How to Enjoy Vegemite

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 30, 2021 Approved

Vegemite is a yeast extract obtained from the leftovers after brewing beer. It is essentially the same product as Marmite, but many people argue about which is better. For all intents and purposes, they are pretty similar in substance. While Australians will seriously caution against ever eating Vegemite on its own, they will equally encourage how delicious it is when used properly. By learning the proper proportional use and what dishes are enhanced with Vegemite, you can learn to enjoy just as much as any Aussie.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Acquiring a Taste for Vegemite

1
Don't eat it plain. Although it may be common practice when trying a condiment to taste just a bit on your finger or on a spoon, doing so with Vegemite will likely result in you never wanting to eat it again. Vegemite is meant to be used as a condiment or a seasoning, not as a stand-alone food. This is part of why it has such a strong taste, because it's meant to add flavor to other foods.
2
Use it sparingly. This is the most important thing to remember. Vegemite has a strong taste and it can be pretty unpalatable at first. To enjoy your first taste or to acquire the taste over time, be sure to start off with a toasted bread that has a nice serve of butter and very small amount of vegemite (about the size of a pea to begin with). Because it is so strong, a little bit will go a long way in adding taste. If you overdo it when first trying it out, you may cause yourself to not want to try it again.^{[1]
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- Vegemite is like any other seasoning or condiment, too much of it will overpower the food you're putting it on and probably ruin it. Go with just a little at first and then add slowly if you feel your food needs more.
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3
Experiment with it. If you begin to enjoy the taste or you want to enjoy it more, don't be afraid to try adding it to dishes that you already like. Think of it as any other seasoning and experiment with using it. The worst that can happen is you find out it isn't good on certain things, but if you are lucky you might stumble upon a great combination that you wouldn't have thought of before.
- Still remember the rule of using it sparingly. Don't add a big spoonful to the pot of stew you cooked for the family dinner because if it is too much or doesn't add the right flavor, you'll be out of luck.
4
Pair Vegemite with salty foods. Vegemite is salty and savory, so it pairs best with other salty foods. Don't mix it with something sweet. It mixes well with beef and chicken dishes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Finding Your Favorite Vegemite Dish

1
Spread lightly on buttered toast. If you often eat toast for breakfast but you get tired of the blandness of butter alone, or you want a salty alternative to jam, Vegemite is a great alternative. It complements the blandness of butter very well while adding a rich, salty taste.
2
Make cheese and Vegemite sandwiches. This is another Australian favorite that is great for packing in lunch or adding as a side to your dinner. Spread a thin layer of Vegemite on your bread and lay a slice of your favorite cheese on top of that. Cheddar cheese pairs well. Cream cheese and Parmesan are both good options too.
- You can also make a grilled cheese in this same way. Be sure to butter the outside of the bread before grilling.
- Add variation to the sandwich by adding slices of tomato and avocado.
3
Pair Vegemite with eggs. Make scrambled eggs as you usually would. Toast and split an English muffin and spread a thin layer of Vegemite on the muffin. Place scrambled eggs on top and finish with a sprinkle of cheese.
4
Make knock-off Big Mac sauce. McDonald's Big Mac sandwich has long been a favorite of people worldwide, and it turns out that Vegemite can actually be a great component in homemade big mac sauce. The basic recipe is to combine 1 teaspoon grated onion, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Vegemite, and 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric. Mix well with a wooden spoon or whisk and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let it set.
5
Make Vegemite pizza. Spread 1 tablespoon of Vegemite on large pre-made pizza dough. Top with thinly sliced ham, chopped onion, and grated cheese, enough to cover the whole pizza. Pour 2 lightly beaten eggs over the whole pizza. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, until egg is thoroughly cooked and pizza appears golden all over.
6
Make a ham, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. With two pieces of white bread, lightly spread cream cheese on one piece and a thin spread of Vegemite on the other. Place ham, lettuce and tomato between the slices and complete the sandwich.

Community Q&A

Question

Does the Vegemite taste of yeast?

Community Answer

Yes it does, because one of the main ingredients is yeast. It is also very salty, so beware.
Question

Can I use Vegemite instead of chocolate on a cake?

Community Answer

You could. The flavor would be quite different though. If Vegemite is a flavor that you really like and you are making the cake for you, you should go for it. It is really a matter of personal taste.
Question

How about mixing with white rice?

Community Answer

You could try, but the best way to use it is to only use it on bread or toast.