Buttered bread stuffed with cheese, tomato, onion and chutney, grilled directly over braai coals until crisp and melted, a beloved side dish.
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.
Serves 4
Spread each slice of bread generously with softened butter on one side.
On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer cheese, tomato, onion and a spoonful of chutney.
Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side out.
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.
Press down gently to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp.
Serve hot, cut in half, as a side alongside grilled meats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, a stovetop pan or sandwich press works perfectly well, though the classic braai version benefits from the light smokiness of grilling over coals.
A South African fruit chutney with a tangy-sweet flavor, like Mrs Ball's, is traditional, though any good fruit chutney works.
The heat is likely too high — use medium heat and be patient, allowing time for the cheese to melt through as the bread crisps.
Per serving (220g / 7.8 oz) · 4 servings total
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