Bushra Griffith
Shepherd's pie is a traditional Irish dish that has become a beloved comfort food in England and beyond. While the classic recipe calls for a base of ground lamb or beef and vegetables in a savoury sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, many home cooks have put their own spin on this dish, including adding a sharp cheddar cheese topping. This article will explore the origins of shepherd's pie, the different ways people have customised the recipe, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own cheesy shepherd's pie at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food |
| Origin | England and Ireland |
| Main ingredients | Ground beef or lamb, vegetables, mashed potatoes |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella |
| Other ingredients | Butter, milk, sour cream, beer, etc. |
| Preparation method | Baked in the oven |
| Storage | Can be refrigerated or frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese: a tasty twist on a classic
Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that originated in England. The traditional recipe consists of a ground lamb or beef base, mixed with vegetables and a savoury sauce, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. But what if you're looking for a twist on this classic dish? Enter: shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese.
The addition of cheddar cheese to shepherd's pie is a tasty twist on the classic recipe. Whether it's sharp Irish cheddar or a good old English variety, adding cheese to the mashed potato topping takes this comfort food to the next level. The cheese adds a rich, sharp flavour and a golden, crispy texture to the dish.
There are a few ways to incorporate cheddar cheese into your shepherd's pie. One option is to mix shredded cheddar into your mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat and vegetable mixture. This creates a cohesive, cheesy layer that blends seamlessly with the other flavours in the pie. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking, creating a golden, crispy topping that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you're feeling extra cheesy, you can even add a layer of cheddar in the middle of your pie. Simply spread the cheese over the meat mixture, followed by a layer of mashed potatoes. This hidden layer of cheese will create a delicious surprise as you dig into the pie.
When it comes to preparing the rest of the shepherd's pie, you have plenty of options to customise it to your taste. You can use ground beef, lamb, turkey, bison, or even a plant-based meat substitute for the base. For the vegetables, you can opt for frozen or fresh, and choose your favourites from options like carrots, peas, corn, celery, onions, and more. Don't forget to season your meat and vegetable mixture with herbs and spices to give it that extra flavour boost.
So, if you're looking for a tasty twist on a classic, look no further than shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate this comfort food and impress your family and friends at your next gathering.
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The history of shepherd's pie: an Irish comfort food
While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact origin of shepherd's pie, the beloved comfort food has a long history that dates back to the late 18th century. It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and northern England, with influences from Ireland.
In the 13th century, the Norman invasion of Ireland marked the beginning of a tumultuous union with England, which lasted for centuries. As a result of this union, Ireland experienced poverty, and its people had limited access to resources. While the English and Scottish also relied on simple meat-and-potato pies, the Irish typically used lamb or mutton instead of beef due to the former being more affordable.
The introduction of potatoes to Ireland and the United Kingdom played a crucial role in the development of shepherd's pie. Sir Walter Raleigh, returning from North Carolina in 1586, brought potatoes to Ireland. Alternatively, some sources credit Sir Francis Drake with introducing potatoes to Britain around the same time. By the 1700s, potatoes had become a staple food in both countries.
The predecessor of shepherd's pie, known as cottage pie, was first documented in England in 1791. Cottage pie typically used ground beef, while shepherd's pie used lamb or mutton, as the name suggests. However, the terms were often used interchangeably in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The distinction between the two became more pronounced over time, with shepherd's pie referring to the lamb-based dish and cottage pie to the beef-based dish.
Shepherd's pie is believed to have originated as a frugal yet hearty dish, making use of leftover meat and simple ingredients. It is composed of ground meat cooked in gravy with vegetables, and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The dish is often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations and is considered a classic Irish comfort food.
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How to make shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese
Shepherd's pie is a classic casserole of Britain and Ireland, and a much-loved comfort food worldwide. Here is a detailed recipe for a shepherd's pie with a twist—a generous topping of sharp, shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 16 ounces of frozen vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, and green beans)
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 small stalks of celery
- 3 ounces of stout beer (Guinness Stout or Amber Ale)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
First, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with salted water by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer. Cook until the potatoes are soft, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. After about 15 minutes, add the celery and continue cooking until the meat is crumbly. Deglaze the pan by adding the stout beer and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. Add the butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in the flour and stir. Let the flour cook for a few minutes before pouring in the beef broth. You can also add some tomato paste to deepen the umami flavor of the gravy.
Pour the beef filling into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Now, prepare the mashed potatoes by mashing them with some butter and milk, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Drop dollops of the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread them to the edges with a spatula. Use a fork to create decorative peaks, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the shepherd's pie for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the filling and topping were chilled before baking, increase the time to 35 minutes. Let the pie stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- You can make the filling and topping a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
- This recipe is very flexible—you can use ground lamb, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes instead of beef. You can also add or substitute various vegetables according to your preference.
- For a healthier version, use extra lean ground beef and reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- You can freeze the assembled shepherd's pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
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Best cheeses to use for shepherd's pie
Shepherd's pie is a traditional English dish that has become a well-loved comfort food worldwide. While the classic recipe does not include cheese, many variations have emerged over the years, with some people adding cheese to the mashed potato topping.
If you're thinking of adding cheese to your shepherd's pie, a good strong English Cheddar is the way to go. Sprinkle grated Cheddar over the mashed potatoes before baking the pie, and you'll be rewarded with a golden, crispy cheese topping. For an extra-sharp flavour, opt for Irish Cheddar. You can also mix in some Guinness Stout for an extra kick and an Irish twist.
For those who are watching their carb intake, a creative alternative is to swap the mashed potato topping with cauliflower mash. This option provides a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative that still tastes delicious. You can also add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard to your mash for an extra flavour boost.
While Cheddar is the most popular choice, other cheeses can also work well in a shepherd's pie. For a more robust flavour, consider using a strong English cheese like Cheshire or Lancashire. These cheeses will add a tangy, savoury note to the dish. Alternatively, for a slightly milder option, you could try a Dutch cheese like Gouda or Edam, which will lend a creamy, buttery flavour to the pie.
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Creative variations of shepherd's pie
While the traditional shepherd's pie is a classic, there are several creative variations of the dish that you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheddar-Topped Shepherd's Pie
Add a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese to your shepherd's pie for a delicious twist. You can either mix the cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle it over the top before baking. This variation adds a creamy texture and a sharp, savoury flavour to the dish.
Irish Cheddar Shepherd's Pie
For an Irish spin on the classic, add a Guinness Stout to deglaze the pan and mix in some extra sharp shredded Irish cheddar cheese. This variation combines the best of both worlds, with the savoury flavour of the cheese and the rich, malty notes of the stout.
Vegetable Variations
While the traditional shepherd's pie includes carrots, celery, peas, and onions, you can get creative and add a variety of other vegetables. Butternut squash, parsnips, turnips, rutabaga, zucchini, tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all great options to add some extra colour, texture, and flavour to your pie.
Meat Alternatives
If you're looking for a non-traditional option, you can experiment with different types of ground meat. Try using ground lamb, turkey, bison, or plant-based meat substitutes. Each of these options will give the dish a unique flavour and allow you to cater to different dietary preferences.
Creative Toppings
In addition to the cheddar cheese topping, you can explore other creative toppings for your shepherd's pie. Try adding sour cream, heavy cream, almond milk, or grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes for a decadent and creamy finish. You can also rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork to create peaks that will get beautifully browned and crispy.
With these creative variations, you can elevate the classic shepherd's pie and discover new flavour combinations that suit your taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put cheddar cheese on shepherd's pie. In fact, it's a popular variation of the traditional recipe.
Shepherd's pie is a comfort food that originated in England. It's made with ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and a gravy or sauce, topped with mashed potatoes.
To make shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese, prepare the filling with meat and vegetables, and top it with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and bake until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese in shepherd's pie. Some popular alternatives include Parmesan, mozzarella, and Irish Cheddar.
Yes, you can make shepherd's pie ahead of time. Both the filling and topping can be made a day in advance and refrigerated separately. You can also assemble the entire pie and freeze it for up to 3 months.
