Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws are a delicious, crispy snack made from puff pastry, cheese and a few simple seasonings. They’re perfect for a party or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. These straws are light, buttery and full of cheesy flavor. The key here is the balance between the puff pastry’s crisp texture and the sharpness of the cheese, usually something like mature cheddar. What makes Jamie Oliver’s version stand out is how he keeps the ingredients simple but elevates them with a little twist. like a hint of cayenne pepper or mustard powder to give the straws an extra layer of flavor.
Jamie Oliver Cheese Straws Recipe
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need a huge list of ingredients to make these. In fact, the beauty of Jamie’s recipe is that it’s made with just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Puff pastry: This is the base of the recipe. You can either buy it pre-made (Jamie uses ready-rolled puff pastry) or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Cheese: The star of the show. A strong, flavorful cheese is the way to go. Sharp cheddar is commonly used but you could also experiment with Gruyère or Parmesan for a different twist.
- Mustard powder: This adds a little zing, balancing out the richness of the cheese and puff pastry.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch of this can give the straws a subtle kick. It’s optional but I think it makes the cheese flavor pop.
- Flour: Just a dusting to roll out the puff pastry.
- Egg: Used to brush the straws, giving them that gorgeous golden finish.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, to bring out the flavors of the cheese and other ingredients.
Equipment Needed
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws is pretty straightforward and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s a list of the basic stuff:
- Baking sheet: A simple baking tray is all you need to bake the straws on.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the puff pastry to the right thickness.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter: This is to cut the pastry into strips once it’s all assembled.
- Pastry brush: For brushing the egg wash onto the pastry which gives the straws their golden sheen.
- Grater: You’ll need this to grate the cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-grated.
- Mixing bowl: If you want to mix the seasonings together before sprinkling them over the pastry, a small bowl is handy.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws
Making these cheese straws is as easy as it gets and you don’t need to be a seasoned cook to pull them off. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to about 200°C (400°F). You’ll want it nice and hot to ensure the puff pastry puffs up perfectly.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be around 3mm thick-thin enough for a good crunch but thick enough to hold the cheese.
- Season the pastry: Sprinkle mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper over the rolled-out pastry. Grate your cheese (around 100g or so) and sprinkle it generously on top.
- Fold and roll: Fold the pastry in half so the cheese is sealed inside and then roll it again slightly to make it even more compact.
- Cut the straws: Slice the pastry into strips, about 1cm wide. The strips don’t need to be perfect, so don’t stress about getting them exactly the same size.
- Egg wash: Beat an egg and brush it over the top of each strip. This will give your cheese straws that golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Place the straws on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven for around 12-15 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You want them to be crisp, so be patient!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws is a surprisingly simple process that can elevate your snack game instantly. The key takeaway for me was how the small details-like the mustard powder and cayenne-can turn a basic snack into something special. The puff pastry does all the heavy lifting but the seasonings really bring out the cheese’s flavor. I also realized how versatile these are. You could swap out the cheese for something more adventurous like blue cheese or even add a bit of caramelized onion to the mix. You don’t have to stick to the recipe exactly to get a fantastic result.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws
Jamie Oliver’s cheese straws are already pretty amazing but if you feel like experimenting or just want to tweak the flavor, there are plenty of fun ways to make them your own. The classic recipe is simple, relying on good-quality puff pastry, cheddar cheese and a little mustard for extra zing. But here are some ideas to elevate it further:
- Cheese Variety: Swap out the cheddar for something bolder, like a strong blue cheese, Gruyère or Parmesan. Each will bring a unique depth to the flavor. Blue cheese, in particular, will add a nice sharpness that pairs well with the flaky pastry.
- Spices and Herbs: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika or even some freshly ground black pepper to the cheese mixture. Fresh thyme or rosemary can infuse a lovely aromatic quality to the straws. You could also experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an added savory kick.
- Mustard Options: Jamie’s recipe often calls for Dijon mustard but if you like a bit of sweetness or heat, try swapping in wholegrain mustard, English mustard or even a little honey mustard for a different twist.
- Bacon or Prosciutto: For a more decadent version, consider adding crumbled bacon or finely chopped prosciutto to the cheese mixture before you roll it up. It adds a savory, salty punch that’s hard to resist.
- Vegan Twist: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, it’s totally doable! You can use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the cheese with vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great option to give that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Sweet & Savory Combo: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a little drizzle of honey or fig jam on top of the baked cheese straws for a sweet and savory combo. You could even sprinkle some sea salt on top just before baking for that perfect balance.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
When it comes to leftovers, cheese straws hold up pretty well but proper storage is key to maintaining that crispy, flaky texture. Here are a few storage tips to keep them tasting fresh:
- Cool Completely: Let the cheese straws cool completely before storing them. If you store them while still warm, moisture can build up and make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for a day or two this way. If you want to keep them fresh for a little longer (up to a week), consider adding a small packet of silica gel or rice to absorb moisture.
- Reheating: The best way to bring them back to life is by popping them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving them as that will make them chewy instead of crispy.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, freezing them is a great option. You can freeze the cheese straws after baking (make sure they’re completely cool). Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat them in the oven straight from the freezer for about 10-12 minutes.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws?
Cheese straws are versatile enough to work with a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ideas to pair them with:
- Charcuterie Board: Serve the cheese straws as part of a larger charcuterie board. Pair them with some cured meats like prosciutto, salami or chorizo. Add some olives, pickles and a few slices of fresh fruit to balance out the richness of the cheese.
- Soup: Cheese straws are an excellent accompaniment to soups, particularly creamy ones. Imagine them alongside a smooth tomato basil soup or a velvety pumpkin soup. The contrast between the crispy straws and the creamy soup is divine.
- Salads: For a lighter pairing, you can serve cheese straws alongside a fresh, zesty salad. A simple spinach and arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works well as the sharpness of the mustard and cheese contrasts nicely with the freshness of the greens.
- Wine: Cheese straws go beautifully with a glass of white wine, especially a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. For something red, try a Pinot Noir. its light body and subtle tannins won’t overpower the cheese flavor.
- Dips and Spreads: Pair cheese straws with various dips, like hummus, tzatziki or even a creamy goat cheese dip. You could also serve them with a simple tomato salsa or a smoky chipotle dip for a spicy kick.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws?
You’ll need puff pastry, mature cheddar, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Straws Take To Bake?
They usually take around 15-20 minutes in the oven at 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens).
