The Ultimate Cheese and Onion Pasty Recipe: A Savory Delight

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful treat? Look no further than the classic cheese and onion pasty! This beloved baked good is perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even a party appetizer. This recipe will guide you through creating perfectly golden, flaky pastries bursting with cheesy, oniony goodness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound pasty-making skills!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes approximately 6 individual pasties. Adjust quantities as needed.

For the Pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 110g chilled butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt
• 5-7 tablespoons of ice-cold water

For the Filling:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 50g butter
• 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 150ml milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Pastry:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
3. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add the ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with a knife until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Form a Dough Ball: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together to form a smooth ball. Wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier pastry.

Preparing the Cheese and Onion Filling:

1. Sauté the Onions: Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
3. Stir in Cheese & Season: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season generously with salt and pepper. A pinch of nutmeg adds a delightful touch!

Assembling and Baking the Pasties:

1. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thickness.
2. Cut out Circles: Use a 10cm cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of pastry.
3. Fill the Pasties: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and onion filling onto one half of each pastry circle.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
5. Bake: Place the pasties onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg for a golden brown finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for the Perfect Pasty:

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and water are essential for a flaky pastry.
• Don't overwork the dough: Overworking develops the gluten, resulting in a tough pastry.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, creating a flakier texture.
• Blind baking (optional): For extra-crispy pastry, you can blind bake the pastry shells for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your delicious cheese and onion pasties warm, straight from the oven. They're fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with a simple side salad or some homemade chutney for an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!