Southland Cheese Roll Recipe

🧀 Southland Cheese Rolls (Southern Sushi)

Makes: about 20 rolls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large packet (500 g) grated tasty cheese
• 1 can (375 ml) evaporated milk or reduced cream
• 1 packet (32 g) onion soup mix
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but authentic!)
• 1 tsp mustard powder or Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
• 1 loaf of fresh white sandwich bread
• Softened butter for spreading

Method

1. Make the filling:
   In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, onion soup mix, and onion. Stir over low heat until it begins to thicken slightly. Add the grated cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy mixture. Add mustard or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.
2. Cool slightly:
   Allow the mixture to cool a little — it should be spreadable but not runny.
3. Prepare the bread:
   Trim the crusts from the bread if you prefer a neater roll. Spread a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture over each slice.
4. Roll and butter:
   Roll each slice up firmly from one end. Place seam-side down on a tray and brush lightly with melted butter.
5. Grill or bake:
   • For a crisp finish, place under a hot grill until golden brown and bubbling.
   • Or bake in a moderate oven (180 °C) for 10 minutes until the edges are golden.
   • Cook in a sandwich press
6. Serve hot:
   Best enjoyed fresh from the oven and you can argue whether they need butter or not.

🧀 I love them dunked into tomato soup or chilli.

🧀 Add chives or spring onion or garlic chives for some colour and additional bite

🧀 Mix up the cheese, Red Leicester, smoked cheddar, Gruyere all add additional flavour

🧀 They freeze! Great if you have kiddos who need a snack, grandchildren who need filling up or a quick lunch.