These open cheese toasties are a yummy meat-free Monday breakfast or lunch option. Thick slices of French loaf are spread with a little butter and grainy Dijon, then topped with a generous layer of grated cheddar. A quick bake in a hot oven melts the cheese until bubbly and golden at the edges. Recipe compliments of The South African Avocado Growers’ Association.

Ingredients

For the toasties

• 8 slices French loaf
• Soft butter, for spreading, optional
• 30 ml grainy Dijon mustard
• 375 ml grated cheddar

For the salsa

• 15 ml avocado or olive oil
• 15 ml lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove, crushed
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, chopped, optional
• Handful fresh coriander, chopped, plus extra to serve
• 1½ avocados, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Spread the slices of French loaf with butter if using, then spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each slice.
3. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the bread.
4. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is starting to turn golden at the edges.
5. While the toasties bake, combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic and red onion in a bowl.
6. Stir through the jalapeño if using, the chopped coriander and the avocado. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Spoon the avo salsa over the hot cheese toasties and finish with extra coriander. Serve immediately.

  Tip: Try a combination of mature cheddar and mozzarella.