Sometimes you just need a meal that’s fast, comforting, and hits all the right spots. And for me, that often means a good old-fashioned toastie. But what if we took that classic and gave it a little… kick? That’s where this beauty comes in. Forget your standard fare; this Chili Mayo, Ham and Cheese Toast is a total game-changer. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, savory, and cheesy that just makes you close your eyes and say “yum.” It’s my go-to for a quick lunch or a lazy dinner, and honestly, it never disappoints!

Ingredients for this Chili Mayo, Ham and Cheese Toast

Bread: 2 slices of your favorite bread. I love a good, sturdy sourdough or a thick-cut white loaf that can hold up to all the goodness inside.
Ham: 2-3 slices of quality ham. Smoked, honey-roasted… you do you!
Cheese: 2 slices of cheese that melts well. Cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of both works wonders.
Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons of good-quality mayonnaise.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons, or more if you like it extra spicy!
Butter: About 1 tablespoon, softened, for getting that perfectly golden, crispy outside.

Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part. This comes together in a snap!

First things first, let’s make that star of the show: the chili mayo. In a small bowl, just mix your mayonnaise and sriracha together until it’s all one lovely, spicy, creamy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the heat if you need to.
Now, lay out your bread slices. Spread a generous layer of that delicious chili mayo on the inside of both slices. Don’t be shy!
On one slice of bread, layer your ham and then top it with the cheese slices. Place the other slice of bread on top, mayo-side down, to complete your sandwich.
Gently spread the softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread. This is the secret to getting that irresistible golden-brown crust. So important!
Heat a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat. Carefully place your sandwich in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect golden color and, of course, that beautiful, melty cheese oozing out the sides. Press it down gently with a spatula while it cooks to help everything melt together.
Once it’s golden and gooey, take it out of the pan, slice it in half (diagonally, obviously!), and dive in.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep time: 5 minutes (Basically the time it takes to mix the mayo and assemble!)
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Total time: About 10-15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick bite!

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up: This is an estimate! The actual values will change depending on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of bread, cheese, and ham.

Calories: Approx. 550-650 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best bread for a toastie?

You can’t go too wrong, but a sturdier bread is your best friend here! Something like sourdough, ciabatta, or a thick-cut farmhouse loaf holds everything together beautifully and gives you a fantastic crunch. Regular sandwich bread works in a pinch, but it might get a bit soft.

How can I make the chili mayo less spicy?

If you’re not a huge fan of heat, just start with less sriracha. You can always add more! A little trick is to add a tiny squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of sugar to the mayo mix. It balances out the heat without getting rid of that great flavor.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

An air fryer is amazing for getting an extra-crispy toastie. Just assemble it the same way, butter the outside, and pop it in the air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! The result is pure magic.