Description
South African Braaibroodjie Jaffles are a delightful grilled sandwich combining melted cheddar or gouda cheese, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and fruity chutney between buttery toasted bread slices. This traditional braai (barbecue) snack is quick to prepare and perfect for a tasty, crispy, cheesy treat served hot.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter
- 8 slices white bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Sandwich Filling
- 4 slices cheddar or gouda cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fruit chutney (such as Mrs. Ball’s or mango chutney)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice to ensure a crispy, golden exterior upon grilling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer cheese, tomato slices, and red onion. Season with salt and black pepper. Spread a thin layer of chutney on the unbuttered side of the remaining 4 slices and place these chutney-coated slices on top of the layered ones, with the buttered sides facing out to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Place one sandwich at a time into a preheated jaffle iron or pie iron. Clamp the iron shut and cook over medium coals or a stovetop gas flame, grilling each side for 3–5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese inside has melted beautifully. Repeat the process for the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve: Remove the jaffles from the iron, and serve hot with extra chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish.
Notes
- Braaibroodjies are a South African braai (BBQ) staple and can be customized by adding bacon, ham, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
- If you don’t have a jaffle iron, grill the sandwiches in a skillet or sandwich press instead.
- Ensure chutney and cheese used are vegetarian-friendly if serving to vegetarians.
