Braaibroodjies (pronounced “bray broykies) is arguably the highlight of any braaing experience. Many South Africans braai (grill) to enjoy braaibroodjies (barbeque sandwiches). The sandwich is basically the South African version of a grilled cheese, but oh so much better. The traditional braaibroodjie is done by making a sandwich with aged cheddar cheese tomato, onion, chutney, salt and pepper with butter on the outsides. The sandwich is them tied like a package and grilled over a very mild wood fire until the outsides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. There are many variations of braaibroodjie. This particular recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese, Heirloom tomatoes, red onions, sliced grilled eggplant and bacon. After one bite, it will become abundantly clear why South Africans’ believe no braai is complete without them!
Braai Broodjie – South African Grilled Cheese Sandwich
seemingly simple, this recipe melds of all the flavors over the grill making this a very special dish. It is usually served as a side but also makes a quick and special lunch or light main dish. Think of it as a fully loaded toasted grilled cheese sandwich.
5 from 3 votes
Course: BBQ, Breakfast, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: African, South Africa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2 Broodjies
Author: My Hungry Traveler
Equipment
Braaibroodjies (pronounced “bray broykies) is arguably the highlight of any braaing experience. Many South Africans braai (grill) to enjoy braaibroodjies (barbeque sandwiches). The sandwich is basically the South African version of a grilled cheese, but oh so much better. The traditional braaibroodjie is done by making a sandwich with aged cheddar cheese tomato, onion, chutney, salt and pepper with butter on the outsides. The sandwich is them tied like a package and grilled over a very mild wood fire until the outsides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. There are many variations of braaibroodjie. This particular recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese, Heirloom tomatoes, red onions, sliced grilled eggplant and bacon. After one bite, it will become abundantly clear why South Africans’ believe no braai is complete without them!
Braai Broodjie – South African Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- Grill
- Frying pan
- Kitchen twine (string)
Ingredients
- 12 oz Steak, sirloin or rump
- 6 slices Artisanal white bread
- 4 tbsp Softened butter
- 2 tbsp BBQ rub
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 8 slices Bacon
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 large Eggplant, 4 ½-inch slices cut off and peeled
- 8 large Thin slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large Fresh tomato, cut into 8 thin slices
- 1 small Red onion, cut into 4 thin slices
Instructions
- PREP – Heat grill. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season both sides. Sprinkle BBQ rub and a little olive oil over both sides of the steak. Butter both sides of 4 bread slices.
- PRE-COOK – Grill the steak over a hot fire for 2-3 minutes on each side. Lower heat to medium and grill the eggplants. In a frying pan over medium heat, crisp bacon and then fry eggs on both sides. Toast both sides of unbuttered bread slices on the grill or in a toaster. Slice steak into thin strips.
- ASSEMBLE – Lay 2 slices of butter bread on a board. Layer each in the following order: bacon slices, an egg, steak slices, eggplant slices, salt, and pepper. Top with 1 toasted slice and then layer with tomato, salt, pepper, cheese, and onion. Top everything with a remaining slice of buttered bread. Tie sandwich like a parcel with kitchen twine to hold everything together when grilling..
- FINISH – Toast sandwiches on the grill over low heat until the cheese melts and the bread becomes golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove string, cut in half diagonally, serve.
Notes
- Splash your favorite hot sauce on before closing up the broodjie.
