Cheddar-Sauerkraut Toast

Published March 2, 2022

Basic Information

• Total Time: 10 minutes (active prep)

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, or rustic country bread recommended for texture)

• 2 cups (8 oz) drained sauerkraut, coarsely chopped (ensure thorough drainage to prevent sogginess)

• 16 slices (≈⅓ cup) pickled jalapeños, sliced (adjust heat preference by removing seeds for milder flavor)

• 1 cup (4 oz) grated sharp Cheddar cheese (or Gruyère for a nutty alternative)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Preheat the broiler to high, positioning the oven rack 5–6 inches below the heating element (closer racks may brown faster). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange bread slices on the sheet, spaced evenly. Broil for 1–2 minutes per side until golden-brown and crisp, monitoring closely to prevent burning (times vary by bread thickness and broiler strength). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble Toppings

On each toasted bread slice, spread ½ cup of sauerkraut evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border to avoid overflow during broiling. Layer jalapeño slices next, distributing them for balanced heat. Finally, sprinkle grated Cheddar over the jalapeños, ensuring full coverage. Use a spatula to gently press toppings into place for even melting.

Step 3: Finish Under the Broiler

Return the baking sheet to the broiler. Broil for 3–5 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the cheese melts completely, forms golden-brown bubbling pockets, and the bread edges crisp slightly. Remove immediately to prevent over-browning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the toast cool for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to set. Slice (optional) and enjoy immediately, or serve warm with a side of smoked turkey/ham for added protein.

User Feedback & Creative Variations

From community reviews, here are adapted tips to elevate the dish:

• Quick Microwave Version: For a 5-minute prep, toast bread in a toaster, then top with sauerkraut, jalapeños, and cheese. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to melt cheese (check for doneness to avoid drying).

• Air Fryer Adaptation: Assemble toppings on toasted bread, place in an air fryer basket at 370°F (188°C) for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts.

• Tortilla Twist: Use folded tortillas (corn or flour) as bread. Fill with sauerkraut, cheese, and jalapeños, then fold into a wrap or cook as a quesadilla on a panini press for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.

• Cheese Integration: Grate cheese into sauerkraut before layering, or mix with shredded cheese for a creamy sauerkraut base.

• Alternative Toppings: Swap jalapeños for pepperoncini or dill pickle slices, or use yellow mustard instead of Dijon (to reduce spiciness). For a nutty twist, substitute Gruyère or Emmental for sharp Cheddar.

• Panini Press Shortcut: Sandwich sauerkraut and cheese between two bread slices, press on a panini maker for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts and bread is crisp.

Conclusion

This Cheddar-Sauerkraut Toast balances tangy, fermented sauerkraut with sharp, melted cheese and fiery jalapeños. Whether using the classic bread method, air fryer, or tortilla twist, the dish delivers quick, satisfying flavor. Enjoy the adaptability—customize to your taste while preserving its core charm!

User Notes reflect personal experimentation; adjust ratios and ingredients to suit preference.