Popular in Australia, these cheese and bacon rolls can easily be made at home and taken on your next picnic or day outing.

Although called cheese and bacon, after many attempts to replicate the flavor and look it was diced ham that was used in lieu of the bacon. If you have access to slab bacon not yet cut this would work well also.

Many yeast breads can be hard to make but this one was not too bad. The trick is getting all the temperatures correct which is why they are in the recipe rather than just using ‘warm’.

Recipe Directions

1. Dough

2. In the small bowl combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water then stir until well combined. Cover and leave in a warm place for 10 minutes.

3. Sift bread flour and salt into a large bowl then stir in the yeast mixture along with the sugar and butter.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover and put in a bowl, and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface then knead until smooth. Divide into 15 pieces then roll each into a ball, slightly flatten, then place on the baking tray.

6. Cover with plastic wrap and leave for a second rise for 15 minutes or until well risen.

7. Topping

8. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (355 degrees F).

9. Whisk the egg and milk together, then brush over the top of the rolls.

10. Sprinkle with the grated Monterey Jack cheese then top with the finely diced ham.

11. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack, serve warm or cold.