Marmite and Cheese Straws

Marmite and cheese straws are a delightful savoury snack that combines the rich umami flavour of Marmite with the savoury goodness of cheese, all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry. They're incredibly easy to prepare, especially using an air fryer, which delivers perfectly crisp results with less time and mess than traditional baking. Here's a comprehensive guide to making your own Marmite and cheese straws, complete with useful tips and variations.

Ingredients

  • Ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
  • 2 tbsp Marmite
  • 100g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
  • Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for extra kick

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet (if needed)
Marmite and Cheese Straws Preparation

Instructions

  1. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If it’s not already square, gently roll it out with a rolling pin to form a rectangle.
  2. Spread a thin layer of Marmite evenly over the pastry, taking care to cover the entire surface.
  3. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese over the Marmite layer.
  4. Optional: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper if desired for an extra flavour kick.
  5. Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, pressing down gently to help the layers stick together.
  6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into strips approximately 1 cm wide.
  7. Twist each strip gently to create a spiral effect and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to expand slightly.
  8. Brush the twists with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
  9. Set your air fryer to 200°C and cook the twists for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Marmite and cheese straws are delightful when served warm as an appetizer, party snack, or a cheeky nibble alongside a soup or stews. For a special touch, dip them in a bit of mustard or tangy chutney.

Storage

Store any leftover straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To revive their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Marmite and Cheese Straws in Air Fryer

Tips for Success

  • For the best results, use cold pastry straight from the fridge. Warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle.
  • If you're making these for a large party, consider doubling the batch, as these tasty treats tend to disappear quickly!
  • Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavour profiles – Parmesan, Red Leicester, or even a blue cheese could offer something unique.
Finished Marmite and Cheese Straws

Variations

While the classic Marmite and cheddar combination is always a winner, there are several variations you can try:

  • Herb Infused: Add some freshly chopped chives or parsley to the cheese layer for a hint of freshness.
  • Spicy Delight: Incorporate chilli flakes into the Marmite layer for those who enjoy a kick of heat.
  • Vegan Option: Use vegan puff pastry and cheese substitutes to create a plant-based version of this snack.

By following this comprehensive recipe and utilizing your trusty air fryer, you can create exquisite Marmite and cheese straws with ease. Ideal for any occasion, perfect for sharing, and utterly delicious, these straws are sure to become a favourite.