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.
Cheese and Bacon Rolls Recipe
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
More Roll Recipes
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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