Bold statement: Sizzler is back in the spotlight—and this time you can taste a revival that feels both nostalgic and fresh. And yes, the iconic buffet has more to offer than just memories. But here’s where it gets controversial: does a modern version of Sizzler still hit the same nostalgia note while meeting today’s dining standards? Let’s dive in.
Here’s what you need to know.
Sizzler’s revival is real. It’s been a while since Aussies walked into a Sizzler. The chain became a staple for generations, known for hearty choices like stodgy spaghetti bolognese and a familiar soft-serve bar. For many, Sizzler represented one of the buffet pillars that fed family dinners without breaking the bank. In 2020, Australia’s last Sizzler closed, signaling the end of an era for many fans.
Fast-forward six years, and the beloved buffet is making a comeback on Australian soil. Fans of Sizzler have plenty to celebrate as new locations are planned, starting with an opening at the NH Collection Hotel near Sydney Airport, under the umbrella of Minor Hotel. This revival includes additional Sizzler sites slated to roll out across the country.
If you’re wondering whether you can recreate the Sizzler experience at home, you’re in luck. Home cooks and foodies have already cracked the code for Sizzler’s most famous menu item: cheese toast. After the last Sizzler closed, a group of culinary enthusiasts developed a DIY version that captures the essence of the original—plus a modern twist: it can be made entirely in an air fryer.
Taste Food Writer Alison Adams led the charge with an air fryer version of Sizzler-style cheese toast. Her method focuses on two key ideas: use ultra-soft white bread and create a margarine-cheese paste that soaks into the bread and crisps beautifully in the air fryer. The result is crispy, cheesy, and gently salty—without the mess of a frying pan.
Here’s a quick takeaway for making Sizzler-style cheese toast at home:
- You only need three ingredients, plus an air fryer and about 10 minutes.
- Step 1: Mix margarine and cheese and spread it onto the bread.
- Step 2: Air-fry the bread for about 5 minutes until it’s crispy and golden.
For the full, step-by-step guide, you can check the full air fryer recipe linked in the original sources. And while you’re at it, you can pair your cheese toast with the classic Sizzler lineup—steak, salad, and spaghetti bolognese—prepared in a way that nods to the old favorite while staying accessible for modern kitchens.
Controversy and question to consider: Should Sizzler lean into reinvented, higher-end offerings to attract new diners, or should it preserve the traditional buffet feel to honor its roots? Is there a middle ground that satisfies both nostalgia buffs and today’s value-focused diners? Share your thoughts in the comments: do you prefer a pure throwback experience or a contemporary twist on Sizzler’s core dishes?
