Bakery-Style Cheese and Marmite Twists With Puff Pastry
Indulge in the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry and savoury cheese with these easy cheddar cheese and marmite twists. With just a few ingredients, these bakery-style treats are both simple and delicious. Get ready to enjoy every bite!
Recipe Overview
Skill Level:
BEGINNER
Prep Time:
10 MINUTES
Cook Time:
20 MINUTES
What Makes This Recipe Great
Quick and Tasty After School Snack: These cheese twists are perfect for satisfying hungry kids when they come home from school. Not only are they super quick to make and bake, but they’re also incredibly delicious!
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy the same great taste as store-bought cheese straws but at a fraction of the cost. Making these homemade cheese twists is a fantastic money-saving option without compromising on flavour.
For the Marmite Lovers: Marmite isn’t just for spreading on toast—it’s a versatile ingredient that adds a unique flavour to various dishes. If you’re a fan of Marmite, you’ll absolutely adore these cheese twists infused with its distinctive taste. It’s a delicious way to explore the versatility of this unique ingredient in the kitchen!
There’s something irresistible about those cheesy straws you find at the local bakery, but they can be quite expensive. That’s why I decided to make my own, and let me tell you, they taste amazing! With this recipe, you can make 10 delicious cheese twists with simple ingredients, at a fraction of the cost.
The only problem is, once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop! They’re just that good.
Now, let’s talk about Marmite. It’s no secret that this ingredient can be quite divisive. In my family, we have mixed opinions about it. The children and I absolutely love it, but my Italian partner can’t stand it! Marmite is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it kind of thing. There’s no middle ground when it comes to this stuff!
I’m always on the lookout for quick and homemade after-school snacks that are made from scratch. These puff pastry cheese straws, just like my cheese and Marmite scones, are perfect when you’re in a hurry. And, if you want another option, everyone will go crazy for these Sausage Bean and Cheese Melts too!
And, if you’re looking for some more Marmite recipes, try this delicious Cheese and Marmite Bread next!
Check Out These Puff Pastry Recipes
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A classic British recipe that originates in London. Filled with Jam and topped with frangipane.
Equipment Needed:
- Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and roll out the puff pastry dough. If you’re using ready-rolled puff pastry, you won’t need this.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet/baking tray, is used to place the twisted cheese straws for baking in the oven. Line it with baking paper/parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is used to brush the marmite and beaten egg onto the puff pastry.
- Cheese Grater: A cheese grater is needed to grate the cheese for the filling. Choose a medium-sized grater to achieve the desired texture.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: A sharp knife or a pizza cutter is used to cut the puff pastry into strips and to trim the edges.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is used to allow the baked cheese twists to cool down properly after coming out of the oven. This helps to maintain their crispiness and stops the bottoms from turning soggy.
Ingredients:
- Puff Pastry – There is no substitute for puff pastry in this Cheese straws recipe. The puff pastry gives the cheese straws their signature flakiness. However, you can buy it ready-rolled to save some time, or roll it out from a block.
- Cheddar Cheese – These marmite and cheese twists are best with strong cheddar but you can also add parmesan, red Leicester, Gouda or Gruyere cheese.
- Dijon Mustard – Gives these cheese twists a mild little kick in flavour.
- Marmite – Cheese and Marmite are the perfect pair. There’s no substitute for Marmite but you can use an unbranded yeast extract. You can also leave it out if you prefer.
Step-By-Step Guide – How To Make Puff-Pastry Cheese and Marmite Twists
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course you can, you can still flavour them with a little Dijon mustard and the cheddar cheese.
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with your favourite cheese. Gouda, Parmesan, or even a combination of cheeses can add unique flavours to the straws.
Yes, you can make mini-sized cheese twists by cutting the puff pastry into smaller strips before twisting them.
Mastering This Recipe – Expert Tips
- Change the Size: If you’re serving these cheese and Marmite straws for a picnic or for little hands, consider making them smaller. You can easily get 20 or even 30 bite-sized straws from the same ingredients. It’s great for portion control or for sharing with a larger group.
- Freezer Friendly: These Marmite and cheese straws can be frozen. To freeze them, it’s best to do so before baking. Lay the unbaked straws separately on a tray and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can place them directly from the freezer onto a baking sheet, brush with egg and top with cheddar then bake them a little longer than fresh ones.
- Keep the Pastry Cool Before Baking: For the best puff pastry results, it’s important to keep the pastry cool before baking. If you don’t plan on baking them immediately, refrigerate the prepared cheese and Marmite Twists until you’re ready. This helps to prevent the butter in the pastry from melting too quickly, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Heat the Marmite for Easy Spreading: Marmite can be a bit sticky to work with, but you can make it more spreadable by gently heating it. Use short bursts in the microwave, around 5-10-second intervals, until it becomes more runny. Heating it briefly will make it easier to spread evenly onto the pastry.
- Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to get creative with flavours and spices. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dash of smoked paprika, or a pinch of dried herbs to customise the taste of your cheese Marmite straws.
Storage
- Storage: If you plan to eat the Marmite and cheese straws within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and moisture absorption.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or if you want to extend the shelf life of the Marmite straws, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Properly stored, they can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: For best results, it’s best to freeze the Marmite twists before baking, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before packing them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, you can bake them from frozen, in a preheated oven. You will find they need a little longer in the oven to cook through so adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Reheating: If you like the cheese twists a little warm or wish to freshen them up. Place in a preheated oven on a low temperature for a few minutes to warm through.
Bakery-Style Cheese and Marmite Twists With Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 500 g Puff Pastry Block
- 50 g Cheddar, plus extra for topping
- 0.5 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Marmite
- 1 Egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
- Divide the puff pastry block into two pieces and roll each piece out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 25x35cm (10×14 inches).
- In a bowl, mix the mustard, marmite, and a splash of water. Spread this mixture over one of the pastry rectangles.
- Finely grate the cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the marmite mixture.
- Brush one side of the other piece of pastry with the beaten egg. Carefully place it over the cheese-topped pastry, pressing down to seal the edges.
- Cut the pastry into approximately 9-10 thick slices.
- Place each slice on a lined and greased baking tray, leaving some space between them.
- Twist each slice a few times to create a spiral shape. Brush the top of each twist with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top of the twists.
- Place the baking tray with the twists into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and puffed.
- Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Change the Size: Make smaller cheese straws for picnics or little hands. Get 20-30 bite-sized straws. Great for portion control or sharing.
- Freezable Delights: Freeze unbaked cheese straws for 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adjusting the baking time.
- Keep the Pastry Cool: Refrigerate prepared cheese straws. Prevents quick butter melting and ensures a flaky texture.
- Heat the Marmite: Warm Marmite for easy spreading. Use short microwave bursts.
- Experiment with Flavours: Get creative with Parmesan, paprika, or herbs. Customize your cheese straws.
