When it comes to comfort food, a rich and creamy cheese sauce is the perfect accompaniment to many a dish. And who better to learn from than the queen of British baking herself, Mary Berry? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of cheesy goodness and explore the secrets behind Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce recipe.
A Brief History of Cheese Sauce
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a step back and appreciate the rich history behind cheese sauce. This creamy condiment has been a staple in many cuisines around the world for centuries. From the French Bechamel to the Greek Moussaka, cheese sauce has played a starring role in many a dish.
In the UK, cheese sauce is often associated with comfort food, particularly when paired with pasta, vegetables, or as a dip for crackers. Mary Berry’s recipe, in particular, has become a benchmark for many home cooks, with its smooth, velvety texture and deep, rich flavor.
The Ingredients: Quality Matters
Before we begin, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of using high-quality ingredients. Mary Berry’s cheese sauce recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, with only a handful of ingredients required. However, the quality of these ingredients will make all the difference in the final result.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) grated mature cheddar cheese (such as Montgomery or West Country)
- 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Role of Butter in Cheese Sauce
Butter is often the unsung hero of cheese sauce, providing a rich, creamy base for the sauce. When selecting butter, look for high-quality, unsalted options. Salted butter can be too overpowering, while low-quality butters may contain additives that affect the flavor and texture of the sauce.
The Importance of Mature Cheddar
Mature cheddar is a crucial component of Mary Berry’s cheese sauce recipe. This type of cheese is characterized by its rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture. When selecting a mature cheddar, look for options with a minimum age of 12 months. This will ensure a deeper, more complex flavor profile that will elevate the entire sauce.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to create Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce:
Step 1: Create a Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture forms a smooth, pale yellow roux.
Step 2: Add the Milk
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and Variations
While Mary Berry’s recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, there are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
Using Different Cheeses
While mature cheddar is the star of the show, feel free to experiment with other cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Gruyère, Emmental, or even feta cheese can add a tangy twist to the sauce.
Adding Flavor Boosters
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Thickening the Sauce
If the sauce becomes too thin, whisk in a little more flour or butter to thicken. Conversely, if the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk.
Serving Suggestions
Mary Berry’s cheese sauce is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
Pasta and Vegetables
Toss cooked pasta with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, and drizzle with the cheese sauce.
Cheesy Dippers
Serve the cheese sauce as a dip for crackers, crudités, or even cooked meats like chicken or bacon.
Baked Delights
Use the cheese sauce as a topping for baked mac and cheese, lasagna, or even a cheesy gratin.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a handful of high-quality ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a rich, creamy sauce that will elevate any dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.
So go ahead, give Mary Berry’s cheese sauce a try, and indulge in the creamy delight that has captured the hearts of foodies around the world.
What type of cheese is best for Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce?
The type of cheese to use in Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce is a matter of personal preference, but a combination of cheddar and Parmesan is a classic choice. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
The key is to use a mix of cheeses that melt well and have a rich, tangy flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that can affect the sauce’s texture. Instead, grate your cheese fresh from the block for the best results.
Do I need to make a roux for the cheese sauce?
Yes, making a roux is an essential step in creating Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked together until it reaches a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a rich, velvety texture.
To make the roux, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired color and aroma. This will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce that coats your pasta or vegetables perfectly.
How do I avoid a lumpy cheese sauce?
To avoid a lumpy cheese sauce, it’s essential to whisk the mixture continuously, especially when adding the milk or cream. This helps to break down any lumps that may form and incorporate the liquid ingredients smoothly.
Another tip is to add the milk or cream gradually, whisking between each addition. This helps to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or lumpy. If you do notice any lumps forming, simply whisk the sauce more vigorously or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Can I make Mary Berry’s cheese sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s cheese sauce in advance, which is ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating the sauce, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat the sauce in the microwave, whisking every 10 seconds until hot and smooth. This flexibility makes it easy to prepare the sauce in advance and enjoy it whenever you need it.
What’s the best way to serve Mary Berry’s cheese sauce?
Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It’s a classic accompaniment to macaroni, cauliflower cheese, or baked potatoes, but you can also use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Another idea is to use the cheese sauce as a topping for gratins, casseroles, or soups. You can also add some cooked ham, bacon, or herbs to the sauce for added flavor and texture. Whatever you choose, the rich and creamy cheese sauce is sure to elevate any dish to new heights.
Can I customize Mary Berry’s cheese sauce to my taste?
Yes, Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce is a great base that you can customize to your taste preferences. You can add different herbs or spices to give the sauce a unique flavor, such as paprika, mustard, or dried thyme.
Other options include adding some diced ham, bacon, or cooked vegetables to the sauce for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or ratios of cheese to create a sauce that suits your taste buds. Feel free to get creative and make the sauce your own!
Is Mary Berry’s cheese sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
The original Mary Berry cheese sauce recipe contains butter and dairy cheese, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to make it vegan-friendly by using vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
For vegetarians, the original recipe is fine as long as you use vegetable-based milk and avoid any animal-derived ingredients. You can also use vegetarian-friendly cheese options, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, to create a creamy sauce. With a few tweaks, Mary Berry’s iconic cheese sauce can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.