This 30 minute recipe of Cheese Chili Toast is perfect for brunch.
It has layers of cilantro chutney, cheese, peppers and a special blend called sandwich masala.
Summers are almost here and we are getting ready for recipes that are perfect for a picnic plus something that comes together quickly for a barbecue evening.
One of the best things fo summer are definitely sandwiches. They are super easy to make and delicious. We love how we can customize the fillings and opt for a grilled, toasted or plain version. Cheese, vegetables, sauces and seasonings make each sandwich unique and yum.
Our favorite sandwiches has to include Masala Toast, Mumbai style Grilled Sandwich and this super unique Sev Puri Sandwich.
Jump to:
What is Chili Cheese Toast
An easy to make snack or appetizer, this toast recipe has all the delicious ingredients like melty cheese, chili (peppers) and chutney.
These are inspired from the street side vendors of Mumbai that serve delicious cheese chili toasts made using white sandwich bread.
Instead of the bread slices I have used a whole loaf of buns. That way it is easy to make 12 sandwiches at once, can be baked in the oven and is great to serve the family at once!
Why this recipe works
- It is easy to put together and only needs a bunch of ingredients. Cilantro Chutney, buns, peppers and cheese are mandatory in the recipe. Though the garlic butter is optional, it is strongly recommended!
- As we use the oven to bake it, we can make a couple dozen sandwiches together. That we we have enough sandwiches for a crowd at once!
- This sandwich can be prepped in advance and baked or grilled just before serving. That way it is easy to use for any kind of party.
- Vegetarian friendly, this recipe can be made Vegan by using a bread with plant based ingredients and a suitable butter and cheese. Though the taste may differ slightly but it is still super amazing!
We love this as a side recipe while we grill our barbecue. For Tandoori Tofu Tikka and Balsamic Grilled Mushrooms to Chipotle Eggplants and Grilled Tofu, this recipe works as a great side.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Buns: I used Brioche buns for this recipe. They are soft yet sturdy to hold the filling, crisp up really well and are great for all kinds of sandwiches. Using whole wheat or white buns is a great idea too. Or even sourdough buns if you can find them. I was making a big batch and used the entire stack of 12 buns at once. The same recipe can be made using any number of buns.
- Peppers: I used three colored peppers for the recipe. Using only one kind of peppers will work too. Using sweet peppers will result in a sweet-ish sandwich. Use bell peppers for this recipe instead.
- Onions: Adding a lot of crunch to the recipe, I like to add onions. They can be skipped or substituted for leeks or green onions too.
- Chutney: An essential ingredient of the recipe is the cilantro chutney. A mix of cilantro, green chili, ginger and spices; this chutney works as the sauce in the recipe. It adds so much flavor and taste plus a hint of spice. The chutney can be made at home using this chutney recipe or can be bought from the Indian store or online.
- Sandwich Masala: A special blend available for sandwiches, this sandwich masala is almost like a must-have for the recipe. It adds a lot of flavor and taste to the recipe. If you can totally not find this, add some roasted cumin powder to the recipe.
- Butter: An essential ingredient of any Mumbai sandwich, salted butter is the preferred one. I have used it to top the bread and inside.
- Garlic: In this recipe I added some minced garlic to the butter for flavor. Adding some dried herbs is an option too.
See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.
How to make this recipe
1- Preheat oven to 375 F. Melt butter in a heat proof bowl.
2- Then mix in minced garlic and 1 teaspoon sandwich masala till it is consistent.
3- Slice the buns from the middle. Place the bottoms on a baking tray. Next spread half the seasoned butter.
4- Spread the chutney to cover the buns well.
5- Place an even layer of onions and peppers. Sprinkle the sandwich masala all over.
6- Top with the cheese blend.
7- Place in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove once the cheese melts.
8- Place the bun tops and brush the remaining seasoned butter.
9- Then bake for another 5 minutes.
10- Serve with cilantro chutney and ketchup. It tastes great with some masala chai on the side.
Expert Tips and Notes
- The recipe works well for any kind of buns or bread slices. Pick something like brioche, sourdough or white to crisp up well. Moist breads tend to become more soggy with the butter and fillings.
- The seasoned butter adds a lot of taste and would be a great add to the recipe. Try not to skimp on that.
- Use slices or shredded cheese that would melt well. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well. Pre-sliced tends to remain clumpy and so I prefer to shred it off the block.
- Add minced or sliced green chili along with peppers for extra spice in the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Yes definitely. The sliced bread sandwiches can be made in the oven or in the sandwich maker. If using bread, try and get rustic white or sourdough bread. They toast up really well.
If you like your sandwich super spicy, add some minced or diced green chili to it. It will definitely result in a delicious yet hot version. I used cilantro chutney that was quite spicy. As a result I left out more chili from the recipe.
Any cheese slice or shred that melts well is perfect. Here I have used a mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. They melt wonderfully and give the sandwich a great taste too.
Pairings
This Cheese Chili Toast pairs wonderfully with so many recipes. Here are some perfect pairings for it.
More Sandwich Recipes
I love seeing when you share my recipes!
Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.
Cheese Chili Toast
Ingredients
- 12 Brioche Buns
- ½ cup Cilantro Chutney
- ¼ cup Diced Onions
- ½ cup Diced colored peppers
- 3 teaspoon Sandwich masala
- ⅓ cup Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoon Butter (salted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Melt the butter and mix in minced garlic and 1 teaspoon sandwich masala.
- Slice the buns from the middle. Place the bottoms on a baking tray.
- Spread half the seasoned butter.
- Spread the chutney to cover the buns well.
- Place an even layer of onions and peppers. Sprinkle the sandwich masala all over.
- Top with the cheese blend.
- Place in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove once the cheese melts.
- Place the bun tops and brush the remaining seasoned butter.
- Bake for another 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
- The recipe works well for any kind of buns or bread slices. Pick something like brioche, sourdough or white to crisp up well. Moist breads tend to become more soggy with the butter and fillings.
- The seasoned butter adds a lot of taste and would be a great add to the recipe. Try not to skimp on that.
- Use slices or shredded cheese that would melt well. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well. Pre-sliced tends to remain clumpy and so I prefer to shred it off the block.
- Add minced or sliced green chili along with peppers for extra spice in the recipe.
Leave a Reply