Roti Bakar with Cheese
North Indian • Vegetarian
How to Make Roti Bakar with Cheese (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Roti Bakar with Cheese is a beloved Malaysian snack that encapsulates the spirit of kopitiam (local coffee shop) culture. Originating as a humble breakfast or tea-time treat, roti bakar literally translates to 'grilled bread,' and when paired with gooey, melted cheese, it becomes a modern twist that Malaysians adore. This dish is rooted in Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, drawing from Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is often enjoyed alongside a cup of kopi or teh tarik. The combination of crispy bread, creamy cheese, and aromatic butter offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that’s comforting and satisfying. What makes Roti Bakar with Cheese truly special is its ability to adapt to local tastes—sometimes enhanced with pandan-infused kaya (coconut jam), sometimes made heartier with thick slices of bread from the pasar malam (night market). This healthy version features whole-grain bread, a moderate amount of cheese, and a touch of local ingredients like pandan for a fragrant lift. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic Malaysian snack that’s both nostalgic and nourishing, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
Ingredients(for 2 slices per person, typical Malaysian portion)
- 4 slices Whole grain bread (roti gandum)
- 1/2 cup, grated Low-fat mozzarella cheese (keju rendah lemak)
- 2 tablespoons Light margarine (marjerin)
- 2 leaves, knotted Pandan leaves (daun pandan) - optional
- 2 tablespoons Low-sugar kaya (optional for extra flavor) - optional
- a pinch White pepper (lada putih) - optional
- a pinch Salt (garam) - optional
- as needed Olive oil spray (minyak zaitun) - optional
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh coriander (daun ketumbar, for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill pan or oven to 180°C. If using a grill, lightly spray with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5 minutes
Ensure the pan is properly heated for even toasting.
- 2
Spread a thin layer of light margarine on one side of each bread slice. If desired, rub the bread with knotted pandan leaves for extra aroma.
3 minutes
Use just enough margarine to coat for crispness without excess fat.
- 3
Place 2 slices of bread, margarine side down, onto the grill or oven tray. Sprinkle an even layer of grated low-fat mozzarella cheese on top.
4 minutes
Grate cheese finely for quicker melting and even coverage.
- 4
Cover each cheese-topped slice with the remaining bread, margarine side up. Grill or bake for 5-8 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
8 minutes
Press gently with a spatula for uniform browning.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By substituting white bread with whole grain roti gandum and choosing low-fat mozzarella cheese, this version of Roti Bakar with Cheese is lower in calories and saturated fat, while offering more fiber and nutrients. Portion control and the use of moderate-fat spreads make it suitable for weight management. It's a satisfying snack that won’t spike blood sugar, thanks to the slow-release carbs, making it suitable for a healthy, balanced Malaysian diet.
This Roti Bakar with Cheese recipe is high in protein and calcium from the cheese, and fiber-rich thanks to the use of whole grain bread. Using light margarine and low-fat cheese helps to keep saturated fats low, supporting heart health. The inclusion of pandan leaves adds antioxidants, while coriander provides vitamin K and other micronutrients. This balanced snack supplies slow-digesting carbohydrates, moderate protein, and essential minerals, making it a wholesome option for energy and satiety.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use day-old bread for extra crispiness and easier handling.
- 💡Tip 2: Rubbing bread with pandan leaves before grilling infuses a unique Malaysian aroma.
- 💡Tip 3: For an extra golden crust, gently press the sandwich with a spatula while toasting.
Storage & Serving
Best enjoyed fresh and hot. If needed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; reheat in a toaster or oven for crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 260.0 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 5.0 g |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
| Calcium | 120.0 mg |
| Sodium | 320.0 mg |
| Potassium | 110.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 15.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 90.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 18.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2 µg |
| Folate | 22.0 µg |
