Chilli Cheese Toast Recipe

Preheat and prep

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) with the grill/broil element on if available. Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly grease it. Lay out 8 slices of white sandwich loaf on the tray.

Spread each slice lightly with softened butter on one side. This will be the base that faces down on the tray and will help toast the bread evenly.

Finely dice the capsicum, finely chop the green chillies (remove seeds if you prefer less heat), mince the garlic, and finely chop the red onion (if using). Chop the coriander and set aside a little for garnish.

In a mixing bowl combine the grated Cheddar and grated mozzarella. Add mayonnaise and ketchup to help bind and add creaminess. Mix thoroughly so the cheeses are evenly coated.

Fold in the chopped green chillies, diced capsicum, minced garlic, chopped red onion (if using) and most of the coriander (reserve a teaspoon for garnish). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste a small pinch and adjust salt/heat as desired.

If the mixture feels too loose, add a little extra grated Cheddar; if too dry, add a small extra teaspoon of mayonnaise. The mixture should be spreadable but hold structure on the bread.

Flip the buttered bread slices so the buttered side is down. Using a spoon or small spatula, evenly distribute the cheese-vegetable mixture across the top of each slice, about 2–3 tbs per slice so that the topping is about a 0.5 cm layer and reaches close to the edges.

Sprinkle a light pinch of dried oregano or mixed herbs and a few chilli flakes over each assembled slice for aroma and finish.

Place the tray in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 6–8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. For a browned, slightly charred top, switch to grill/broil for an additional 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Remove the toast from the oven and let rest for 1 minute so the topping sets slightly.

Garnish each toast with the reserved chopped coriander. Cut each slice diagonally if desired and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Serve alone as a snack or with ketchup/green chutney on the side.