Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger
Jan
Roosterkoek, which means "griddled bread" in Afrikaans, is a traditional South African bread with roots dating back to the 17th century. When Dutch settlers found themselves without traditional ovens, they adapted by cooking dough over open flames on a grid, creating the distinctive smoky flavour and soft interior that define roosterkoek today.
Unlike Australian damper, which is typically denser and baked in the coals of a fire, roosterkoek is cooked on a grid over the flames, imparting a deliciously charred exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
In this recipe, we transform roosterkoek into a mouthwatering cheeseburger bun. Its smokiness complements the rich, savoury flavours of the beef patty and cheese, while our South African-style Burger Sauce—made with peri-peri sauce and Mrs Ball's Chutney—adds a uniquely sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy twist. This sauce, inspired by South Africa's culinary love for bold and balanced flavours, is what makes these burgers truly stand out.
This recipe offers a taste of South Africa's vibrant food culture while showcasing the ingenuity of a humble yet beloved bread. Whether you're preparing a casual braai or a special meal, roosterkoek cheeseburgers are sure to impress!
In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, mixing to form a sticky dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into discs about 1cm thick. Cover and let the dough rise again slightly.
Grill over medium-hot coals on a grid, turning frequently, until puffed and golden brown (about 8–10 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato sauce, Mrs. Ball's Chutney, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, peri-peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste. For a spicier sauce, add more peri-peri sauce.
In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your choice of Oz Braai Awesome spice. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the roosterkoek, as they'll shrink during cooking.
Heat your charcoal or wood to medium-high heat, ensuring the coals are glowing red and producing an even heat. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavour. Place the patties on the grid and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to ensure even cooking.
Slice each roosterkoek in half horizontally to create a bun
Layer the bottom half with lettuce, tomato, a burger patty, onion, pickles, and the Burger Sauce.
Top with the other half of the roosterkoek.
Tips:
- For extra flavour, lightly butter and grill the inside of the roosterkoek halves over the coals before assembling.
- Add a fried egg or crispy bacon.
Other Ways to Enjoy Roosterkoek
Roosterkoek isn't just for burgers—it's an incredibly versatile bread.
- Try using it for brekkie rolls filled with crispy bacon, eggs, and a dash of chutney.
- Or serve it as a base for savoury pockets stuffed with cheese and sausages,
- Or even as a sweet treat with butter and jam.
Its adaptability makes it an essential addition to any South African-inspired meal, and it's sure to become a favourite for your next braai or family gathering.
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, mixing to form a sticky dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into discs about 1cm thick. Cover and let the dough rise again slightly.
Grill over medium-hot coals on a grid, turning frequently, until puffed and golden brown (about 8–10 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato sauce, Mrs. Ball's Chutney, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, peri-peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste. For a spicier sauce, add more peri-peri sauce.
In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your choice of Oz Braai Awesome spice. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the roosterkoek, as they'll shrink during cooking.
Heat your charcoal or wood to medium-high heat, ensuring the coals are glowing red and producing an even heat. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavour. Place the patties on the grid and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to ensure even cooking.
Slice each roosterkoek in half horizontally to create a bun
Layer the bottom half with lettuce, tomato, a burger patty, onion, pickles, and the Burger Sauce.
Top with the other half of the roosterkoek.
