Runza's Cheese: What's The Secret Ingredient?

Runzas are a type of sandwich that originated in Nebraska and are now considered a staple of the state's cuisine. They are made by stuffing a dough pocket with a mixture of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese. The dough is then baked, creating a warm and comforting handheld meal. While the classic Runza recipe does not include cheese, many variations have emerged over the years, such as the Cheese Runza, which includes American cheese. Other popular variations include the Swiss Mushroom Runza, BBQ Bacon Runza, and Spicy Jack Runza.

American cheese

The Runza sandwich gets its distinctive character from the combination of melted American cheese with greasy ground beef, seasoned and buttery, mixed with grilled onions and cabbage. This blend of flavours and textures creates a delightful sensory experience that has won over the hearts of many.

The addition of American cheese not only enhances the taste but also serves a functional purpose. Its gooey richness helps to bind the filling together, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavour and maintaining the structural integrity of the sandwich.

The versatility of the Runza sandwich is showcased by the variety of cheeses that can be used. While American cheese is a popular option, some prefer to use cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby jack for a unique twist.

For those who want to venture beyond cheese, the Runza sandwich offers endless possibilities. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground chicken or pork, or add your favourite ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of herbs and spices.

Whether you're a native Nebraskan or not, the Runza sandwich is a delightful treat that satisfies both your hunger and your craving for something hearty and delicious. Its customisability allows you to make it your own, ensuring that each bite is a delightful surprise, just as it was intended.

Cheddar cheese

To make a Runza with cheddar cheese, you can follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Lawry's seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced

Method:

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, yeast, salt, olive oil, milk, and hot water. Add 1 1/2 - 2 cups of flour and stir until smooth. Add enough flour to make a soft dough that doesn't stick to your finger. Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead a few times until smooth. Place dough in a bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60 minutes.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Stir in the seasoning salt, pepper, and Worcestershire. Add the water and shredded cabbage. Cook and stir over medium heat until cabbage is crisp-tender.

Preheat your oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or spray it with cooking spray. Punch down the bread dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Press each dough ball into a circle about 6 inches across. Place 1/2 ounce of cheese in the middle. Top with about 1/2 cup of meat mixture. Press the sides of the dough together and pinch together to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. If desired, brush the tops of the runza sandwiches with melted butter. Serve hot.

Swiss mushroom

The Swiss Mushroom Runza is a relatively recent addition to the menu, with other variations including the Original, Cheese, Cheeseburger, BBQ Bacon, BLT, and Spicy Jack. The Swiss Mushroom Runza is also available as a sandwich or a burger.

To make the Swiss Mushroom Runza, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread dough pocket
• Swiss cheese
• Seasoned mushrooms
• Mayo
• Hamburger patty

The bread dough pocket is typically made with frozen bread dough and stuffed with the remaining ingredients. The Swiss cheese is melted over the hamburger patty, and the seasoned mushrooms and mayo add extra flavor to the sandwich.

The Swiss Mushroom Runza has become a popular choice for those craving a taste of Nebraska, and it can be made at home or ordered from select Runza restaurants.

Cheeseburger

The Cheeseburger Runza® sandwich is a hearty and delicious all-in-one sandwich. The Cheeseburger Runza® is a take on the classic American cheeseburger, with ground beef and American cheese, topped with ketchup, mustard, onions, and pickles. The sandwich is served on a fresh-baked bun from Rotella’s bakery in Omaha.

The origins of the word "runza" are German, but the recipe widely known by this name today is born in the Midwest—specifically Nebraska. The Runza is also adjacent to another beloved stuffed bread known as the bierock. The main differences between the two are location and shape; bierocks are more commonly found in cities with larger German-descended populations and are often round like a hamburger bun, while runzas are typically shaped like a longer sub sandwich roll.

The Cheeseburger Runza® sandwich is a unique and mouth-watering take on the classic cheeseburger. The sandwich is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of a juicy burger with melted cheese and fresh toppings. The combination of ground beef, slow-cooked onions, and cabbage in the Runza creates a distinct and satisfying flavour profile.

The Cheeseburger Runza® sandwich is not just a delicious treat but also a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic cheeseburger. The process of making this sandwich involves stuffing the ingredients into a sub-shaped bread dough, resulting in a neat and portable meal. This sandwich is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the flavours of a cheeseburger in a new and exciting way.

The Cheeseburger Runza® sandwich has become a beloved dish for many, especially those with ties to Nebraska and the Midwest. It is a fun and tasty dish to make and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a hearty and flavourful sandwich.

No cheese

Runzas are a cherished part of the regional cuisine of Nebraska. They are pocket sandwiches filled with ground beef and cabbage, similar to a Hot Pocket. Runzas are usually made with cheese, but they can also be made without it for a more traditional experience.

The process of making a runza without cheese starts with preparing the dough. This involves mixing together dry ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, and then adding in wet ingredients like oil, milk, and water. The mixture is then kneaded to form a soft dough, which is set aside to rise.

While the dough is rising, the filling can be prepared. This typically includes browning ground beef and cooking diced onions, before adding in seasonings like garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cabbage is then added and cooked until crisp and tender.

Once the dough has risen, it is divided into equal pieces and pressed into circles. The meat filling is then placed in the centre of each circle, and the sides of the dough are pinched together to seal it. The runzas are then baked in the oven until golden brown.

Runzas can be served warm as-is or with a side of fry sauce or ketchup. They can also be paired with sides like chips, fries, onion rings, or potato salad. They are a popular dish at Nebraska football games and have their own dedicated fast-food chain in the state, aptly named Runza.

So, while cheese is a common addition to runzas, they can certainly be enjoyed without it and are a delicious, savoury option either way.

Frequently asked questions