There is something wonderfully indulgent about transforming a simple toastie into something truly memorable, and this Rainton Tomme Sweet & Sour Toastie does exactly that. Through this recipe, Sarah Rankin elevates a simple everyday comfort food through bold flavour combinations while showcasing the only Tomme Style cheese produced in Scotland. The rich, buttery Rainton Tomme melts effortlessly into sweet caramelised onions and vibrant kimchi, creating a delicious balance of comforting Scottish flavours and punchy Asian-inspired tang. Every bite delivers crisp golden bread, creamy melted cheese and layers of sweet, savoury and sour notes that make this far more than an ordinary sandwich — it is a gourmet toastie with a distinctly Scottish twist.

Ingredients

2 large onions
100g soft light brown sugar
50ml butter or olive oil
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
2 slices sourdough
75g The Ethical Dairy Rainton Tomme, sliced
3 tbsp kimchi
Salt
Olive oil

Method

1. Thinly slice your onions and heat in frying pan with a little oil, a pinch of salt, and half the sugar and heat on a medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sherry vinegar and continue to stir. The sherry vinegar is needed to cut through the sweetness of the onion and the sugar.
2. Add a little water if the onions begin to stick. Add the rest of the sugar and cook for a further 20 minutes, again adding a little water if needed. This takes time, but is essential, so be patient!
3. Once sticky and caramelised, set the onions aside.
4. Heat a griddle or frying pan until very hot and drizzle one side of your sliced bread with oil. Heat under a press until nicely toasted.
5. Add the Rainton Tomme to the toasted side of one the slices of bread and add the kimchi to the other. Top the cheese with a generous amount of the caramelised onions. Press the two sides together and drizzle the top with more oil. Fry until golden and crisp, turn over, drizzle with oil and repeat on the other side.
6. Cut and serve immediately.

Head out to The Ethical Dairy’s own website to find more about the journey they undertook to become the first commercial dairy in the UK to be following the cow with calf method and purchase their raw milk and organic certified cheeses.https://theethicaldairy.co.uk/