We spent most of Saturday curling in bed or on the couch feeling very sorry for ourselves. I not only missed out on Collingwood farmers market, I didn’t end up getting any groceries at all. There was hardly any food in the fridge and it hurt to think too much. I remembered that I read somewhere about vegemite pasta and had wanted to try to make it. I had bacon, the new vegemite (Cheesybite) and spaghetti. I could make it. It sounded like a good hangover dinner.
Vegemite hit the Australian shelves in 1923. It has grown to be one of Australian icons. Vegemite is made from yeast extract. I like to have it on toast or have it with sliced honey dew and drizzle of honey. And at time, I will use it as a flavouring in beef stews. There are so many weird combinations but strangely, it tastes good! A few months ago, they launched a new product – Vegemite with cheese flavour. As part of the PR campaign, Kraft turned to the public to help them name this new product. The new name, iSnack 2.0, was announced and it caused so much bad rap in the media and amongst the public. (Article here) iSnack 2.0 was dumped and a new poll was set up to get the public to vote for another new name and Cheesybite was born. This name itself is now causing new drama. Vegemite may be facing a cheesy battle with Pizza hut as Pizza hut has a very popular trademarked pizza calle Cheesy Bite. It seems that Kraft and Vegemite has become a recent laughing stock and the iconic brand has been tarnished.
Irregardless of what it is called, I do like the new vegemite. It is a little less intense than the original Vegemite and more of course, more cheesy. For those in UK and Asia, the original Vegemite tastes like Marmite. I remember during my last visit back to Singapore, I had a stir-fry chicken with Marmite and it was absolutely delicious. I will have to try and make it one day. 
Ingredients for Vegemite pasta
Ingredients:
- 250g spaghetti
- 2 slices of bacon diced
- 1 tbsp of new vegemite ( or use original) – Please adjust according to your taste
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
A knob of vegemite
Method:
- Boil pasta in heavily salted boiling water till almost cook (Reserve 1 cup of pasta water)
- Fry diced bacon with minced garlic in a hot pan till bacon is crispy ( I didn’t add any oil as the bacon was quite fatty)
- Drain pasta and add into bacon mixture. Add the vegemite and some pasta water and stir thoroughly
- Serve hot
New vegemite/Cheesybite pasta
There was no need for salt but just a touch of pepper. It had a deep and cheesy flavour. Mister and I thought that it worked as a hangover dinner. It had the oilyness from the bacon, the saltiness from Cheesybite and the carbohydrates from the pasta. I actually don’t mind eating this again and again.
Do you have any weird Vegemite or Marmite combinations to share?
Mmm, I love Vegemite! I’m dubious of the new Vegemite – I’m all for Vegemite and cheese, but mixed together in the same jar is taking it a bit too far.
I often have Vegemite on toast with a layer of honey, which I love but which others have said is disgusting.
And, back when I was capable of drinking to the point of inducing a hangover, I would get up, grab myself a spoonful of Vegemite and lurch back to bed, licking the spoon periodically to get the vitamin B surge. Best hangover cure ever.
I think I’m going to have to try that, although it sounds as though having a hangover might help. Will try to remember it next time I’m battling overindulgence.
My favourite vegemite combo is vegemite on raisin toast. Scrummy.
Just a note – vegemite is like marmite, but marmite is no substitute for the true vegemite fan!
It has been a long time since I last tasted vegemite. I don’t quite like the saltiness. But it sure sounds good adding into spaghetti. Well, I think creativity often comes when you reached a dead end or a high wall. I suppose you have to allow your fridge to run empty again to help you come out with another special recipe….LOL
It’s a good thing you have vegemite at home and still able to create something really good. Cheers to vegemite.
Bacon, vegemite and garlic? I LOVE THIS!! (I think we would get along so well!!!) My hangover cure is always toast and vegemite with diet coke.
Looks tasty!
vegemite is new to me, what kind of flavors does it have?? I’m willing to give it a try if I come across it
@Jackie – I will remember that next time. Just lick vegemite from the bottle.
@Injera – I was brought up with Marmite and then I fell in love with Vegemite.
@MaryMoh – I don’t fancy an empty fridge. But I am glad that there was something for me to whip up.
@Divina – The good thing is that I always have a bottle of vegemite around
@Mardi – Diet coke! Sounds like a killer combination too!
@bucatar maniac – HAve you tried vegemite before?
@Jessie – Do they have Marmite over where you are?
Awesome recipe!
Vegemite is so great for a hangover, spread thick on buttery toast BUT it is also great on toast with avocado, in a sandwich with lettuce and possibly cheese, and of course makes a tasty healthy snack on corn thins.
Oh vegemite, I love you. I especially love eating you very thickly spread while non-Australians look on in horror.
Had never thought of this! I don’t keep vegemite at home. No one likes it but your recipe is really seducing.
I’m not sure vegemite has made it across the pond to the US, But I was still intrigued by your post
You never know, I might just run across some and wonder what the heck I can make with it!
PS: Hope you are feeling all better
I don’t think vegemite has made it across the pond to the US, but I still found the recipe intriguing, and if I ever get my hands on some, I’ll know what to make!
PS: Hope you are feeling better
I’ve never had vegemite—had no idea it had such healing powers…hope you are feeling better!
@Conor – The thicker the spread, the better! **High 5**
@Kristy – It is a good to have. Never know when you need it
@Karen – Do you have Marmite or Bovil in US?
@Debi – I did feel better. It was my first meal of the day
“the thicker the spread the better” LOL!!!
Conor and Penny, I think it would be hilarious and dangerous if we ever met up!!!!
@Karen – you can get Vegemite in Canada and I know in some specialty stores in the US. It’s just so much more expensive…
what a great idea! my aussie huzzie will love this. thanks!
@Mardi – I think it will be great if we all met up. We will have so much fun!
@Short and Bald – Gosh! I bet it will be a pleasant surprise if you made it for him.
I’ve been dying to try the new Cheesybite version ever since I heard about it. Finally was able to score a couple of jars when a kind Aussie neighbor brought some back to NYC after a trip home. Just an hour later and I’m already halfway through one of the jars, sadly. Will save the last teaspoon for this pasta recipe as it is a pretty cool idea. Though I will make it with Bacon Bits to keep it vegetarian; may post back with results. Thanks for the intriguing post.
Just reading this as I am having cheesybite and avocado on toast with scrambled eggs and topped with pancetta! I hope you like it. And get your neighbour to get more if he comes to Oz again. Thanks for visiting the blog!
[...] of Vegemite with boiling water. Another used to like to spread it on fruit. There really are some wacky recipes out there… Personally, I was a more traditional and opted for the butter, toast and cheese [...]
Is there really a good way to avoid hangovers? I don’t think so.
This sounds awesome, I don’t like to each bacon much so I might use on of the fake bacon and see if it tastes any good.
Also a good Vegemite Spaghetti is just normal spagetti paste (or tomato soup with some onion and garlic) and then add a tea spoon (or as much as you like) of vegemite and it adds saltyness and bite. Yum yum. (You can put a bit of mince in too if you like)
Vegemite is also really good with poached eggs on toast. Sooo Good!