressing the sandwich helps with even cooking and melting, but too much pressure will squish everything out.
• Butter is Your Friend: A little extra butter on the pan and the bread makes all the difference in achieving that perfect golden-brown colour and crispy texture.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use your favourite vegan cheese slices.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the chilli flakes to ¼ teaspoon or omit them altogether.
  • Medium: Stick to the ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chilli to the cheese mixture. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash of chaat masala for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptation: This makes a fantastic quick breakfast or snack during festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi when you want something simple and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favourite gluten-free bread slices.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Cheese Toast is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with a side of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
• Pair it with a cup of masala chai for the perfect afternoon treat.
• Cut into smaller pieces and serve as an appetiser at your next gathering.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed immediately. But if you absolutely have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, the bread will lose its crispness. Reheating in a pan or toaster oven can help, but it won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Is this toast best served immediately? Absolutely! The bread gets soggy if it sits for too long.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, definitely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, paneer, or any cheese you like.

What if I don’t have a grill pan? A regular frying pan works just fine! Just make sure to brush it with butter.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, but don’t grill them until you’re ready to eat.

How can I adjust the garlic flavour? Add more or less garlic powder to suit your taste. You can even use fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavour (about ½ teaspoon).