Mary Berry Cheese Straws Recipe

Mary Berry Cheese Straws
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 45 Mins Cook Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 1 Hr

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

You’ll adore this recipe for several reasons:

  • Simplicity: It’s easy and quick to whip up.
  • Minimal Ingredients: With just a few items, you can create puff pastry dough from scratch.
  • Customizable: Tailor it with your choice of cheeses and spices.
  • Aromatic Experience: Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked cheese straws.
  • Guest Approval: Expect a shower of compliments from your guests!

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.

Easy Mary Berry Cheese Straws

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Cheese Straws?

These cheese straws are versatile and pair beautifully with a range of accompaniments:

  1. Dips & Sauces: Match them with your favorite dip or sauce. Consider salsa, guacamole, hummus, sour cream, or ketchup.
  2. Light Meal: For a balanced light meal, serve them alongside fresh fruit, salad, or a comforting bowl of soup.
  3. Plain Indulgence: Of course, their cheesy goodness stands on its own. Feel free to savor them just as they are!

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Cheese Straws

Here are some pro tips to make perfect Mary Berry cheese straws:

  • Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces before adding it to the flour mixture. This will help create the flaky layers in the puff pastry dough.
  • Do not overwork or knead the dough, as this will make it tough and dense. Just mix it lightly until it comes together, and then roll and fold it gently.
  • Chill the dough in the refrigerator between each rolling and folding step. This will help the butter stay cold and solid, which will make the dough puff up more when baked.
  • Cut the dough into thin and even strips, and twist them tightly. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Brush the cheese straws with melted butter and egg wash before baking. This will give them a nice golden color and a glossy finish.
  • Bake the cheese straws in a hot oven for a short time. This will make them crisp and airy, without drying them out.

How to Store Mary Berry Cheese Straws

Storing these delightful cheese straws is simple and ensures they remain crisp and tasty:

  1. Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to three days.
  2. Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to three months.
  3. Reheating: To bring back their original warmth and crispness, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Leave them for about five minutes, or until they’re crisp.

How do I reheat Mary Berry Cheese Straws Leftovers?

You can reheat Mary Berry cheese straws leftovers in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for five minutes, or until crisp. Do not microwave them, as this will make them soggy and chewy.

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FAQs

What kind of cheese can I use for cheese straws?

You can use any hard cheese that melts well for cheese straws, such as cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, or mozzarella. You can also mix different cheeses together for more variety and flavor. Mary Berry’s cheese straws recipe uses a combination of mature cheddar and parmesan cheese.

How do I make puff pastry dough from scratch?

Puff pastry dough is a type of pastry dough that has many layers of butter and air, which makes it rise and puff up when baked. To make puff pastry dough from scratch, you need to follow these steps:

  • Sift the flour and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces and toss them with the flour until coated. Do not rub or melt them.
  • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add cold water. Use a fork to gradually mix the water into the flour until a rough dough forms. Do not overmix or knead it.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  • Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out into a long rectangle. Fold the bottom third of the dough over the middle third, and then fold the top third 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.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap again and chill it in the fridge for another 15 minutes.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s cheese straws recipe is a simple and delicious snack that you can make with puff pastry and cheese. You can customize it with different cheeses and spices, and serve it with any dip or sauce you like. It is a perfect party hit with kids and grown-ups, and it is easy to store and reheat. You will love the crispy, buttery, and cheesy taste of these cheese straws and the compliments you will get from your guests.

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