Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits are a delicious snack, featuring a crispy, buttery, and cheesy dough that melts in your mouth. They are easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite herbs, spices, or seeds. They are perfect for serving with soups, salads, dips, or just munching on their own.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.
What is Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits Recipe?
Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits are a type of savory shortbread, made with flour, butter, cheese, and a pinch of salt. They are also known as cheese straws, cheese sables, or cheese crackers. They are a popular British snack, often served at tea time, parties, or picnics. They are named after Mary Berry, a famous British baker, author, and television personality, who has published several recipes for cheese biscuits. This recipe makes about 24 biscuits and can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes.
Other Biscuit Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits recipe offers numerous delightful benefits, making it a favorite for both novice and seasoned bakers:
- Simplicity: With its straightforward method and a short list of ingredients, this recipe is remarkably easy to follow. You’ll appreciate the minimal equipment required, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizability: Tailor these biscuits to your personal preference or the needs of any occasion by incorporating a variety of flavors and toppings. This adaptability ensures they’re perfect for any event or taste.
- Flavorful Enjoyment: Each bite offers a symphony of tastes — the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and buttery textures that dissolve delightfully in your mouth. These biscuits are sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Ideal for Sharing: Their bite-sized elegance and festive appearance make these biscuits perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. Enjoy the pleasure of sharing these homemade treats with friends and family.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits
To make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 g (7 oz) plain flour
- 100 g (3.5 oz) butter, cut into small pieces
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mature cheddar cheese, grated
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Optional: your choice of herbs, spices, or seeds, such as rosemary, thyme, paprika, cumin, sesame, or poppy seeds
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits
To make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Make the dough
- In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the cheese and salt, and knead the dough lightly until it comes together. You can also use a food processor to make the dough, by pulsing the flour, butter, cheese, and salt until a ball forms.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little water. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Roll out the dough and cut out the biscuits
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm (1/4 inch).
- Cut out the biscuits using a round cookie cutter, a fluted pastry wheel, or a sharp knife. You can also shape the dough into a log and slice it into rounds.
- Re-roll the scraps and cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used up.
Step 4: Brush the biscuits with egg and sprinkle with toppings
- Transfer the biscuits to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with some of the beaten egg, and sprinkle with your choice of herbs, spices, or seeds, if using.
Step 5: Bake the biscuits and let them cool
- Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Let the biscuits cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits?
The versatility of Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits makes them a delightful snack on their own or as part of a more elaborate spread.
Consider pairing them with:
- Soups: Enhance the flavors of tomato, carrot, or broccoli soup with these biscuits.
- Salads: Complement green salads, coleslaw, or potato salads for a balanced meal.
- Dips: Elevate your snacking experience with dips like hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
- Cheese: Pair with soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, or a pungent blue cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Fruits: A selection of grapes, apples, or pears can add a refreshing contrast.
- Wines: Accompany with white, red, or sparkling wines to suit the occasion or personal preference.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cheese biscuits is simple with these expert tips:
- Cold Butter: Start with cold, grated butter to ensure your biscuits have that desired flaky and tender texture.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for mature cheddar for depth of flavor, though parmesan, gruyere, or mozzarella are excellent alternatives.
- Dough Handling: Avoid over-kneading the dough to prevent the biscuits from becoming tough. A light touch is key.
- Cutting Biscuits: Use a straight-down motion with your cookie cutter to avoid sealing the edges, ensuring a proper rise.
- Pricking: A few fork pricks prevent the biscuits from puffing up too much during baking.
- Storage: Keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for a week or freeze for up to a month for extended freshness.
Variations of Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits
Personalize your Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits with these inspiring variations:
- Flavor Add-Ins: Integrate herbs, spices, or seeds like rosemary, thyme, paprika, cumin, sesame, or poppy seeds into the dough or as toppings for added flavor.
- Extra Ingredients: Consider incorporating chopped nuts, dried fruits, olives, or bacon bits into the dough for texture and taste.
- Shapes and Sizes: Experiment with different biscuit shapes such as squares, triangles, or stars to suit the occasion.
- Cheese Twists: Transform the dough into thin strips, twist, and bake for a fun and elegant snack.
- Cheese Straws: Slice the dough into long strips and bake for a classic snack option.
- Cheese Scones: For a different take, add baking powder and milk to the dough and cut into larger rounds for cheesy scones.
How do I Store Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits Leftovers?
Ensure your Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits maintain their delicious taste and texture with proper storage:
- Cooling: Allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack to preserve their crispness.
- Packaging: Place the cooled biscuits in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag to maintain freshness.
- Storage Location: Keep the container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the biscuits for up to a month.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits Leftovers?
Revive the freshly-baked taste of Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits effortlessly:
- Preheating: Warm your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Arrangement: Spread the biscuits in a single layer on the tray, ensuring they are not touching for even reheating.
- Heating: Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until they are thoroughly warmed and the texture is to your liking.
- Serving: Enjoy the biscuits as they are, or pair them with your choice of dips or spreads for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits?
Yes, while mature cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich flavor, you can experiment with various types of cheese according to your taste preferences. Parmesan, Gruyère, and mozzarella are excellent alternatives, each bringing a unique flavor profile to the biscuits. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the buttery texture of the biscuits.
How do I ensure my cheese biscuits are crispy and not soggy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, make sure to use cold butter, and avoid overworking the dough. Also, baking at the right temperature, as specified in the recipe, is crucial. Letting the biscuits cool on a wire rack after baking helps prevent them from becoming soggy by allowing air to circulate around them.
Can I make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! These biscuits can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for entertaining. After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven before serving to restore their crispy texture.
Are there any gluten-free options for Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits?
Yes, to make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that can be used as a direct replacement for wheat flour. Note that the texture might be slightly different, but the biscuits will still be deliciously cheesy and buttery.
Nutrition value per biscuit:
- 200 calories
- 20 grams fat
- 4 grams protein
- 8 grams carbs
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry Cheese Biscuits step by step. This recipe is easy, versatile, and delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!