A cheese roll is a popular snack food found mainly in New Zealand's South Island. It involves a slice of bread that is rolled up with a sweet and savory cheese filling inside, then toasted or baked until warm and golden brown.
Cheese rolls are a beloved treat that combines the comforting flavors of bread and melted cheese. Their simplicity makes them easy to prepare, while their toasted exterior and molten interior make them crave-worthy comfort food.
A Brief History of Cheese Rolls
The exact origins of the cheese roll are unknown, but recipes for similar cheese-filled bread snacks date back to New Zealand newspapers in the early 20th century.
One of the first published recipes specifically using the name "cheese roll" appeared in the Western Star newspaper in 1936. It called for spreading cheese on bread slices, rolling them up, and toasting them to create a warm, melty cheese wrap.
Over the years, canned evaporated milk, dried onion soup mix, and other convenience ingredients were added to create the sweet and savory cheese filling we know today. The popularity of sliced bread in the 1950s also made cheese rolls much easier to prepare.
Professor Helen Leach, a food anthropologist from New Zealand's University of Otago, has identified three main phases in the development of modern cheese roll recipes:
- Spreadable cheese recipes from the 1920s using a soft Australian cheese called Rex Luncheon Cheese
- Homemade imitation Rex cheese recipes with onions, butter, and flour added
- Recipes using convenience foods like evaporated milk and onion soup mix
So while their exact origins may be vague, cheese rolls as we now know them trace back to creative Kiwi home cooks who made the most of available ingredients.
Traditional Cheese Roll Ingredients
There's flexibility in the fillings, but classic cheese roll ingredients include:
- Bread - Sliced white sandwich bread is traditional, but any soft bread can be used
- Cheese - Grated cheddar is typical, but other melty cheeses work too
- Onions - Finely diced raw onions add bite
- Evaporated milk - Adds creaminess and binds the filling
- Onion soup mix - Instant savory flavor
- Butter - For brushing the exterior before baking
Spices like mustard powder, cayenne, or Worcestershire sauce are also popular additions to kick up the flavor. The filling tends to be thick yet saucy, making it easy to spread onto bread slices.
How to Make Cheese Rolls
Part of the appeal of cheese rolls is how easy they are to make. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the filling - Melt cheese into evaporated milk, onion soup mix, and any other flavorings until smooth and thickened. Let cool slightly.
- Spread onto bread - Lay out bread slices and top with a generous layer of cheese sauce.
- Roll up - Tightly roll up the bread from one end into a spiral log shape.
- Brush with butter - Lightly coat the outside with melted butter for color and flavor.
- Toast - Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Pro tips:
- Flatten slices with a rolling pin so they stay rolled up better
- Use toothpicks to hold rolls together if needed
- Turn rolls over halfway through baking
And that's all there is to it! In just a few minutes, you can be enjoying these addictively good cheese-filled treats.
Popular Variations
While the basic cheese roll is hard to improve upon, some delicious variations include:
Pizza Style
- Add pizza sauce and pepperoni to the filling
- Use mozzarella cheese
- Finish with a sprinkle of Italian herbs
Breakfast Style
- Mix crumbled breakfast sausage into the filling
- Add diced ham and sautéed mushrooms/onions
- Use cheddar cheese
Mexican Style
- Stir taco seasoning and canned diced green chiles into filling
- Use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar
- Top with crushed tortilla chips, salsa, cilantro before serving
Feel free to get creative with ingredients like bacon, pineapple, jalapeños, or whatever you enjoy!
How to Eat Cheese Rolls
Part of the fun is nibbling off the toasted edges first to get to the molten cheese interior. But that can get messy fast.
Here are some tips for tackling a hot cheese roll:
- Let cool briefly so filling sets up
- Hold vertically or cheese will drip
- Take small nibbles rather than big bites
- Have plenty of napkins on hand!
When served fresh from the oven, the contrast of crunchy, buttery bread and ultra-soft filling is irresistible. The heady aroma and comforting flavors make cheese rolls an obsession for many.
They can be eaten plain as a snack or light meal, but cheese rolls also pair well with:
- Soups and chilies
- Fresh salads
- French fries or tater tots
- Gravy for dipping
A road trip through New Zealand isn't complete without sampling local cheese rolls. Just be prepared for your fingers and face to get deliciously messy!
The Southland vs North Island Cheese Roll Rivalry
There's a bit of friendly inter-island rivalry when it comes to cheese rolls.
Those on New Zealand's South Island proudly claim cheese rolls as their own regional specialty, especially in the southernmost Southland and Otago areas where they originate.
North Island residents, meanwhile, often view them as more of a South Island thing. This may be why cheese rolls are still less common in the more populated North Island cities.
But cheese rolls have gained wider fame and appreciation across all New Zealand in recent years. Their nostalgic flavors and textures seem to strike a chord with Kiwis and tourists alike.
Are Cheese Rolls Considered Sandwiches?
Ah, the classic debate - is a cheese roll a type of sandwich or something else?
There's no consensus, but strong arguments can be made either way:
Pro Sandwich:
- Filling between slices/pieces of bread
- Portable handheld food
- Similar to toasties or bagel sandwiches
Not a Sandwich:
- Bread is changed from slices into rolls
- Lacks traditional sandwich layers
- Resembles other rolled snacks like sushi
So whether you consider cheese rolls a distinct category of Kiwi comfort food or just an unorthodox style of sandwich, one thing is clear - they occupy a special place in New Zealand food culture.
Cheese Roll Culture and Traditions
Beyond just being tasty treats, cheese rolls have become ingrained in the identity of New Zealand's southern regions.
Locals nostalgically recall popular high school fundraisers selling fresh, homemade cheese rolls. Getting together to prepare dozens of rolls makes for a fun communal activity.
The dish has been included in South Island community cookbooks for generations as well, taking its place alongside beloved culinary traditions.
Trying cheese rolls from small town bakeries and comparing the fillings has become something of an adventurous pastime for South Islanders and visitors too.
So for many, eating a warm, perfectly golden cheese roll is about more than just delicious flavors. It represents fond memories, regional pride, and connecting with others through cherished food traditions.
How Does Cheese Rolling in the UK Differ?
There's also a tradition of "cheese rolling" in Britain that sounds bizarrely dangerous and unrelated to New Zealand's cheese rolls.
The UK's version takes place during summer solstice festivals in Gloucester. It involves rolling large 7-pound wheels of Double Gloucester cheese down an extremely steep hill and racing downhill after them. There's no way to actually catch the massive cheese wheels as they reach speeds up to 70 mph!
This strange custom emerged from pagan rituals and unknown ancient origins. Participants merely chase the thundering cheese wheels down the slope simply for glory (or insanity).
The treacherous race inevitably results in injuries, from minor bruises to broken bones or concussions. Yet for centuries people have willfully flung themselves after tumbling cheese for unspecified victory.
It seems the only thing this odd British cheese rolling shares with New Zealand's beloved comfort snack is the word "cheese." Otherwise they couldn't be more different!
FAQs
What type of cheese is traditionally used in cheese rolls?
Grated cheddar is the classic choice, but any good melting cheese like Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone would also work well.
Do you really need evaporated milk in the filling?
Evaporated milk adds important creaminess, moisture, and binding properties to balance out the other ingredients. But in a pinch you could substitute whole milk, half and half, cream, or even just a splash of milk.
Can you freeze leftover cheese rolls?
Yes! Allow cheese rolls to cool completely then place in freezer bags or airtight containers. Reheat directly from frozen by baking at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. The bread may lose some crispness but it still tastes great.
What is the best way to reheat cheese rolls?
Baked in the oven is best to recrisp the outside, but microwaving works too. Just zap for 20-30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with cheese rolls for a full meal?
For a hearty lunch or dinner, cheese rolls pair excellently with soup, salad, fries or tater tots, gravy for dipping, slaw, or fresh fruit like orange slices.
Conclusion
Cheese rolls hold a special place in New Zealand food culture, especially on the South Island where they originate.
These humble yet addicting cheese-filled treats combine crispy buttered bread, sweet onions, and creamy cheddar sauce for instant comfort.
Easy to prepare and fun to customize, cheese rolls offer a tasty edible connection to cherished Kiwi culinary traditions. Their nostalgic flavors and gooey textures never fail to satisfy.