A method of producing recombinant proteins, or polypeptides, in bacteria or other host cells grown on a substantially solid, i.e., solid or semi-solid, nutrient growth medium harboring DNA sequences of interest for encoding the recombinant proteins under the control of an inducer-regulated promoter or constitutive promoter. The bacteria are harvested from the solid or semi-solid nutrient medium and the desired recombinant protein is recovered by disrupting the surface of the bacteria.