No South African braai is complete without a braaibroodjie. These iconic toasted sandwiches are packed with melted cheese, juicy tomato, sweet onion, and the unmistakable flavour of chutney, all grilled over hot coals until perfectly golden and crispy. Simple, comforting, and full of nostalgia, braaibroodjies are the ultimate braai side dish.

Ingredients

(Serves 6)

• 12 slices of white bread
• Butter, softened
• 250g mature cheddar cheese, grated or sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney (optional but traditional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Prepare the Braaibroodjies

Butter one side of each slice of bread.

Place six slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer with cheese, tomato, and onion. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. If using chutney, spread a thin layer over the filling.

Top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward.

2. Prepare the Fire

Allow your braai fire to burn down until you have a bed of medium-hot coals. Braaibroodjies cook best over gentle, even heat rather than direct flames.

3. Braai the Sandwiches

Place the sandwiches in a braai grid and secure firmly.

Cook over the coals, turning regularly to ensure even browning on both sides. Continue grilling until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has melted completely.

4. Serve

Serve immediately alongside your favourite braai meats. The combination of smoky toasted bread, melted cheese, tomato, and onion makes braaibroodjies a timeless South African favourite.

Braai Master’s Tip

For the best results, slice the tomato and onion as thinly as possible. This helps the filling cook evenly and prevents the bread from becoming soggy while delivering the perfect balance of flavour in every bite.