Sandwiches

How to make Bikini

The Catalan ham-and-cheese toastie, crisp outside with a molten centre.

What it is

Bikini in the kitchen

Bikini is the Catalan ham-and-cheese toastie, crisp outside with a molten centre.

Why make it

Make Bikini when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Layer ham and cheese evenly between the bread, keeping the filling inside the edges.

  2. Step 2

    Butter the outside faces lightly.

  3. Step 3

    Toast in a press or heavy pan over medium heat.

  4. Step 4

    Press gently and turn if using a pan, cooking until both sides are crisp and the cheese is molten.

  5. Step 5

    Rest for a minute, cut diagonally and serve hot.

    Look for: thin, crisp golden bread with cheese melted from edge to edge Tip: Use thin bread and thin filling so the whole sandwich heats at the same pace. Avoid: overstuffing what should be a neat, compact toastie
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.