Costa Ham and Cheese Topped Toastie
Recreate Costa's Ham and Cheese Topped Toastie at home with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy toasted bread with ham, melted cheddar, and a golden cheese crust on top!
Rate This Recipe
Tried this recipe? Your rating helps others discover great dishes and appears in Google search results!
Why you’ll love it
Costa's Ham and Cheese Topped Toastie is a coffee shop classic that takes the humble toastie to the next level. What makes Costa's version so special is the signature cheese topping - before the toastie goes in the press, they add grated cheese on top of the bread which melts and crisps into a golden, crunchy crust. This creates an amazing textural contrast: melted, gooey cheese inside and crispy, caramelized cheese on the outside. The filling is simple but perfect - quality ham, mature cheddar cheese, and a touch of mustard mayo that adds tangy creamness without overpowering the other flavours. Unlike many toasties that can be dry, Costa's version stays moist inside thanks to the mayo-mustard mixture, while the cheese topping ensures maximum crispy satisfaction. This copycat recipe recreates that signature topped style using a panini press or grill, though you can also use a frying pan with a weighted lid. The key is using thick-sliced bread that can hold up to the generous filling, and not skimping on the cheese topping - that's what makes it Costa! Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or weekend brunch treat.
About the original
Costa Coffee, founded in London in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa, has become the UK's favourite coffee shop chain with over 2,700 stores nationwide. While famous for their coffee, Costa's food menu has expanded significantly over the years, with toasties becoming one of their most popular lunchtime options. The Ham and Cheese Topped Toastie is a menu staple, loved for its generous filling and signature cheese-topped crust.
The 'topped' style of Costa's toasties sets them apart from competitors - the addition of grated cheese on top of the bread before toasting creates a distinctive golden crust that's become a Costa signature. This technique, combined with quality ingredients and the perfect bread-to-filling ratio, has made their toasties a go-to choice for customers wanting something more substantial than a pastry but quicker than a full meal. The Ham and Cheese Topped Toastie typically costs around £4.50-£5.00.
Ad Space
Google AdSense
Ingredients
For the Toastie
- 4 Thick white bread — thick slices
- 100 g Cheddar cheese — 60g grated for filling, 40g for topping
- 100 g Cooked ham — 4-6 slices
- 25 g Butter — for spreading
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 20 g Red Leicester cheese — grated, for topping (optional but authentic)
- pinch Paprika — for sprinkling on top
Method
Make the mustard mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well combined. This adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the toastie moist and flavourful. Set aside.
Prepare the bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread - this will be the outside that gets toasted. The butter creates that golden, crispy exterior. Turn the slices over so the buttered side is face down.
Assemble the toasties: On the unbuttered side of 2 slices, spread the mustard mayo mixture. Layer on the ham slices, then add 30g of grated mature cheddar on each. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
Add the signature cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 40g of grated mature cheddar on top of each toastie (on the buttered bread). If using, add 10g of grated Red Leicester cheese to each for that authentic Costa orange-red color. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of paprika. This topping will melt and crisp into a golden crust - it's what makes it Costa!
Toast in a panini press: Preheat your panini press or sandwich toaster to medium-high heat. Carefully place the topped toasties in the press, cheese-topped side up if possible (some presses close from the top, which is perfect). Close the lid gently - don't press down too hard or the filling will squeeze out. Toast for 4-5 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy, the cheese inside is melted, and the cheese topping is bubbling and caramelized.
Alternative cooking method (frying pan): If you don't have a panini press, heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Place the topped toasties cheese-side up in the pan. Place another heavy pan on top to weigh them down (or use a burger press). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden, then carefully flip (some cheese topping may stick to the pan - that's ok, it creates extra crispy bits!). Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The cheese topping will melt and crisp on the pan surface.
Serve immediately: Let the toastie rest for 1-2 minutes (this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn't all ooze out when you cut it), then cut diagonally in half. The cheese topping should be golden and crispy, the inside hot and melty. Serve with crisps, salad, or tomato soup for the full Costa experience!
Tips & Variations
- The cheese topping is essential - don't skip it! It's what makes this a 'Costa' toastie. The grated cheese melts and crisps into a golden crust.
- Use thick-sliced bread (about 1.5-2cm thick) - thin bread will get too crispy and won't hold the generous filling.
- Mix the mustard and mayo together before spreading - this ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the toastie.
- Don't overfill - too much filling will squeeze out during toasting. Costa uses about 50g ham and 30g cheese per toastie.
- If your panini press heats from above, the cheese topping will caramelize beautifully. If using a frying pan, some cheese may stick to the pan - these crispy bits are delicious!
- Add a slice of tomato inside for extra moisture and a fresh contrast (Costa sometimes offers this as an option).
- For extra Costa authenticity, use a mix of mature cheddar and Red Leicester for the topping - the orange cheese is part of their signature look.
- Make sure your butter is softened - cold butter will tear the bread when you try to spread it.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes! While Costa uses thick white bloomer, you can use wholemeal, sourdough, or even ciabatta. The key is using thick slices (1.5-2cm) that can hold up to the filling and cheese topping. Thinner sandwich bread will get too crispy and won't give you that substantial Costa feel.
- What if I don't have a panini press?
- No problem! Use a frying pan with a heavy pan or burger press on top to weigh the toastie down. Or use a George Foreman grill. You can even use a regular toastie maker, though you'll need to add the cheese topping after toasting by grilling it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can assemble the toasties (without the cheese topping) up to 2 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Add the cheese topping just before cooking. Cooked toasties are best eaten immediately, but you can reheat them in the oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes (though the cheese topping won't be as crispy).
- Can I add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Costa offers variations with tomato, red onion, or pickle. You could also add sliced gherkins, caramelized onions, or spinach. Just don't overfill - the cheese topping technique works best with a not-too-thick toastie.
- What cheese should I use for the topping?
- Costa uses a mix of mature cheddar and Red Leicester. The cheddar provides flavor and the Red Leicester adds that signature orange color. If you can't find Red Leicester, just use all cheddar - it will still be delicious, just less visually authentic. The cheese must be finely grated so it melts and crisps properly.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 663 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33.2 g |
| Fat | 40.2 g |
| Carbs | 40.9 g |
Ad Space
Google AdSense