The Art Of A Beautiful Sandwich
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
Spring has finally sprung, and I don’t know about you, but the first hint of warm weather always inspires me to get outside, breathe in that fresh air, and enjoy something delicious in the sunshine. This is the season of fresh starts, long, cheesy lunches, and slowing down to enjoy the beautiful moments right in our own backyards. What better way to embrace it all than with a bit of at-home DIY sandwich-making? Truly, sandwiches are back, and they’ve become the chicest (and easiest!) way to entertain without the fuss.
Picture this: a colourful, abundant table set out in the garden, overflowing with fresh breads, condiments, spreads, crunchy vegetables, and of course… the true stars of the show… a stunning lineup of Australian-made Moondarra and Tarago cheeses. I love creating a setup that lets them build their own creation. It’s interactive, fun, and absolutely perfect for affordable entertaining when you are not on your feet all afternoon! Whether it’s a casual Sunday bite, lunch with the kids, or one of those ideal picnic days (where lazing in the sun is on the agenda!), we’re all craving relaxation. This is the kind of food that invites people to gather, chat, indulge, and enjoy.
Now, you know I adore shining a light on local makers and encouraging everyone to support small businesses, what better way than celebrating a few of the best-selling cheese heroes?
Honey Pistachio Strawberry Cloud Sandwich
First up, Moondarra’s beloved Honey & Pistachio — creamy, sweet, and made right in Dandenong South with Australian honey. It’s one of those flavours that feels indulgent without trying too hard. Spread it thick onto brioche with strawberries for a dreamy brunch sandwich you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
Moondarra Honey & Pistachio cheese
2 slices soft brioche (lightly toasted if you like)
Fresh strawberries, sliced
A drizzle of Australian honey
A sprinkle of crushed pistachios
Optional: a few mint leaves for freshness
Method
Generously spread the Moondarra Honey & Pistachio cheese over both slices of brioche — don’t be shy, this is the moment.
Layer on the sliced strawberries so they cover the bread like little ruby jewels.
Drizzle a touch of Australian honey over the top for extra shine and sweetness.
Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for a bit of crunch.
Add a leaf or two of mint if you're feeling fancy, then close the sandwich gently.
To serve: Slice in half and enjoy immediately — it’s soft, creamy, fruity heaven. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or when you want something that tastes like sunshine.
The Gold-Medal Garden Ciabatta
Then there’s the Moondarra Marinated Triple Cream — a cheese that genuinely knows how to make an entrance. Triple cream, marinated in herbs, garlic, oil and dried thyme, and fresh from a cabinet stacked with gold medals. This one turns grilled vegetables and crusty ciabatta into something worthy of applause.
Ingredients:
Moondarra Marinated Triple Cream (the star!)
1 crusty ciabatta roll, lightly toasted
Grilled zucchini ribbons
Charred red capsicum strips
Slow-roasted cherry tomatoes
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Cracked black pepper
A drizzle of the marinade oil from the cheese tub
Method:
Slice your warm ciabatta and spread a generous (don’t hold back...) layer of the Moondarra Marinated Triple Cream across both sides. Let those herby, garlicky, triple-cream flecks melt into the bread.
Layer on your grilled zucchini, capsicum and those sweet, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. Add fresh basil for brightness, a crack of black pepper, and finish with a tiny drizzle of the marinade oil — trust me, it’s liquid gold.
Close the ciabatta, give it a gentle press, and enjoy the moment where grilled vegetables meet their greatest love story yet.
The Shadows of Blue Roast Beef Picnic Toastie
For those who are “blue cheese hesitant,” Shadows of Blue is the gentle introduction you never knew you needed. Creamy, mild, and made on the very same land where the cows graze in Neerim South, it brings that beautiful farmhouse authenticity without overpowering your palate. If you’ve ever tiptoed around blue cheese, this is the sandwich that’ll win you over — no pressure, just pure creamy goodness.
You’ll need:
2 slices of crusty sourdough
A generous smear of Shadows of Blue
Thinly sliced roast beef
Fresh pear slices (crisp and slightly underripe is perfect)
Rocket leaves
A drizzle of honey
Cracked black pepper
Butter for toasting
How to make it:
Butter the outside of both sourdough slices.
On the inside, spread a creamy layer of Shadows of Blue — it melts dreamily.
Add your roast beef, a few delicate pear slices, and a handful of rocket.
Finish with a light drizzle of honey and freshly cracked pepper.
Toast in a sandwich press until golden, melty, and irresistible.
The Springtime Shadows Sandwich
And of course, Shadows of White — the double cream brie of dreams. Handcrafted in Gippsland, gold-winning, buttery, silky, and the secret ingredient to the most luxurious spring sandwich you’ve ever tasted. Caramelised onion, turkey, rocket… yes, please!
Ingredients
2 slices of fresh sourdough (lightly toasted for extra crunch)
A generous smear of Shadows of White double cream brie
A handful of fresh rocket
2–3 slices of roasted turkey breast
1–2 tbsp caramelised onion relish
Cracked black pepper
Optional: a drizzle of honey or a few slices of pear for extra spring sweetness
Method
Toast your sourdough just enough to warm it through — you want that perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft centre.
Spread the Shadows of White brie thickly over the warm bread so it melts ever-so-slightly into all the nooks and crannies.
Layer on your turkey slices, then rocket for a fresh, peppery lift.
Spoon over a glossy layer of caramelised onion — the sweetness is the perfect dance partner to the buttery brie.
Finish with cracked pepper, close the sandwich, and cut on a generous diagonal
This spring, let’s celebrate flavour, fresh air, and those gorgeous long lunches by creating something simple, delicious, and truly memorable — one beautiful sandwich at a time. The best part? Every single one of these beauties is easy to find — Moondarra in Coles, Woolworths, and IGA, with Tarago’s Shadows of Blue and Shadows of White also available at delis nationwide. So whether you’re planning your next gathering, prepping for a weekend picnic, or elevating a simple lunch, these cheeses bring that little touch of magic.