Cheese and Bacon Rolls

A basket with cheese and bacon rolls in it sitting on a picnic table.

Australian cheese and bacon rolls are a beloved bakery classic, combining fluffy bread with savory toppings for a snack that’s both hearty and satisfying. These rolls start with a soft, slightly sweet dough that’s perfectly light yet sturdy enough to hold generous amounts of melted cheese and crispy bacon.

The topping is what makes these rolls shine. Although called cheese and bacon, after many attempts to replicate the flavor and look of the original Australian recipe, we preferred diced ham (Canadian Bacon) instead of the traditional thinly sliced bacon. If you have access to uncut slab bacon, this would work well too.

The bacon adds a smoky, salty kick, making each bite rich, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Often found in Australian bakeries, these rolls have earned cult status thanks to their comforting flavor and satisfying texture. They’re a nostalgic treat for many Australians, evoking memories of childhood lunches and weekend trips to the bakery.

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Close up on a raw cheese and bacon roll on the baking tray ready to be placed in the oven.
After the second rise, grated cheese and diced ham is placed on top of the rolls before baking.
Tray of cooked cheese and bacon rolls with golden tops and melted cheese.
Once cooked, let the cheese and bacon rolls cool on the tray for a bit before transferring to a cooling rack.
A clear glass bowl covered with plastic wrap and a fully risen dough inside it.
The first rise is for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
A close up shot of a proofed but not baked cheese and bacon roll with shredded cheese and diced ham on top.
These rolls go through several proofing or rising stages, resulting in tender and fluffy bread.
A basket with cheese and bacon rolls in it sitting on a picnic table.
Cheese and Bacon Rolls are a great option for picnics or packed lunches.

Cheese and Bacon Rolls Recipe

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A basket with cheese and bacon rolls in it sitting on a picnic table.
Popular in Australia, these cheese and bacon rolls can easily be made at home and taken on your next picnic or day outing.
Preparation 1 hour
Cook 25 minutes
Ready in 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 15 Servings
CourseLunch
InfluenceAustralian
DifficultyExperienced
MethodBake
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Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 7g packets dried yeast
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F | 44 degrees C)
  • 5 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110 degrees F | 44 degrees C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons butter

Topping

  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Australian cheddar
  • 1/2 cup finely diced ham

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • large bowl
  • baking tray

Directions

Dough

  • In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and warm water; stir until well combined. Cover and leave in a warm place for 10 minutes.
  • Sift the bread flour and salt into a large bowl, then stir in the yeast mixture along with the milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and butter.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it sit in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface, then knead until smooth. Divide the dough into 15 pieces, then roll each piece into a ball. Slightly flatten, then place on the baking tray.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let it do a second rise for 15 minutes or until well risen.

Topping

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
  • Whisk the egg and milk together, then brush over the top of the rolls.
  • Sprinkle with the grated Monterey Jack cheese, then top with the finely diced ham.
  • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack; serve warm or cold.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 456mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 221IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg

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Outdoor cooking has been Saffron’s passion since she was young, often choosing to go camping and cook hearty meals over fire rather than stay inside, watch TV, and eat take-out. Today she is the driving force of Bush Cooking bringing the skills of cooking outdoors to thousands of people.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is absolutely DEEEELISH!
    They look just like the bakers delight ones and they’re so simple to make!
    Thanks SO much for this recipe, it’s will be a lunch box staple for years to come