Feeds for a fiver: Toasties fit for a queen

There are very few things that are as reliable as a toastie. It provides unwavering support, comfort and love throughout the many hardships of life… and without a doubt, it’s a necessity to get through those treacherous times as a university student.

Personally, I think The Toastie is highly undervalued. It’s 1. Cheap 2. Filling and 3. Bloody delicious. What more could you want?

I’ve lost count of the amount of times that my life has literally been saved at 3am by these two pieces of bread, joined harmoniously together by melted cheese (and whatever else I have in the fridge or pantry). But I’ve also enjoyed many sober moments with The Toastie, both sweet and savoury, at any time and any meal of the day. What a versatile legend.

Deliciousness and versatility aside, it's the downright affordability of the old Aussie toastie that sets my heart aflutter. As a university student, I have experienced some extremely tough financial times, but I will always have a loaf of bread somewhere in my house – because The Toastie is quite literally the definition of ‘value for money’.

The maths behind The Toastie

Average loaf of bread = $3.00. Divide by 18 slices = 17 cents per slice. Which adds up to, like, 34 cents per toastie/meal! C’mon, can it get any better than that?

As you can tell, I am a toastie fiend – an absolute advocate for how awesome they are. So much so, that my love has led me to discover some of the most delicious toastie concoctions – and it would be downright rude of me not to share them with other fellow students on a budget. They’re all under $5 too!

So grab your loaf of bread (or your housemate’s) and let’s get toastin’. (Note: the recipes below are intended to make 1 toastie)

The Big Brekky

This one's perfect for when you feel like going out for brekky (but your bank account says otherwise).

•  Handful of spinach
•  ¼ sliced tomato
•  2 sliced small mushrooms
•  1 fried egg
•  Handful of cheese

Note: Have some pesto in your fridge? Add it to your toastie to make it a little fancy!

The Leftover Legend

Had spaghetti for dinner last night? You’re in for a treat with this one!

• Leftover spaghetti bolognese
• Handful of cheese
• Chilli flakes or sriracha sauce (optional)

Note: Don’t have leftover spaghetti? Canned spaghetti works just as well.

The Sunday Roast

Arguably, roast veggies are the best part about a Sunday roast. So why not turn it into a toastie?

• 1 cup of your favorite roasted vegetables (think pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, parsnip, zucchini, cauliflower – or anything else your heart desires) 
• Sprinkle of feta cheese

Note: If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying an actual family Sunday roast, sneakily steal some leftover meat to add to your toastie too.

A Pretty Sweet Toastie (if you ask me)

Everyone, meet the dessert toastie – *drools*. 

You can thank me later.

• ½ thinly sliced apple
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Peanut butter

Note: Have some ice-cream in the freezer? Top the toastie off with a scoop, and you will be in heaven! Bon Appetit.

Hot tip

Don’t have a sandwich press? No stress, as there are many ways to toast a toastie. Share your favourite toastie combos at healthpromotion@swinburne.edu.au.

Further support

• Aim4Me offers simple, easy advice that can help us students feel better about what we eat (and how it makes our bodies feel).

Written by Sophie Taylor, Master of Dietetics student, in collaboration with Robyn Delbridge, Dietitian (AdvAPD) and Lecturer, Master of Dietetics, Swinburne.