National Dish Austria: Ham and Cheese Toastie (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to the ham and cheese toastie, a comforting Austrian favourite that has won fans far beyond the country’s borders. Crisp, golden bread wrapped around tender ham and melting cheese makes for a snack that is as quick to put together as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you need a speedy lunch or a little something to see you through the afternoon, this is the recipe to reach for. Bring a touch of Austria to your own kitchen with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
About Ham and Cheese Toastie
The ham and cheese toastie is a much-loved snack in Austria and well known well beyond its borders. This delicious combination of tender ham and melting cheese between crisp bread is not only simple to make but also wonderfully tasty. It is perfect for a quick lunch or as a snack to enjoy at any time of day. Give it a go and you will discover why this humble classic has stayed a firm favourite, slotting neatly alongside heartier plates of Austrian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese (such as Emmental or Gouda)
- Butter or margarine, for spreading
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for a ham and cheese toastie are easy to find and available in any grocery shop. Choose fresh bread, ideally wholemeal or sandwich bread, to give the dish a little extra character. When buying the ham, look for good quality; cooked ham or prosciutto are both excellent options. The cheese should melt nicely, so opt for varieties such as Emmental or Gouda.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making the ham and cheese toastie, it is worth having all your ingredients to hand and your workspace ready. Make sure a toastie maker or a frying pan is set up and warming. It also helps to keep a spatula within reach to make flipping the toastie easier. Set a plate or board to one side so you can serve the finished toastie straight away.
Step-by-step instructions
- Spread butter or margarine on one side of two slices of bread.
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread.
- Cover the filling with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a frying pan or toastie maker and cook the toastie over a medium heat until golden and crisp.
- Turn the toastie and cook the other side in the same way, until the cheese is beautifully melted.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the ham and cheese toastie, simply use gluten-free bread, which is widely available in most supermarkets. Take care to choose gluten-free ham and cheese too, so the dish stays entirely free from gluten. For lactose-free needs there are suitable cheeses and butter alternatives. These swaps make it easy for everyone to enjoy this tasty dish, whatever their dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can use a plant-based alternative to ham and cheese, often made from soy or seitan. These products are now available in many supermarkets and offer a flavour close to the classic ingredients. Use vegan butter or margarine to spread on the bread. A delicious vegetable topping, such as tomato or avocado, can add even more flavour and goodness.
More tips and tricks
To make your ham and cheese toastie even more interesting, try adding different herbs or spices. Oregano or basil, for example, lend an Italian note. You can also lightly toast the bread beforehand for an extra bit of crunch. Experiment with different cheeses or types of ham to find your own favourite combinations — much in the spirit of cheese-laden classics like Kaesespaetzle.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of the ham and cheese toastie is just how versatile it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to your own preferences by using different fillings or types of bread. If you like a bit of heat, add a little chilli or some hot mustard. Sweet additions such as fig jam can also round off the flavour beautifully.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not fancy ham or cheese, the recipe is easy to vary. Try a combination of chicken or mushrooms with a different melting cheese, for instance. Pesto also works wonderfully as a creative filling for your toastie. Explore the range of ingredients to suit your own taste and discover new combinations, in the same playful way you might tweak a plate of Schinkenfleckerl.
Drink pairing ideas
The right drinks are essential to round off a meal built around the ham and cheese toastie. A freshly brewed coffee is the ideal companion to this snack. Alternatively, you might enjoy a chilled wheat beer or a glass of apple juice. These pairings not only complete the flavour but also make for a welcome break from the everyday.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can make enjoying the ham and cheese toastie even more of a pleasure. Cut the toastie diagonally into two halves and arrange them neatly on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a splash of colour. A small dip, such as yoghurt or chilli sauce, can also be both attractive and a tasty addition.
A bit of history
The ham and cheese toastie has its roots in simple German and Austrian home cooking and is widely found in local kitchens and cafés. Its uncomplicated nature and modest ingredients make it a popular snack for young and old alike. Over the years the dish has evolved in different places, giving rise to many regional variations. It reflects the best of Austrian cooking: a hearty, nourishing dish that can be made quickly and easily, much like a comforting bowl of Frittatensuppe.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ham and Cheese Toastie
The ham and cheese toastie is a fuss-free and tasty dish, perfect for a quick meal or a snack. With its combination of tender ham and melting cheese, it offers a flavour experience that can be enriched with all sorts of variations in the ingredients. On top of that, the recipe is easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. Create your own version of this classic dish and enjoy the versatility and the hearty flavour of Austria!
