Dr Mobeus
Smoky Bean and Cheese Toastie
The baked bean toastie is a British classic that deserves more respect. Adding smoked paprika to the beans transforms them into something that tastes far more expensive than it is. The key is mashing the beans slightly so they do not slide out of the sandwich, and buttering the outside of the bread for that golden crispy finish.
At 80p per portion this is cheaper than any cafe toastie and honestly better. Use thick bread – standard sliced is too thin and goes soggy. The cheese needs to be sharp cheddar so it cuts through the sweetness of the beans.
Total cost: £1.60 (£0.80 per portion) – Serves 2 people. Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 5 mins
Smoky Bean and Cheese Toastie
A crispy toasted sandwich filled with smoky baked beans and melted cheese. Ready in 10 minutes and costs under 80p per portion.
Ingredients
Method
- Tip the baked beans into a small saucepan and add the smoked paprika. Heat gently for 3-4 minutes until hot and bubbling. Stir occasionally.
- Mash the beans slightly with the back of a spoon so they are not too runny.
- Butter the outside of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices butter-side down. Divide the beans between them, spreading to the edges. Top with grated cheese and a pinch of pepper.
- Top with the remaining slices, butter-side up.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the toasties for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Tips and Variations
No frying pan? Use a sandwich toaster or George Foreman grill. Add a few drops of Tabasco to the beans for a spicy kick. Try mozzarella instead of cheddar for a stringier, milder version.
Is it cheaper to make this from scratch? Use our Cook vs Buy Calculator to compare the real cost of homemade vs shop-bought.
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