Cheese on toast will be even tastier when 1 ingredient is added before cooking

Cheese on toast is a beloved and nostalgic childhood staple, ideal as a speedy lunchtime bite or a late-night treat. This unpretentious dish requires just three core ingredients, yet one recipe developer has revealed her clever spin on the classic, incorporating a surprising addition to elevate it considerably. Zainab Shah draws on South Asian influences to transform cheese on toast, introducing a fiery kick to the cheese.

The New York Times Food writer disclosed that one of her preferred ingredients is a Thai green chilli, alongside the usual components. Remarkably, this adaptation demands no additional effort whatsoever.

Simply chop the chillies and scatter them over the cheese, allowing the flavour to infuse as it melts under the grill, reports the Express. Zainab wrote: "A comforting snack made for kids and adults all across South Asia, chilli cheese toast is endlessly riffable.

From simply sliced white bread and cheddar, popular with the kids, to something fancier using brioche or sourdough, variations are abundant." "Play around and adapt ingredients to find the best version for you.

Serve at tea time as a snack, pack in a lunchbox or enjoy as a meal on a busy afternoon that may require ease and comfort." The recipe garnered a five-star rating from 294 users and attracted 45 comments. John suggested: "Ever tried English chutney (like Branston chutney) with it?

From good tasting to awesome." KRD wrote: "Use mayo instead of spreading butter on bread or melting it in the pan.

Gives an excellent crispy crust." Jan said: "The moment I saw this article, it took me back to the Ashok hotel in New Delhi, India, early 1980's, probably the only place I have ever eaten it. SO good!

Thanks for the memory." Patty commented: "Whoa! ! !

Being a bit of a food snob, I thought this sounded so pedestrian .. however, curiosity finally got the better of me. What a revelation!

Had it with a cup of chai tea, and I am one happy camper. Mango Lassi calling me next for a delicious pairing."

So if you're after a straightforward yet effective way to transform this modest dish, here's how you can make Zainab's recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients (serves two to four)

• Four slices toasted brioche, sourdough, white or other bread
• 1.5 cups (approximately 130g) grated mozzarella
• 1.5 cups (approximately 130g) grated sharp cheddar
• Two tsp freshly grated garlic
• Four to six Thai green chillies, seeded or unseeded, chopped
• Salt

Method

Position oven rack as close to the grill as possible.

Turn the grill on to its highest setting. Arrange the toast on a baking tray.

Generously scatter the cheeses over the bread, ensuring each slice has roughly equal amounts of mozzarella and cheddar. Top with garlic and green chillies and season with salt. Grill until the cheese is melted, bubbling and starting to brown in patches, about one to two minutes.