A cheese savoury sandwich is a classic British lunch that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple yet satisfying sandwich that can be made with just a few ingredients and perfect for an afternoon tea. The sandwich typically consists of cheese, mayonnaise, and a vegetable such as onions (but we have added carrot too), all mixed together to create a savoury filling.
The cheese savoury sandwich is a popular choice for lunch or added to an afternoon tea platter. It is easy to make and can be adjusted to use whatever cheese or vegetables you have. The sandwich can be served on a variety of bread, from white to wholemeal or even a bagel.
Looking for some other cheesy recipes to make? Why not try our super quick 2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce, delicious Cheese Biscuits, comforting Air Fried Cheese Toastie or our Greggs copycat Cheese and Onion Pasty?
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Bread - The bread used for a this sandwich should be fresh and soft. White or brown bread can be used, depending on personal preference. It is important to choose a bread that is not too dense or heavy, as it can overpower the filling.
- Cheese - The cheese is the star of the sandwich, and it is important to choose a good quality cheese. Cheddar, Red Leicester or Wensleydale are popular choices for a cheese savoury sandwich. The cheese should be grated to ensure it can be spread evenly throughout the sandwich.
- Vegetables - Vegetables are a great addition to a cheese savoury recipe. Popular choices include grated carrot, diced cucumber, and sliced tomatoes. The vegetables not only add flavour but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise is the perfect addition to a cheese sandwich. It adds a creamy texture and helps to bind the filling together. It is important to use a good quality mayonnaise, as this can make all the difference to the taste of the sandwich. Full fat will have more flavour.
- Mustard - We like to add little Dijon mustard for some extra flavour. This can be left out if you prefer.
- Seasoning - Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavour of the ingredients. Salt and pepper can be added to taste, and some people like to add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make cheese savoury sandwich - Step by step
One: Add the cheeses, carrot, spring onions (scallions), mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl.
Two: Mix well to combine everything.
Three: Butter the bread (optional) and spread the cheese savoury mixture over half of the slices. Top with the other slices, cut into triangles and serve.
Serving Suggestions
A cheese savoury sandwich is a classic British staple that can be enjoyed any time of day. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your sandwich game:
Add some greens - To add some freshness and crunch to your sandwich, consider adding some greens such as lettuce, spinach, or rocket (arugula). Not only do they provide some much-needed nutrients, but they also add some colour and texture to your sandwich.
Pickles - A cheese savoury sandwich pairs perfectly with a tangy pickle. Whether it's a classic Branston pickle or a homemade chutney, the sweet and sour flavours of the pickle complement the savoury cheese filling.
Toast it up -For an extra crispy and melty sandwich, try toasting your bread before assembling your sandwich. This will give your sandwich a satisfying crunch and will help melt the cheese filling.
Add some heat - If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some chilli flakes or hot sauce to your sandwich. This will add some heat and depth of flavour to your cheese filling.
Serve with soup - For a comforting and filling meal, serve your sandwich with a warm bowl of soup. Tomato soup is a classic pairing, but any soup with complementary flavours will work well.
Potatoes - If you want to make this more of a filling meal, then why not serve it with Air Fryer Diced Potatoes or Garlic Crisps?
Variations
Bread - The filling is quite heavy, so you want to use something that can hold it all and not break apart. We used a seeded wholemeal bread, as that's our favourite. But if you wanted something different from a seeded loaf, then you could use a bagel or ciabatta.
Cheese - The star of the sandwich. Use a cheese than can grate well. You could use cream cheese instead of mayo to bind it all and make it extra cheesy too. For those who enjoy a strong cheese, Stilton is a great choice. This blue cheese has a distinct flavour that pairs well with other bold ingredients and it can be crumbled into this recipe for cheese savoury.
Mayo - If you wanted to make this cheese savoury recipe a little lighter, as it is quite heavy with the cheese, then you could use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It would add some extra protein too.
Vegetables - You want something that will add a nice crunch. Celery, sweetcorn or finely diced bell pepper will work well. Or if you want a peppery flavour, then add some diced radish.
Storage
Store: Store the sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film to prevent them from drying out. Keep the sandwiches refrigerated at all times. They should be stored at a temperature between 0-5°C. Avoid storing the sandwiches with any strong-smelling foods as the flavour of the sandwich can be affected. If the sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients, it is recommended to consume them within 24 hours of preparation.
Freeze: Do not freeze the sandwiches as this can affect the texture and taste of the bread and filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
The origins of the cheese savoury sandwich are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It is thought to have been a popular choice among Northern factory workers and miners who needed a quick and filling meal during their lunch breaks.
To make a vegan cheese savoury sandwich, use vegan cheese instead of dairy cheese. There are many vegan cheese options available, including soy-based, nut-based, or coconut-based cheeses. You can also add vegan mayonnaise or hummus to add extra flavour and creaminess.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or wraps. There are many gluten-free bread options available, including those made from rice flour, quinoa flour or almond flour.
It's important to note that some cheese may contain gluten, so be sure to check the ingredients before using it in your sandwich. Additionally, some vegan cheese options may contain gluten, so it's important to check the label before using it in your sandwich.
Extra tips
• If you prefer, you can swap the mayonnaise for salad cream.
• If you have a juicy carrot, then you might want to squeeze out any juicy, so you don't end up with a soggy sandwich.
• Make sure you are using a block of cheese and grate it yourself, rather than bags of pre-grated cheese that contain fillers.
• To make these look a little more elegant, you can cut the crusts off the bread.
• If you are making these for an afternoon tea, why not serve them with our Lemonade Scones?
More sandwich recipes
If you’ve tried this cheese savoury sandwich recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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Recipe
Cheese Savoury Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slice Bread
- 75 g (0.66 cups) Red Leicester cheese - grated
- 75 g (0.66 cups) Cheddar cheese - grated
- 1 Carrot - small; grated
- 3 Spring onions (Scallions) - sliced
- 6 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 pinch Sea salt
- 2 pinch Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add 75 g Red Leicester cheese, 75 g Cheddar cheese, 1 Carrot, 3 Spring onions (Scallions), 6 tablespoon Mayonnaise, 0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 pinch Sea salt and 2 pinch Ground black pepper to a bowl.
- Mix well to combine everything.
- Butter 8 slice Bread (optional) and spread the cheese savoury mixture over half of the slices. Top with the other slices, cut into triangles and serve.
Recipe Tips
- If you prefer, you can swap the mayonnaise for salad cream.
- If you have a juicy carrot, then you might want to squeeze out any juicy, so you don't end up with a soggy sandwich.
- Make sure you are using a block of cheese and grate it yourself, rather than bags of pre-grated cheese that contain fillers.
- To make these look a little more elegant, you can cut the crusts off the bread.
- If you are making these for an afternoon tea, why not serve them with our Lemonade Scones?
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Denise Lee says
Just made this , it’s delicious, it would also be fab on a baked potato
Michelle says
As a cheese-lover, this is heaven! And I love the carrots for crunch and sweetness.
dana says
This sandwich was an absolute TREAT. I'm a sucker for cheese and choose it above all else, so this was right up my alley. Delicious.
Stephanie says
Such a delicious cheese sandwich! This recipe takes the standard grilled cheese and kicks it up a notch with the spices, veggies and combo of different cheeses.
Malinda R T says
Had for lunch today. Think this recipe overdid the mustard a bit, and could be done with red onion instead of spring. Still alright, worth a try.
Dannii Martin says
Did you follow the recipe exactly? As it is half a teaspoon of mustard between 4 people, which is very very little. It's also Dijon mustard which is mild.
Andrea says
This is a new sandwich to me but I know I'm going to love it. Great cheese choice and really like the addition of carrots.
Tara says
Oh yum! I can see why this sandwich is a classic. Wish I had one for lunch right now. The flavors sound fantastic.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it soon!
d says
Wow! This was very good! Loved the carrot and mustard! A great combo! We used sharp white cheddar and it was terrific!
Katherine says
A classic sandwich filling! I love all the tastes and textures in this.