Bombay Masala Cheese Toastie
Crisp buttered bread stuffed with spiced potato, red onion, green chilli and melting cheddar, inspired by Mumbai street sandwiches.
Made with Garam masala (homemade). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.38 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mash the potatoes in a bowl, leaving a few small lumps. Stir in the red onion, green chilli, cumin, lemon juice, salt and fresh coriander.
- 2
Add your ready made garam masala (see the base recipe) and mix well. Taste and add a pinch more salt if it needs it.
- 3
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices butter side down in a cold, non stick frying pan or on a sandwich press.
- 4
Spread the potato mixture over the two slices. Top with the sliced tomato and the cheddar, then close with the other bread, butter side up.
- 5
Cook over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently, until the bread is deep golden and the cheese has melted.
3 min 30 s - 6
Rest for 1 minute, then cut in half diagonally and serve hot with tomato ketchup or a green chutney.
Tips
- Use cold, leftover boiled potatoes. They mash into a firmer filling that does not make the bread soggy.
- Cook over a medium heat, not high. The potato needs time to warm through before the bread burns.
- Add a spoonful of mango chutney inside for a sweet, tangy note.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight away. The potato filling keeps for 2 days in a covered tub in the fridge, so you can cook toasties fresh.
Questions
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use dairy free spread on the bread and a dairy free cheese that melts well. Check the bread label, as some ready sliced loaves contain milk.
Is this toastie gluten free?
Not with ordinary bread. Swap in gluten free sliced bread and it works well. Everything else in the filling is naturally gluten free.
What can I use instead of cheddar?
Mozzarella gives a stretchier melt and a milder taste. Red Leicester adds colour. For a more traditional Mumbai feel, use processed cheese slices.
More made with garam masala (homemade)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
