I’ll be honest – the first time I heard the phrase “Cheesy Feet”, I pulled a face. Who wouldn’t? The name conjures up all kinds of unpleasant images. But then I realized it was a Nigella Lawson creation. and if there’s one person I trust to make feet sound appetizing, it’s Nigella. And she doesn’t disappoint.
Nigella’s Cheesy Feet are actually buttery, crumbly cheese biscuits shaped like little feet using a novelty cookie cutter. Yes, feet. It’s cheeky, whimsical and the kind of thing that either makes people laugh or raise an eyebrow. I first stumbled on them while watching Nigella Express, curled up on my couch in a pair of socks far less adorable than those biscuit feet.
I knew instantly: I had to make them. Partly for the flavor (I mean, cheese and butter. what’s not to love?) and partly for the sheer joy of telling people, ’Oh yes, I brought some cheesy feet. Want one?’
They’re salty, sharp and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a cheeky wink baked right in.
Nigella Cheesy Feet Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list is charmingly short – one of those ’use-what-you-have-in-your-fridge’ recipes that still manages to taste like you tried really hard. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 125g plain flour
- 100g soft unsalted butter. this matters; Nigella doesn’t do margarine and neither should you.
- 100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated. the sharper, the better. Don’t skimp here. The cheese is the star.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional but I never skip it). it gives a faint warmth that sneaks up on you.
- Salt but only a small pinch, because the cheese brings plenty.
Now, Nigella doesn’t add extras but once I got comfortable with the base recipe, I started playing. Smoked paprika one time. A mix of aged Gouda and parmesan another. But start with the original. It’s perfect in its simplicity.
Equipment Needed
This is not one of those ’pull out your stand mixer and four sieves’ kind of deals. That’s the beauty of it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl – medium-sized, nothing fancy.
- Wooden spoon or your hands. and honestly, your hands are better here.
- Grater – for that lovely pile of cheese.
- Baking tray – lined with parchment if you don’t want to scrape stuck feet off later.
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter shaped like feet. here’s the fun part. If you can’t find a foot-shaped one, go for stars or hearts. But the feet? That’s the punchline. I found mine at a weird little baking shop tucked behind the post office.
Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Cheesy Feet
The method is so simple, it’s almost meditative. I made these while listening to an audiobook and sipping tea and the whole experience felt oddly grounding.
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Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
Get that oven nice and ready. You want these feet to bake quickly and evenly.
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Mix your ingredients together.
In the bowl, combine the flour, soft butter, grated cheese and cayenne (if using). Use your hands and bring it together gently, like you’re making a shortcrust pastry. The dough will feel a bit crumbly at first but will come together in a soft ball with a bit of kneading.
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Roll out the dough.
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. You don’t want them too thick. they’re meant to be light, crisp biscuits, not scones.
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Cut out your feet.
Now for the fun part! Use your foot-shaped cutter and press down with confidence. If you’ve got kids around, this is a fantastic way to make them giggle. My nephew once tried to make a ’foot army’ and ended up naming each one. (Harold was delicious.)
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Bake.
Place the cheesy feet on your baking tray, spaced slightly apart and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a cheesy dream.
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Cool and serve.
Let them cool on a wire rack (if you can resist). They crisp up a little more as they cool but there’s no shame in burning your fingers to get the first bite.
What I Learnt
I learnt that food can be a little silly and still be deeply satisfying. Nigella has this way of making cooking feel less about perfection and more about pleasure. These Cheesy Feet are unapologetically playful. but underneath that, they’re also deeply comforting.
I also learnt that the best kind of recipes are the ones that invite you in, make you laugh a little and ask nothing more from you than a bit of butter and a hunk of cheese. This recipe reminded me of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place: the hands-in-dough moment, the thrill of peeking into the oven and the first bite that makes you close your eyes and hum just a bit.
Also – never underestimate how much joy you can bring into a room by saying, ’I brought feet.
FAQs
What Exactly Is Nigella Lawson’s Cheesy Feet Recipe?
Ah, Nigella’s ’cheesy feet’ recipe is one of those wonderfully quirky dishes where she takes a combination of sharp cheese, spices, and the humble potato to create something that sounds bizarre but is utterly delicious. Think cheesy, crispy, foot-shaped goodness. It’s like comfort food meets a bit of playful imagination.
Why Are They Called ’cheesy Feet’?
Well, the name’s a bit of a cheeky nod to the shape of the final dish! The cheesy potatoes are molded to look like little feet, and Nigella just runs with the fun of it. She’s known for making her recipes accessible and playful, and this one’s no different. It’s a dish that makes you smile as much as it fills your belly.
Can I Make Nigella’s Cheesy Feet Without Certain Ingredients?
Totally! You can get creative with it. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, for example, you can swap it out for a more mellow cheddar or any cheese you love. If you’re vegan, using dairy-free cheese works fine too. The recipe’s all about fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.
