English Monkey
A comforting cheesy bread-based dish with a hint of cayenne, perfect for breakfast or snack, served toasted on bread or crackers for a savory treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak bread crumbs in milk for 15 minutes.
- Melt butter and add cheese until melted.
- Add bread crumbs, slightly beaten eggs, salt, and cayenne pepper to the melted cheese mixture.
- Cook the mixture for 3 minutes.
- Pour the mixture over toast or crackers and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even finely chopped nuts can work as substitutes. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or chives to the mixture. For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper or serve with a hot sauce on the side. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Summer Salad Julienne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm over toasted bread or crackers for a delightful appetizer. It can be complemented with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal. Consider pairing it with Californian Veggies for a colorful and nutritious side. For a more filling option, accompany it with a simple green salad or a bowl of your favorite soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the mixture. If the mixture seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of milk to loosen it up before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Monkey contains roughly 461 calories, with 12g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1090mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain the texture. However, I recommend toasting the bread or crackers fresh before serving to keep them crispy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the butter and cheese, are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice due to its strong flavor and melting properties. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Mixing different cheeses can also create a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).