When my son was small he asked me to make “cheese girls.” We soon figured out he didn’t mean grilled cheese but rather the cheese toasts I used to make in the oven as a snack. The name has become a bit of an inside joke in our family.
This version of “cheese girls” is very different from the ones I made years ago. There’s no need to fire up the oven, so they’re quick to make. Plus the flavor is more complex thanks to the very British addition of some pickle or chutney to contrast with the gooey cheese.
Cheesy Toasts are Fast Food
The inspiration for cheese toasts with pickle comes from Nigel Slater’s Real Fast Food cookbook. In the book Nigel talks about how as a finicky child his father could usually satisfy his appetite with this simple meal. He would brown some sliced green onion in a bit of butter and add a handful of grated cheddar cheese to the pan. The molten mixture was poured over English muffins that had been spread with a tangy pickle. It’s very simple to make.
Start with the bread
When I first wrote this post in 2017 I used sandwich thins. Any bread that toasts well will work, but my hands down favorite is English Muffins.
Make mine cheddar cheese, please
You’ll want a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor. Fontina, gruyere and gouda are good choices. We rarely use anything other than a sharp Cheddar, grated off the block.
In a pickle…
This simple snack is a go to for us, especially when we have a nice sharp cheddar on hand. We’ve eaten them plain with just the cheese and also with pickle slices, jalapeno relish, chopped bread and butter pickles and a quick apple chutney. The last two are our favorites but we also like the plain version with the subtle bite from the green onions.
photo from the original 2017 post with apple chutney and sliced pickles on sandwich thins.
While you could certainly use a store bought chutney, when I have apples on hand I make it by chopping up an apple and stewing it along with a handful of raisins in a bit of water and white balsamic vinegar. I might add some cardamom or curry powder, but most often a pinch of salt and a couple grinds of black pepper is the only seasoning. I like the contrast of the sweet and tangy with a sharp cheese.
If you sort through the condiments in your fridge I’m sure you’ll find something that will work for your cheesy toasts with pickle. What will you choose?
Ingredients
- 2 English muffins or sandwich flats split and toasted
- 2 – 3 green onions white part sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 – 2 cups grated cheese, more or less preferably cheddar or your favorite mix
- chopped pickles, chutney or other appealing condiment to spread on the muffins
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- While the muffins are toasting, melt the butter in a small skillet and saute the green onions over medium heat. Adjust the heat to avoid overly browning the butter.
- Add the cheese and reduce the heat to low. Stir to mix.
- Prepare the muffins with your choice of toppings (or leave plain)
- Spread with the molten cheese and eat as soon as you can without burning your mouth
These make a very satisfying snack. They’re filling and a good choice for pairing with a soup or salad for a quick meal.
Mmm, cheese toast. Girls. Whatever. 🙂 I’ve not made mine with pickle or chutney — sounds like a fun idea. Gotta try that! Thanks.
These look delicious!
These cheese toasts look absolutely glorious! I love the cheese oozing out over the sides. This is a definite must try!
Thanks, Kim! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 🙂
I do love stuff on toasts, and these are fabulous!
Thank you! There are so many combinations of bread, cheese and sweet/tart things the possibilities are endless 🙂
Yum! Nothing is better than a cheesy toast 😉
I agree. They’re fast and comforting. Have a great week 🙂
I like how you added the jalapeno relish and apple chutney with the cheese. This is such a mouth-watering toast.
We were pleasantly surprised. They became more of an adult treat…not that plain old cheese toast isn’t great! Thanks for dropping by 🙂