Source: www.scifest.org.nz

The search is finally over for the “The Ultimate Southern Cheese Roll”. Cheese Rolls are a staple in the South Island, just like Paninis are to Wellington cafes! hehehe

The competition was part of the New Zealand International Science Festival. The winning cheese roll was analysed by the University of Otago’s Food Science Team alongside a panel of culinary experts. How very official!!

The winner, Joy Jones said that she had been making her winning cheese roll recipe for over 8 years and that it was a family recipe passed down by her mother. She was able to beat off 80 other entries.

I remember a friend from Playcentre making some cheese rolls for the kids, and they LOVED them! She told me that the best part about the cheese rolls is after you roll them you can pop the tray straight into the freezer. Then, once frozen you pop them into a zip lock bag so you always have an easy snack that can go straight into the oven, and is ready at a moment’s notice.

Joy Jones’ Winning Cheese Roll Recipe

500 grams grated cheese – (Mainland Mild Blend or Mild Cheddar)

1 tin Nestle carnation evaporated milk (375ml)

1 pkt Maggi onion soup mix (32g packet or 1.13oz)

1 finely chopped onion

1 teaspoon mustard powder

¼ cup cream

Heat in microwave for 6 mins – stirring in between time, cool – spread lengthways onto long cut white bread from Marlow’s Bakery, South Dunedin. Roll into cheese rolls (3 folds).

(They didn’t include the cooking instructions….you can either put a bit of butter on the cheese rolls just before you pop them in the oven….or you can spread butter on the outside of the bread before you put the mixture in and roll it. Then you either bake it or grill it (you’ll have to turn it if you grill it) until golden and crispy.)

Recipe source: scoop.co.nz

A Good Read:

Otago Daily Times: Quest to find the ultimate cheese roll (with video on how to assemble a cheese roll)