A braai broodjie is a South African grilled sandwich, traditionally made over a fire. It's often filled with cheese, tomato, onion, and chutney, but you can get creative with ingredients. Here are a few variations to try:
Classic Braai Broodjie
This is the traditional, tried-and-true version.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of thick white or brown bread
- Butter (for spreading)
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2-3 slices of tomato
- 2-3 slices of onion
- A dollop of chutney (fruit chutney is ideal)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread.
2. On the inside, layer the cheese, tomato slices, onion and a dollop of chutney.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Close the sandwich and grill on a medium heat over the braai until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted (you can use a cast-iron pan or sandwich grill for even grilling).
5. Flip carefully and grill the other side until golden and crispy.
Mushroom and Cheese Braai Broodjie
A rich and earthy twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (again, thick and hearty)
- Butter for spreading
- 2 slices of your preferred cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda)
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (use butter, garlic, and thyme)
- Fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread slices.
2. On the inside, layer the cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach if using.
3. Season with salt and pepper for taste.
4. Grill the sandwich on medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip carefully.
Bacon, Avocado & Cheese Braai Broodjie
For those who like a bit more indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough works well)
- Butter for spreading
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 2 slices of crispy bacon
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Fresh rocket or arugula leaves (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Butter the outside of each slice of bread.
2. On the inside, layer the cheese, crispy bacon, avocado slices, and rocket.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the sandwich on medium heat, flipping carefully to ensure both sides are golden and crispy.
Chicken and Pesto Braai Broodjie
A light but flavorful variation.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (whole wheat or rye)
- Butter for spreading
- Grilled chicken breast (sliced thin)
- 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
- Pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Spread butter on the outside of the bread.
2. On the inside, spread a generous layer of pesto, and then add the grilled chicken, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping carefully.
The "Ultimate" Braai Broodjie
For those who want the ultimate in comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (thick white bread or even a baguette)
- Butter for spreading
- 2 slices of cheddar and 2 slices of gouda (or your favorite melting cheeses)
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- 2-3 slices of cooked steak or biltong (optional but great!)
- Fresh tomato slices
- A dollop of your favorite chutney or tomato relish
Instructions:
1. Butter the bread generously.
2. Layer the cheeses, sautéed onions and peppers, tomato, steak/biltong, and chutney inside the bread.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill on medium heat until both sides are golden, crispy, and the cheese has melted.
Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese
Sweet and savory, with a bit of a bold flavor punch.
Ingredients:
- Caramelized onions (slow cooked with a bit of sugar, balsamic vinegar, and butter)
- Blue cheese (crumbled or in slices)
- Fresh thyme
- A drizzle of honey for sweetness
Instructions:
- Spread some butter on the bread and layer in the blue cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme.
- Add a small drizzle of honey before grilling for that sweet-savory balance.
- It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for those who love strong flavors.
Chili and Mango Chutney
For a little spice and sweetness. If you like a bit of a kick, this is the way to go.
Ingredients:
- Fresh chili (jalapeños or bird’s eye for extra heat)
- Mango chutney (store-bought or homemade)
- Cream cheese (or soft goat cheese)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Butter the bread and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one slice.
- Add a good spoonful of mango chutney, sliced fresh chili (depending on how spicy you want it), and cilantro.
- Grill until crispy. The chutney will give you that sweet tang, and the chili adds the perfect kick.
Roast Butternut and Feta
A slightly sweet and savory veggie combination, perfect for a more filling veggie sandwich.
Ingredients:
- Roasted butternut squash (cubed, seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh rocket (arugula) leaves
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a bit of pesto
Instructions:
- Butter the bread and layer roasted butternut squash, crumbled feta, and rocket leaves.
- Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for some tanginess or pesto for extra flavor.
- Grill and enjoy the sweet roasted butternut with the creamy feta.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
A slightly lighter, more gourmet option, great for a brunch-style braai.
Ingredients:
- Smoked salmon (thinly sliced)
- Cream cheese (regular or herb-flavored)
- Cucumber (thinly sliced)
- Fresh dill
- Lemon zest
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese on the inside of the bread and layer smoked salmon, cucumber, and fresh dill.
- Add a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Grill until golden and crispy. The combination of cream cheese and smoked salmon is divine!
Pulled Pork & Coleslaw
For a hearty, comfort-food-style braai broodjie.
Ingredients:
- Pulled pork (you can use leftovers or pre-made pulled pork)
- Coleslaw (crunchy and tangy with a mayo dressing)
- Pickled jalapeños (for a bit of spice)
- A touch of barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Butter the bread and layer with pulled pork, coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
- Grill until crispy. This one’s super hearty and full of flavor!
Mediterranean Veggie
A healthy and flavorful option with fresh veggies and a bit of tang from olives and tzatziki.
Ingredients:
- Roasted red peppers (or grilled ones)
- Sliced cucumber
- Kalamata olives (chopped)
- Tzatziki sauce (or Greek yogurt with garlic, cucumber, and dill)
- Fresh oregano or basil
Instructions:
- Spread tzatziki on the bread and layer the roasted peppers, cucumber, olives, and fresh herbs.
- Grill until golden and crispy. It’s like a mini Greek salad in a sandwich!
Spicy BBQ Chicken
If you want a little heat and smoky flavor, this is a solid choice.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken (grilled or roasted)
- Spicy BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- A slice of cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions:
- Toss the shredded chicken in spicy BBQ sauce.
- Butter the bread, then layer the chicken, red onions, cilantro, and cheese.
- Grill until crispy and the cheese melts. This one’s full of smoky, spicy goodness!
Sweet Potato & Hummus
For a more unique veggie-based sandwich that’s still comforting.
Ingredients:
- Roasted sweet potato (thinly sliced)
- Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- A squeeze of lemon
Instructions:
- Spread hummus on the bread, then layer the roasted sweet potato slices, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Grill until golden. The sweet potato and hummus combo is hearty and filling but light at the same time.
Brie & Caramelized Pear
A sophisticated and slightly sweet option for a decadent treat.
Ingredients:
- Brie cheese (sliced)
- Caramelized pear (sauté with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon)
- Fresh arugula
- A drizzle of honey
Instructions:
- Layer slices of brie, caramelized pear, and arugula on the bread.
- Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
- Grill until the brie melts and the bread is golden. The combination of creamy cheese and sweet pear is luxurious.
Bonus: A Few Fun Add-Ins
- Pineapple slices – Great for adding sweetness and tang (works especially well with ham or bacon).
- Crispy fried onions – Adds crunch and flavor, particularly if you’re using a savory filling.
- Pesto mayo – Spread on the bread for an extra flavor boost.
- Grilled chicken or steak – Add for some extra protein in your sandwich.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Braai Broodjie:
- Use thick, sturdy bread: It holds up better on the braai and doesn’t get soggy.
- Preheat your grill or cast-iron pan to ensure an even cook.
- Be patient: Don’t rush the grilling process. Low and slow will melt the cheese without burning the bread.
- Add extra flavor: Consider adding herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to your fillings for extra flavor.
