Cheese & Vegemite Scrolls: A Nostalgic Aussie Treat

The scent alone transports me back to my childhood – a heady mix of flaky pastry, savory Vegemite, and melting cheese. These Cheese & Vegemite Scrolls were a staple at every school fete and birthday party, a little pocket of pure, unadulterated joy. They were so simple, yet utterly addictive. The combination of salty, umami-rich Vegemite with the sharpness of tasty cheese nestled in layers of buttery puff pastry is just… perfect. I can almost feel the excitement as I unwrapped a still-warm scroll, the cheese stretching in gooey strings with each bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 48 scrolls
• Yield: 48 scrolls
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 sheets puff pastry
• ¼ cup Vegemite (yeast extract)
• 3 cups grated tasty cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Equipment Needed

• 2-3 baking trays
• Baking paper
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius (430 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. Line 2-3 baking trays with baking paper. This will prevent the scrolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

3. Take one sheet of puff pastry and lay it flat on a clean surface.

4. Evenly spread one-quarter (1/4) of the Vegemite across the surface of the pastry. Don’t overdo it – a thin layer is all you need. Remember, Vegemite is potent!

5. Sprinkle one-quarter (1/4) of the grated tasty cheese evenly over the Vegemite-coated pastry.

6. Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the pastry into a log, like a scroll. Try to keep the roll as even as possible to ensure uniform cooking.

7. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the roll into 12 equal portions. A serrated knife can be helpful for preventing the pastry from squashing.

8. Place the cut scrolls, swirl-side up, onto the prepared baking trays, leaving a little space between each scroll.

9. Repeat steps 3-8 with the 3 remaining sheets of puff pastry, Vegemite, and cheese.

10. In a small bowl, whisk the egg until it’s smooth. This will act as an egg wash, giving the scrolls a beautiful golden color.

11. Brush the tops of the scrolls with the beaten egg. This step is optional, but it contributes significantly to the appealing finish.

12. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scrolls are puffed and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the pastry should be flaky and cooked through.

13. Remove the baking trays from the oven and let the scrolls cool slightly on the trays before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (or eat warm!).

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overfill the pastry! Too much Vegemite or cheese can make the scrolls soggy and difficult to roll.
• Keep the puff pastry cold. Work quickly to prevent the pastry from becoming too warm, as this will make it harder to handle. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• For a richer flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese instead of tasty cheese.
• To add a little extra texture, sprinkle the scrolls with sesame seeds before baking.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the scrolls up to the baking stage, then freeze them on the baking trays. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• If the scrolls are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly and continue baking until they are cooked through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Cheese & Vegemite Scrolls warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick snack. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a moderate oven (180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a short burst, but be aware that this can make the pastry a little soft. For longer storage, freeze the baked scrolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	149.8 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	10.6 g	16%
Saturated Fat	3.7 g	18%
Cholesterol	13.1 mg	4%
Sodium	157.6 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	9.5 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	0.2 g	0%
Protein	4.1 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastry can be more delicate, so handle it with care.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a stringier texture, or add some parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Herbaceous twist: Sprinkle some dried herbs, such as oregano or thyme, over the cheese before rolling up the pastry.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese for a little heat.
• Vegan option: While Vegemite itself is vegan, you’ll need to substitute the puff pastry with a vegan version and use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also use a plant-based milk for brushing instead of egg.
• Sweet and Savory: Although a deviation from the classic, a thin layer of caramelised onion under the Vegemite can introduce a delightful sweet note.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A: Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will result in an even flakier and more flavorful scroll. However, it’s a more time-consuming process, so store-bought puff pastry is a convenient alternative.

Q: Can I prepare the scrolls ahead of time and bake them later?
A: Yes, you can assemble the scrolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent the pastry from drying out. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: My Vegemite is hard to spread. What can I do?
A: Gently warm the Vegemite in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it before spreading. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can become quite pungent.

Q: The cheese is melting out of the scrolls while baking. Is this normal?
A: A little bit of cheese melting out is normal, but if it’s excessive, it could be a sign that the oven temperature is too high. Try lowering the temperature slightly and continuing to bake until the pastry is cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze the baked scrolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked scrolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Final Thoughts

These Cheese & Vegemite Scrolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re making them for a kid’s party, a potluck, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share your creations and variations, and most importantly, enjoy the deliciousness! These scrolls pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a crisp, refreshing glass of lemonade. Happy baking!