Savoury Cheesy Herby Welsh Cakes

Name: Savoury Cheesy Herby Welsh Cakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Welsh
Ingredients: 90g butter; 225g all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; 100g cheddar cheese, grated; Small handful (about 2 tablespoons) chives, finely chopped (about 5g); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon sugar (about 30g); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional); ½ tsp salt; Pinch of ground pepper

Welsh cakes, those delightful little treats from Wales, have long been a cherished part of cosy teatimes and family gatherings.

Traditionally, these griddle-cooked cakes are sweet, featuring ingredients like currants, raisins, and spices, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. However, this modern twist is a savoury, cheesy, and herby adaptation.

A Twist on Tradition

These savoury, cheesy, herby Welsh cakes is an alternative to the traditional sweet iteration, tantalising tastebuds in new and exciting ways. While traditional Welsh cakes are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, the savoury variation opens the possibilities for serving them as appetizers, accompaniments to savoury dishes, or even as a standalone treat.

What are Welsh Cakes?

Also known as “picau ar y maen” in Welsh, which translates to “cakes on the stone” referring to their traditional method of cooking on a hot bakestone or griddle, Welsh cakes are a beloved part of Welsh cuisine. These small, round cakes are made from a simple dough flavoured with spices. They’re typically studded with dried fruit such as currants or raisins and cooked until golden brown on the outside and slightly crumbly on the inside.

Easy to Make and Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the most appealing aspects of Welsh cakes, both traditional and savoury, is how easy they are to prepare. They are perfect to make if you’re a novice baker or a seasoned cook looking for something different. Their simplicity makes them perfect for whipping up on a whim or as a quick addition to any gathering or celebration.

What sets savoury, cheesy, herby Welsh cakes apart is their versatile flavour profile. By incorporating savoury elements like cheese and herbs, these cakes take on a whole new taste dimension. Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and depth, while fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme infuse the cakes with vibrant, aromatic notes.

Another reason for the popularity of savoury, cheesy, herby Welsh cakes is their reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients. Just like their sweet counterparts, they are made from basic kitchen staples. By using quality ingredients and allowing their natural flavours to shine, these Welsh cakes deliver big flavuor without the need for complicated or exotic components.

How to Serve Savoury, Cheesy, Herby Welsh Cakes

The versatility of savoury Welsh cakes extends to how they can be served. While they can certainly be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack, there are countless ways to incorporate them into meals and gatherings.

Appetizers: Serve savoury Welsh cakes as appetizers at cocktail parties or gatherings. Top them with a dollop of herbed cream cheese or a slice of smoked salmon for an elegant twist.
Side Dish: Pair savoury Welsh cakes with soups, stews, or salads for a hearty and satisfying meal. Their savoury flavour complements a wide range of dishes, adding a touch of indulgence to any meal.
Brunch or Breakfast: Include savoury Welsh cakes as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. They make a delightful addition to a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch with friends and family.
Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings: Pack savoury Welsh cakes in a picnic basket for a day out in the countryside or enjoy them at a backyard barbecue.
Teatime Treat: While traditionally associated with sweet treats, Welsh cakes are equally at home on the teatime table in their savoury incarnation. Pair them with a cup of hot tea for a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Welsh Cakes and Wine

These savoury, cheesy, herby Welsh cakes pair perfectly with wines that won’t be overpowered by the cheese. Choose wines with good acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and herbs, and consider a lighter to medium body to avoid overwhelming the delicate Welsh cakes.

Sparkling Wines: A dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or Brut Cava would be a great choice. The bubbles will help cut through the richness of the cheese, and the light body won’t overpower the Welsh cakes. Look for a sparkling wine with notes of citrus or green apple to complement the herbs.
Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or the Loire Valley in France would be another excellent option. These wines are known for their high acidity and notes of grapefruit, lemon, and minerality, which will pair well with the cheese and herbs.
Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir from Oregon or Burgundy could also work well. Choose a Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth, which will complement the savory flavors of the Welsh cakes without being too heavy.
Rosé: A dry rosé wine from Provence or Italy would be a fun and refreshing pairing. Look for a rosé with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of minerality to complement the cheese and herbs.

If you’re using a strong cheese like a blue cheese, you might want to choose a wine with a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavours. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect pairing is to experiment and see what you like best!

Loved These Savoury, Cheesy, Herby Welsh Cakes?

If you try this recipe, let us know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. Happy baking!

You can also up your canape game with these recipes to go with your savoury Welsh cakes:

Candied Bacon Dates

Labneh Stuffed Olives

Potato Stacks with Caviar or Truffle

Frequently Asked Questions

Other than cheddar, what cheese can I use?

Experiment with your favorite cheeses like parmesan, goat cheese, or a crumbly blue cheese. Any strong flavoured-cheese like Gruyère, Jarlsberg, Emmental, flavoured Wensleydale – the list goes on. But a smoked cheddar is an excellent standard choice.

What herbs can I substitute for chives?

Fresh parsley, dill, or a combination would work well.

Can I make these Welsh cakes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and cook the Welsh cakes, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

How do I reheat Welsh cakes?

Reheat leftover Welsh cakes in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for two to three minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I make these Welsh cakes gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, I haven’t tested this, so let me know if you do!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use high-quality dried herbs and a little more than what the recipe calls for fresh.

Is there anything I can use instead of herbs?

Try poppy seeds or sauteed spinach for flavour and texture.

How can I serve these savoury Welsh cakes?

Appetizers: Serve savoury Welsh cakes as appetizers at cocktail parties or gatherings. Top them with a dollop of herbed cream cheese or a slice of smoked salmon for an elegant twist.
Side Dish: Pair savoury Welsh cakes with soups, stews, or salads for a hearty and satisfying meal. Their savoury flavour complements a wide range of dishes, adding a touch of indulgence to any meal.
Brunch or Breakfast: Include savoury Welsh cakes as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. They make a delightful addition to a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch with friends and family.
Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings: Pack savoury Welsh cakes in a picnic basket for a day out in the countryside or enjoy them at a backyard barbecue.
Teatime Treat: While traditionally associated with sweet treats, Welsh cakes are equally at home on the teatime table in their savoury incarnation. Pair them with a cup of hot tea for a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

What wine will pair well with the savoury, cheesy, herby Welsh cakes?

Choose wines with good acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and herbs, and consider a lighter to medium body to avoid overwhelming the delicate Welsh cakes.

Sparkling Wines: A dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or Brut Cava would be a great choice. The bubbles will help cut through the richness of the cheese, and the light body won’t overpower the Welsh cakes. Look for a sparkling wine with notes of citrus or green apple to complement the herbs.
Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or the Loire Valley in France would be another excellent option. These wines are known for their high acidity and notes of grapefruit, lemon, and minerality, which will pair well with the cheese and herbs.
Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir from Oregon or Burgundy could also work well. Choose a Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth, which will complement the savory flavors of the Welsh cakes without being too heavy.
Rosé: A dry rosé wine from Provence or Italy would be a fun and refreshing pairing. Look for a rosé with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of minerality to complement the cheese and herbs.