Braaibroodjie

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare all ingredients: thinly slice the onion and tomato, and grate or thinly slice the cheddar. Pat the tomato slices dry with kitchen paper so the sandwiches grill crisp rather than steam.

   80 g, thinly sliced onion100 g, thinly sliced tomato100 g, grated or thinly sliced mature cheddar
2. 2

   Butter one side of each slice of bread all the way to the edges. On the unbuttered side of 2 slices, spread the apricot jam evenly.

   4 slices (about 140 g) white bread25 g, softened butter30 g apricot jam
3. 3

   Divide the cheddar over the jam-covered slices, then top with the onion and tomato in an even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper if you like, then close with the remaining bread slices, keeping the buttered sides facing outward. Press gently so the filling stays in place.

   4 slices (about 140 g) white bread100 g, grated or thinly sliced mature cheddar80 g, thinly sliced onion100 g, thinly sliced tomato
4. 4

   Heat a frying pan, grill pan, sandwich press, or braai grid over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula or closing the press, until the bread is deep golden, the cheese is melted, and the onion has softened. Lower the heat if the bread colours too quickly before the cheese melts.

5. 5

   Rest the braaibroodjies for 1 minute so the cheese settles slightly, then cut in halves and serve hot.

Origin & History

Braaibroodjie is a beloved South African braai side dish, typically cooked over hot coals alongside meat. Its sweet-savoury combination of cheddar, onion, tomato, and apricot jam is a classic flavour pairing that has become a staple of backyard gatherings across the country.