Mary Berry Cheese Straws Recipe

Indulge in an irresistible cheese-filled snack with this classic cheese straws recipe from acclaimed British baker Mary Berry. Crispy, flavorful, and simple to make, these cheese pastry twists will be the highlight of your upcoming gathering.

Cheese straws have graced British tea tables since the 19th century. The puff pastry provides a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth base, while the addition of grated hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan gives them a delightfully savory bite. This easy step-by-step tutorial will have you whipping up tray after tray of these irresistible cheesy nibbles.

With a few optional tweaks like spices or herbs, you can put your own creative spin on this classic bite-sized snack. Impress guests at your next party or potluck with Mary Berry’s simple yet satisfying cheese straws.

What is Mary Berry Cheese Straws?

Mary Berry cheese straws are a tasty and easy snack made from puff pastry and cheese. They are crispy, buttery, and cheesy, and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dip. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or afternoon tea.

Why You Love this Recipe

Mary Berry’s Cheese Straws Ingredients

To make Mary Berry’s cheese straws recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour: You will need plain or all-purpose flour to make the puff pastry dough. You will also need some extra flour for dusting your work surface and rolling pin.
• Butter: You will need unsalted butter to make the puff pastry dough. You will also need some melted butter for brushing your cheese straws before baking.
• Salt: You will need a pinch of salt to season your puff pastry dough.
• Water: You will need cold water to bind your puff pastry dough together.
• Cheese: You will need grated cheese to sprinkle over your puff pastry dough. You can use any hard cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, parmesan, or gruyere.
• Egg: You will need one egg to make an egg wash for glazing your cheese straws before baking.
• Milk: You will need a splash of milk to thin out your egg wash.
• Paprika: You will need some paprika to add some color and flavor to your cheese straws. You can also use cayenne pepper or mustard powder if you prefer a spicier kick.

Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowl: You will need a large mixing bowl to make your puff pastry dough.
• Knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut your butter into small pieces.
• Fork: You will need a fork to mix your water into your flour mixture.
• Plastic wrap: You will need some plastic wrap to wrap your puff pastry dough and chill it in the refrigerator.
• Rolling pin: You will need a rolling pin to roll out your puff pastry dough into a thin rectangle.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: You will need a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut your puff pastry dough into thin strips.
• Baking sheet: You will need a large baking sheet to bake your cheese straws on. You will also need some parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet and prevent your cheese straws from sticking.
• Pastry brush: You will need a pastry brush to brush your cheese straws with melted butter and egg wash before baking.
• Wire rack: You will need a wire rack to cool your cheese straws after baking.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Cheese Straws Recipe Step by Step

Here are the steps to make Mary Berry’s cheese straws recipe:

Step 1: Make the Puff Pastry Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, sift 225 grams (8 ounces) of flour and add a pinch of salt. Mix well.
• Cut 175 grams (6 ounces) of butter into small pieces and add them to the flour mixture. Toss them lightly with your fingers until they are coated with flour. Do not rub them in or melt them.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) of cold water. Use a fork to gradually mix the water into the flour mixture until a rough dough forms. Do not overmix or knead the dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Fold the Puff Pastry Dough

• After 15 minutes, take the dough out of the refrigerator and unwrap it. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a long rectangle, about 45 by 15 centimeters (18 by 6 inches).
• Fold the bottom third of the dough up over the middle third, and then fold the top third down over the other two layers. This is called a single fold. Turn the dough 90 degrees clockwise, so that the folded edge is on your left.
• Repeat the rolling and folding process three more times, turning the dough 90 degrees clockwise each time. This will create many layers of butter and air in the dough, which will make it puff up when baked.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap again and chill it in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cut and Twist the Puff Pastry Dough

• After 15 minutes, take the dough out of the refrigerator and unwrap it. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 30 by 40 centimeters (12 by 16 inches) and 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) thick.
• Sprinkle half of the grated cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-centimeter (3/4 inch) border around the edges. Fold the dough in half, enclosing the cheese, and press lightly to seal.
• Cut the dough into thin strips, about 1 centimeter (1/2 inch) wide and 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. You should have about 40 strips.
• Twist each strip several times and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving some space between them. Press the ends of each strip onto the baking sheet to prevent them from untwisting.
• Brush each strip with some melted butter.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cheese Straws

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and place a rack in the middle position.
• In a small bowl, whisk one egg with a splash of milk to make an egg wash. Brush each cheese straw lightly with some egg wash and sprinkle some paprika over them for extra flavor and color.
• Bake your cheese straws for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden and puffed up. Watch them carefully as they can burn easily.
• Transfer your cheese straws to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.