Herby Cheese and Onion Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Savory Shortcrust Pastry:

• 175 grams unsalted butter
• 200 grams plain flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk, for glazing

Optional addition: 

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Cheese and Onion Filling:

• 225 grams good quality aged cheddar
• 225 grams freshly blitzed breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 4 tablespoons fresh double cream
• 1 heaped teaspoon English mustard powder
• 1 level teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 heaped tablespoon freshly chopped chives
• 1 heaped tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• 1 heaped tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt to taste

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Make the Pastry:

1. Freeze butter: Place butter in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
2. Cut in butter: Add half of the flour to a bowl. Grate the frozen butter into the flour, dipping the butter into the flour to create a coating for each grate.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Sift all of the flour (including that from the butter bowl) into the mixing bowl containing grated butter. Using a wooden spoon, mix the flour and butter until it resembles a bread crumb-like texture.
4. Add water: Add ice-cold water to the mix, 50 ml at a time, until it comes together to form a dough. Avoid adding too much water.
5. Chill dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Make the Cheese and Onion Filling:

1. Process breadcrumbs: Add bread to a food processor and blitz until it resembles a fine crumb.
2. Combine ingredients: Combine grated cheese, onion, breadcrumbs, cream, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, herbs, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Assemble and Bake the Rolls:

1. Roll out pastry: Take the chilled pastry and lay it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the pastry vertically and horizontally until about 2/3 mm thick.
2. Add filling: Place the cheese and onion filling onto the pastry near the bottom. Roll the pastry over the filling to form a long roll, sealing the edges with your thumb or fork.
3. Slice rolls: Slice the roll into 12 evenly sized chunks (or 24 for smaller rolls).
4. Freeze (optional): If desired, freeze the rolls at this stage. Wrap in greaseproof paper and put into freezer bags.
5. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius (fan assisted). Put a baking tray in the oven to heat up.
6. Prepare rolls: Brush the tops of the rolls generously with egg yolk wash and top with flaky sea salt.
7. Bake: Bake rolls on the preheated tray lined with baking paper for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them for the last 5 minutes.
8. Cool and serve: Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before eating.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add spinach, kale, crumbled feta cheese, or red pepper flakes to the filling.
• For a richer texture: Use a combination of butter and olive oil for the pastry.
• For a sweeter taste: Add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the filling.

Enjoy your delicious Cheese and Onion Pastry Rolls!