A braaibroodjie is a South African grilled cheese sandwich which is traditionally cooked over warm coals. It's a relatively simple combination of ingredients but packs a fantastic flavor punch. The chutney in particular makes this sandwich something deliciously special - no wonder it's a favorite.

braaibroodjie, S African grilled cheese, on plate with tomato behind.

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Firing up the grill is popular in many countries with each having both some things in common and things that vary. Grilled steaks and sausages are pretty common, as well as sides like salads. Then in the Southern US, you'll find low and slow smoking of large cuts of meat, while in Australia, you'll find plenty of seafood (like "shrimp on the barbie").

In general, a South African "braai" is largely about the meat with favorites including boerewors (sausages) and skewers like sosaties. But a braaibroodjie is another popular classic that both meat and non-meat eaters enjoy.

A braaibroodjie is a South African grilled cheese sandwich, made extra delicious with chutney and more inside. They are easy to make and so delicious. Traditionally, you cook over the barbecue/grill but you can also use a grill pan or panini press instead (even if it loses a little of that fire flavor).

What is a braaibroodjie?

"Braaibroodjie" means "barbecue bread" or "barbecue sandwich" as you traditionally cook it over the barbecue/grill. Often you would cook the meats first then cook these sandwiches after when the coals are a little less hot. This allows the cheese to become melty before the outside gets too crisp.

Rather than cooking directly on the grill shelf, you generally cook these in a hinged basket that holds the bread and fillings in place and makes it easier to turn without the fillings falling out. Often, the baskets you might use to cook vegetables or fish are much the same so would work for this too.

Alternatively, you can also cook these on a grill pan or panini press. It doesn't give quite that same grilled flavor, of course, but is a little easier to manage as it cooks and is still incredible tasty.

one piece of bread topped with chutney and another topped with cheese, tomato and onion with plates with ingredients aboce.

Ingredients in a traditional braaibroodjie

These days, you'll find a number of variations in the filling for these sandwiches, like a breakfast take with bacon and egg. But the traditional fillings are pretty standard and simple:

Cheddar cheese
Sliced tomato
Thinly sliced onion
Fruit chutney such as mango chutney.

The most popular chutney in South Africa is Mrs Balls, which is what you would typically use to make chutney chicken. It's made with a mix of fruits, including peach and apricot. Since it can be a bit difficult to find elsewhere, a good alternative is mango chutney. Though you can use other fruit chutneys, too - you basically want one with a good balance of sweet and tangy.

cooking a grilled cheese with butter on outside of bread slice on a grill pan.

Tips for choosing and preparing ingredients

The "wrapper" is traditionally a plain white sandwich bread. You don't want anything too fancy here, and certainly without large air pockets or the filing will escape. Here I used a honey oat bread which is a little less traditional, but works well, as would a sourdough loaf (but not one with big air holes, as I say).

You butter the outside of the slices of bread so that they become a lovely golden brown as they cook. It's worth softening the butter before you spread it on the bread to help it go on evenly without breaking up the bread in the process.

Some people grate the cheese rather than slicing and pile this in the sandwich. This can help it melt quicker and by heavier on the cheese, but it can also fall out more easily. So, do what you feel more comfortable with - personally I go for sliced.

The only key tip in cooking is to keep an eye on the cheese and make sure it is melting at a similar rate to the outside browning. The cheese should be noticeably softening as you turn the sandwich over to cook the other side. If not, reduce the heat or place on less direct heat to help it cook more gradually.

two halves of a braaibroodjie, S African grilled cheese, on a plate.

This South African grilled cheese sandwich, braaibroodjie, is a simple and delicious combination that makes a fantastic lunch, or serve as part of a bigger braai/BBQ meal. The melty cheese, oozing chutney with that bit of tomato and onion in there too is such a great mix, you'll be sure to enjoy it again and again.

Try these other delicious sandwich ideas:

Prosciutto goat cheese croissant with balsamic figs - such a tasty combination
Eggplant spinach grilled cheese sandwich - think of it a little like spanakopita in sandwich form, but more comforting with the meltingly soft eggplant
Smørrebrød, Danish open sandwiches - a few easy and tasty topping ideas to try
English tea sandwiches - another set of easy ideas, in this case perfect for a tea party
Plus get more South African recipes and lunch ideas in the archives.

two halves of a braaibroodjie, S African grilled cheese close up.

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