Recipes→United Kingdom→Ploughman's Lunch

Ploughman's Lunch

A classic British pub lunch, this hearty and satisfying meal features a selection of mature cheddar cheese, tangy pickle, crusty bread, and fresh accompaniments. It's a simple, no-cook dish perfect for a light meal or picnic.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings2
DifficultyEasy

πŸ§‚ Ingredients

  • 200 g Mature Cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp Branston pickle
  • 4 slices Crusty bread
  • 30 g Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 medium Apple
  • 1-2 stalks Celery stalks
  • a few leaves Lettuce

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the cheese: Cut the mature Cheddar cheese into generous, bite-sized chunks or thick slices. Aim for pieces that are easy to pick up and eat.

    ⏱️ 3 minutes
  2. 2

    Prepare the bread: Lightly butter each slice of crusty bread. You can spread the butter evenly or leave it on the side for individuals to add as they wish.

    ⏱️ 2 minutes
  3. 3

    Assemble the plate: On each serving plate, arrange the buttered bread slices. Place the cheese chunks or slices alongside the bread. Spoon a generous portion of Branston pickle into a small ramekin or directly onto the plate, ensuring it's easily accessible for dipping or spreading.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  4. 4

    Add accompaniments: Wash and prepare the apple and celery. Slice the apple into wedges and the celery into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Arrange these fresh elements artfully on the plate with the cheese and bread.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  5. 5

    Serve immediately: Present the Ploughman's Lunch while the ingredients are fresh and at their best. This dish is best enjoyed cold.

    ⏱️ 0 minutes

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • βœ“The quality of the cheese is paramount; opt for a strong, mature cheddar for the best flavour.
  • βœ“Serve with a traditional British ale or a crisp cider for an authentic pub experience.
  • βœ“Ensure your bread is fresh and has a good, chewy crust to stand up to the pickle and cheese.

πŸ”„ Variations

  • Add a slice or two of good quality ham or a hard-boiled egg for a more substantial meal.
  • Experiment with different types of pickles or chutneys, such as piccalilli, red onion marmalade, or a spicy tomato chutney.
  • Include pickled onions or gherkins for an extra tangy element.

πŸ₯— Nutrition

Per serving

CaloriesApprox. 580 kcal per serving
Protein22g
Carbs42g
Fat38g
Fiber4g

🏷️ Tags

Ploughman's Lunch Recipe - United Kingdom | world.food