Nici Wickes: Magical Cheesy Toast in Celebration of NZ Cheese month

<p><span>This snack is a combo of a cheesy cob loaf (you know that thing where you hollow out a cobb loaf and make a fondue in the middle to dip bread into?!) and a Welsh rarebit, that magical cheese toast that’s made with a sauce loaded with cheddar, Worcestershire, mustard and ale. My version is super fast and easy to make and it’s just the thing for a weekend lunch or snack.</span> </p> <p><em><span>Makes 4 toasts</span></em> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span>Ingredients</span></strong> </p> <p><span>½ medium-sized onion, diced finely</span> </p> <p><span>2 rashers bacon, diced roughly</span> </p> <p><span>1 tablespoon butter or oil</span> </p> <p><span>4 slices sourdough, lightly toasted (or other quality bread)</span> </p> <p><span>4 big tablespoons creme fraiche, sour cream or cream cheese</span> </p> <p><span>100g grated good quality cheddar cheese + extra</span> </p> <p><span>1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar</span> </p> <p><span>Decent grind black pepper</span> </p> <p><span>Small handful parsley, chopped fine</span> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span>Method</span></strong> </p> <p><span>Heat oven to 180 C.</span> </p> <p><span>Fry the onion and bacon in the butter/oil until onion is softened and bacon has given up its fat.</span> </p> <p><span>In a small bowl mix creme fraiche, cheddar, balsamic, pepper and parsley until combined. Mix in onion and bacon. Spoon the mixture onto each toast slice, spreading to the edges. Place on a tray, sprinkle over some extra cheese and bake for 15 minutes until the topping is golden.</span> </p> <p><span>Eat while hot!</span> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span>Make it your own:</span></strong> </p> <ul> <li><span> Use tinned tuna or salmon in place of bacon and add some capers</span></li> <li><span> Stir in a teaspoon of wholegrain mustard instead of balsamic</span></li> <li><span> Leave out the bacon and stir in chopped spinach and chives for a vegetarian option</span></li> <li><span> Use parmesan for the cheese and basil in place of parsley</span></li> </ul><p>See <a href="https://om