Multicultural & Full-Flavored Cuisine
Australian cuisine has rich roots in Aboriginal food (often called bush tucker or bush food) and the area’s strong local farming traditions. It has also been heavily influenced by the recipes and food preferences of various settlers. British and Irish cuisine have both had major influences on Australian recipes, as these were the first Europeans to settle in the area, and they brought their food traditions with them. The Gold Rush of the 1800s brought Chinese migrants to Australia, and consequently, Australian recipes have also been heavily influenced by Chinese culinary traditions, as well as Thai and Vietnamese food culture. Today, flavors from all over Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean are commonly reflected in Australian food, too, as the population has grown more diverse. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Australian recipes to make at home so that you can get a taste of Down Under — without the long plane ride!
#1 Anzac Biscuits
This traditional Australian recipe combines oats, golden syrup, and coconut for a unique flavor that has a distinctly buttery, caramel-like taste. These crunchy treats date back to the early 1900s, when soldiers' wives needed a biscuit recipe that would stay fresh for the time that it would take to reach soldiers overseas. Even today, Anzac biscuits are baked each year to commemorate ANZAC Day, which is celebrated on April 25th and marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC)...but they’re also delicious whenever you're craving a little taste of Australia!
#2 Lamingtons
Another traditional Australian recipe, this dessert consists of moist butter sponge that’s dipped in chocolate and then coated with coconut. Some Aussies add jam and cream while others are purists. No matter which version you choose to make, you’ll end up with a sweet, chocolatey, moist, buttery, and coconutty dessert that’s fun to make (and even more fun to eat)!
#3 Jelly Slice
Jelly slice is a beloved Australian layered dessert. It features a buttery biscuit base followed by a layer of jellied condensed milk topped with a layer of colored jelly. Want to make this no-bake dessert vegetarian? Simply substitute agar agar powder for the gelatin! Ready to learn how to make your own Australian jelly slice?
#4 Fairy Bread
This old-fashioned Australian snack is made from just three ingredients: white bread, butter, and sprinkles. This no-fuss sugary treat is typically served at children’s birthday parties and on special occasions like Christmas or Australia Day. Want to learn how to whip up some colorful fairy bread for yourself or your loved ones?
#5 Australian Damper
This traditional Australian soda bread doesn’t need any yeast to rise, so it can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s particularly popular among campers, but you can easily bake yours in a regular oven. Reminiscent of a scone, the outside is crumbly and crusty while the inside is warm and soft. Damper works perfectly with soup, barbecue, or on its own with a little butter and jam. Want to learn how to bake this Australian bread at home?
#6 Vegemite on Toast
Requiring just 3 ingredients, this classic Australian recipe is easy to make and chock-full of umami flavor. It comes together in just 5 minutes and works well as a quick breakfast or as a snack. Want to learn how to make proper Aussie vegemite on toast?
#7 Aussie Burgers
This Australian recipe is perfect for meat lovers! Succulent homemade beef patties are sandwiched between burger buns and piled high with “the lot” — meaning these burgers are served with “everything on them.” In Australia, that means bacon, fried egg, cheese, tomato, lettuce, beetroot, pineapple, and ketchup! Ready to try these iconic Australian-style burgers at home?
#8 Pizza Capricciosa
This Australian take on pizza is topped with artichokes, ham, olives, and mushrooms. The toppings are complemented by a traditional tomato sauce and plenty of creamy, melty mozzarella cheese. Ready to learn how to make this delicious Australian-style pizza at home?
#9 Chocolate Hedgehog Slice
Biscuits (cookies), mixed nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, milk chocolate, condensed milk, and butter combine to make this tasty, no-bake Australian dessert. The whole thing comes together in just about 10 minutes (though it does need to set in the fridge for a few hours) and is perfect for summer days when you don't want to turn on your oven. Want to learn how to make this easy, quick, and decadently delicious Australian treat at home?
#10 Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
Hearty and comforting, this Australian casserole combines juicy chicken, chewy pasta, crispy bacon, and your choice of broccoli or asparagus. Cream of celery soup (or your choice of any condensed canned soup) and heavy cream create an effortless, creamy pasta sauce. The whole thing is topped with breadcrumbs and grated cheese, then baked until creamy on the inside and perfectly crispy on top. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this Australian recipe is a classic for a reason. Ready to learn how to make your own at home?
#11 Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf Dip
To make this Australian party staple, a round bread loaf is hollowed out and filled with a decadent dip made from 4 different cheeses, sour cream, cream cheese, bacon bits, diced onions, and French onion soup mix. Warm, cheesy, and savory, the dish is traditionally enjoyed by dipping bread cubes taken from the hollowed-out loaf into the dip. We highly recommend giving this beloved Aussie dip a try at home — it's perfect for parties!
#12 Aussie-Style Rissoles
These round, thick patties are made with your choice of minced meat (beef mince is the most popular), white bread, egg, and French Onion Soup mix. The patties are a mainstay of Australian BBQs, but can also be cooked up in a frying pan on the stove. Juicy, economical to make, and delicious to eat, Australian Rissoles are a beloved classic for a reason. Want to learn how to make them at home?
#13 Beef Sausage Rolls
Flaky pastry layers are wrapped around a succulent, savory beef filling. Quick to prepare and freezer-friendly, these sausage rolls are perfect for when you receive unexpected visitors! It's also no wonder why they're such popular party snacks in Australia — they're easy to make ahead and taste delicious. We highly recommend giving this recipe a try for your next get-together!
#14 Caramel Slice
Gooey, soft caramel is layered over a simple coconut shortbread base and topped with chocolate. This Australian version of Millionaire’s Shortbread is easy to make, doesn’t crack when sliced, and — most importantly — is perfectly sweet and delicious! Ready to learn how to make this beloved Australian recipe at home?
#15 Ginger Kisses
Soft, spongey biscuits are flavored with golden syrup and ginger, then stuffed with an airy, rich buttercream filling. Popular in both Australia and New Zealand, these delicious treats can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Ready to learn how to bake your own batch at home? We think they make the perfect end to any Australian feast!
Enjoy!