This Mary Berry Cheese Straws recipe is a flaky and cheesy recipe, which is made with all-butter puff pastry and mature cheddar. It’s the perfect party nibble, ready in about 30 minutes.
Mary Berry Cheese Straws Recipe Ingredients
- 1 x 320g sheet of ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry
- 100g (1 cup) mature or extra-mature cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon English mustard powder OR ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling
How To Make Mary Berry Cheese Straws
- Prep the Oven and Pastry: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan, Gas Mark 6). Line two large baking sheets with baking parchment. Unroll the sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface.
- Add the Cheese: Brush one half of the pastry rectangle with a little of the beaten egg. Sprinkle the grated cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the optional mustard powder or cayenne pepper evenly over the egg-washed half.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the plain half of the pastry over the cheese-covered half. Gently press it down with a rolling pin to seal it and to press the cheese into the pastry.
- Cut and Twist: Brush the top of the pastry with more beaten egg. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the pastry into thin strips, about 1-2cm (½ inch) wide. Carefully pick up each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the twisted straws onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. If you like, sprinkle with a few sesame or poppy seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the straws are puffed up, crisp, and a deep golden brown.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the flakiest, puffiest straws? The most important secret is to keep your puff pastry as cold as possible right up until it goes into the very hot oven. This creates the best puff and the flakiest layers.
- What’s the best cheese to use for cheese straws? A strong, mature, or extra-mature cheddar will give you the best, most intense cheese flavour. For the best result, always grate your own cheese from a block.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. The baked cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can also prepare the unbaked straws, freeze them solid on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes! While cheddar is classic, these are also delicious made with a finely grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or a mix of your favourite hard cheeses.
What To Serve With Cheese Straws
These are a classic British party nibble or appetizer. They are perfect:
- Served on their own with drinks at a party.
- As a crunchy accompaniment to a bowl of soup (especially tomato soup).
- As part of a larger cheese or charcuterie board.
- As a simple savory snack for kids and adults alike.
How To Store Cheese Straws
- Room Temperature: Store the completely cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3 days, though they may lose some of their crispness over time.
- Refresh: To restore their crispy texture, you can place them on a baking sheet in a hot oven for just 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cheese Straws Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 straw
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why are my cheese straws not flaky?
This is usually because the puff pastry got too warm before it went into the oven, which causes the butter to melt out rather than create steam. Working quickly and using a hot oven are the keys to a perfect puff.
Do I have to twist the straws?
No, but twisting them is what gives them their classic, elegant look and a wonderful, crunchy texture. You can also just bake them as flat strips if you are short on time.
Can I make my own puff pastry?
You certainly can, but for a quick and easy recipe like this, a good quality, all-butter, ready-rolled puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that even Mary Berry would approve of!
Try More Recipes:
Mary Berry Cheese Straws Recipe
Description
A classic, quick, and easy recipe for flaky, cheesy puff pastry straws, perfect for parties, picnics, or as a simple savory snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Unroll the puff pastry.
- Brush one half of the pastry with beaten egg. Sprinkle the cheese and seasonings evenly over the egg-washed half.
- Fold the plain half over the cheese half and gently press with a rolling pin.
- Brush the top with more egg wash and cut the pastry into thin, 1-2cm wide strips.
- Twist each strip several times and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until puffed, crisp, and deep golden brown.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to work with the puff pastry while it is still cold and to use a very hot oven for the best puff.
- For the most intense flavor, use a strong, extra-mature cheddar cheese that you’ve grated yourself.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets; give the straws space to puff up and become crisp on all sides.
- These are a perfect make-ahead party snack; they can be frozen unbaked and cooked directly from the freezer.
Mary Berry Cheese Straws Recipe