How to Make Bedfordshire Clanger: A Traditional British Two-in-One Pastry

The Bedfordshire clanger is a fascinating and historic dish from the East of England. This unique pastry combines both savoury and sweet fillings in one long suet-crust parcel — making it a two-course meal in one! Often described as the ultimate lunchbox treat for rural workers, the Bedfordshire clanger has recently regained popularity thanks to its quirky, satisfying combination.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

📌 What Is a Bedfordshire Clanger?

The Bedfordshire clanger is a traditional pastry native to Bedfordshire, England. Historically made by the wives of agricultural workers, it was designed to be eaten cold in the fields. One end of the pastry contains a savoury filling (such as meat and vegetables), while the other end holds something sweet (like jam or stewed fruit).

Traditionally made with a suet-based crust and baked rather than steamed, the clanger is a cousin of the Cornish pasty — but with that added dessert surprise!

---

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 2 Large Clangers)

For the Suet Pastry:

400g self-raising flour

200g shredded suet (beef or vegetarian)

A good pinch of salt

Cold water (to mix)

For the Savoury Filling (example: bacon and potato):

100g smoked bacon (chopped)

1 medium potato (peeled and finely diced)

1 small onion (chopped)

Salt and black pepper

Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)

For the Sweet Filling:

2–3 tbsp raspberry jam or

Stewed apple with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar

---

🍴 Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowl

Rolling pin

Baking tray

Baking parchment

Pastry brush

Sharp knife

---

👨‍🍳 Method: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, suet, and salt. Gradually add cold water a little at a time until a soft, rollable dough forms. Knead lightly, then divide into two equal portions.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rectangle around 30cm long and 15cm wide.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

Spoon the savoury mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a small gap around the edge. On the other half, spread a generous layer of jam or stewed fruit. Be sure to keep the sweet and savoury sections separate!

Step 4: Seal the Clanger

Fold the pastry over from the long edge to encase the fillings. Press the edges to seal tightly, and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers. Optionally, mark one end with an “S” for savoury and the other with a “J” for jam.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6. Place the clangers on a lined baking tray, brush with a little milk or egg to glaze, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them cool slightly before eating. Clangers are traditionally eaten warm or cold, making them great for picnics, packed lunches, or a hearty supper.

---

🫖 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bedfordshire clanger with a side of salad or steamed greens for a complete meal. They’re excellent on their own, too, especially when eaten outdoors as they were originally intended.

They also freeze well — wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

---

💡 Tips for Perfect Clangers

Use waxy potatoes in the savoury filling to prevent them from turning mushy.

Add herbs to your savoury filling for extra flavour — thyme, sage, or parsley all work well.

Don’t overfill the pastry, or it may split in the oven.

---

🔎 

This post includes full Google SEO optimisation with keywords like:

How to make Bedfordshire clanger, traditional clanger recipe, Bedfordshire recipes, British savoury and sweet pastry, suet pastry recipe, bacon and jam pastry, historic British food, and Clanger two-course meal.

---

❤️ Final Thoughts

The Bedfordshire clanger is more than just a quirky old recipe — it’s a wonderful example of British culinary ingenuity. Whether you stick to the traditional savoury-sweet combo or experiment with your own fillings (think cheese and chutney, or chicken and cranberry), it’s a fun and filling bake that brings history to life.

Try it yourself and enjoy a truly British experience — dinner and dessert in one bite!

---

Enjoyed this recipe?

Share your homemade Bedfordshire clanger photos online, leave a comment below, or pass this recipe on to fellow food lovers. Happy baking!

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.