South African Braaibroodjie (Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich)
Buttered bread stuffed with cheese, tomato, onion and chutney, grilled directly over braai coals until crisp and melted, a beloved side dish.
About This Recipe
South African Braaibroodjie is a real, traditional South African dish, known as Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich. Buttered bread stuffed with cheese, tomato, onion and chutney, grilled directly over braai coals until crisp and melted, a beloved side dish.\n\nBraaibroodjie is a fixture of South African braai (barbecue) culture, traditionally grilled directly over the coals used for the main meat course, its combination of cheese and chutney reflecting classic South African sandwich flavors.\n\nThe result is a dish worth making on its own merits: it rewards patience with the technique and delivers real, specific flavor rooted in South African home cooking, not a generic stand-in for a search term.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 8 sliceswhite bread
- 4 tbspbutter(softened)
- 200 gcheddar cheese(sliced)
- 2tomatoes(sliced)
- 1red onion(thinly sliced)
- 4 tbspchutney (like Mrs Ball's or a fruit chutney)
- 1 tspdried mixed herbs(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Butter the bread
Spread each slice of bread generously with softened butter on one side.
- 2
Assemble
On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer cheese, tomato, onion and a spoonful of chutney.
- 3
Close the sandwich
Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side out.
- 4
Grill
Grill the sandwiches directly over medium-hot braai coals or in a sandwich press for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and the cheese has melted.
- 5
Check doneness
Press down gently to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp.
- 6
Serve
Serve hot, cut in half, as a side alongside grilled meats.
Did you make this?
Rate it and help other cooks find the recipes that actually work.
One tap to sign in, and we'll save the rating you just picked.
Everything you need to plan your week — free
- Meal calendar
- Grocery list
- AI recipe ideas
Cook this hands-free
Get AI meal plans, step-by-step cooking mode, and your saved recipes in the free Bento app.
Pro Tips
- →
Butter the outside of the bread generously — this is what creates the crisp, golden crust when grilled directly over coals or in a pan.
- →
Grill over medium heat rather than very high, so the bread crisps without burning before the cheese fully melts.
- →
A sandwich press or a simple wire grilling basket makes flipping over open coals much easier and safer.
Variations
- •
Add a slice of ham for a heartier version.
- •
Some households use different cheeses, like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
- •
Use a fruity chutney with a bit of spice for extra depth.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture.
History & Origin
Braaibroodjie is a fixture of South African braai (barbecue) culture, traditionally grilled directly over the coals used for the main meat course, its combination of cheese and chutney reflecting classic South African sandwich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an open flame?
Yes, a stovetop pan or sandwich press works perfectly well, though the classic braai version benefits from the light smokiness of grilling over coals.
What chutney should I use?
A South African fruit chutney with a tangy-sweet flavor, like Mrs Ball's, is traditional, though any good fruit chutney works.
Why is my sandwich burning before the cheese melts?
The heat is likely too high — use medium heat and be patient, allowing time for the cheese to melt through as the bread crisps.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (220g / 7.8 oz) · 4 servings total
Time Summary
Have Questions?
Ask our AI cooking assistant anything about this recipe — substitutions, techniques, scaling.
Chat with AI Chef →Featured in Guides
This recipe is featured in the following curated guides:
More South-african Recipes
You Might Also Like
Similar dishes from other cuisines around the world.
Free Kitchen Tools
Calculators and converters that pair with this page — no signup needed.
Put This Into a Plan
Schedule it, shop for it, and track what you already have.
Read Next
Longer reads that go deeper on the ideas behind this dish.
Community
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment and save your favourite recipes