Frederic Melton
Shepherd's pie is a traditional dish from England, though it is also popular in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. It is typically made with ground lamb or mutton, though beef is also a common substitute. The pie is usually assembled with a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until browned. While some recipes for shepherd's pie call for grated cheese to be sprinkled on top of the mashed potatoes before baking, others suggest mixing cheese into the potatoes or spreading dollops of cheese on top of the pie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Shepherd's Pie |
| Type of Dish | Casserole |
| Origin | England |
| Ingredients | Ground Beef or Lamb, Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Cheese |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Sharp |
| Other Toppings | Creamed Corn, Butter, Milk, Sour Cream |
| Baking Temperature | 350-450°F |
| Baking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Serving Size | 6 servings |
| Leftovers | Can be refrigerated or frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Grated cheese on shepherd's pie: a tasty addition or a step too far?
The classic shepherd's pie is a casserole with a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until the mashed potatoes are browned. The meat is usually ground beef or lamb, though some recipes also include vegetables like corn, carrots, celery, onion, and thyme.
Some people like to add grated cheese to their shepherd's pie for an extra layer of flavour. This is often cheddar, though other types of cheese can also be used. The cheese is typically sprinkled over the mashed potatoes before baking, adding a crispy, golden texture and a sharp, savoury taste.
Adding cheese to shepherd's pie is a matter of personal preference. Some people may enjoy the extra flavour and texture that cheese provides, while others may prefer the traditional recipe without cheese. Those who want to experiment with adding cheese can start by sprinkling a small amount over the top of the pie before baking. This allows for a subtle hint of cheese flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.
For those who want to take the cheese element a step further, there are recipes for shepherd's pie that incorporate cheese into the mashed potatoes. This creates a creamy, cheesy texture throughout the dish, rather than just on top. This can be achieved by mixing grated cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat and vegetable filling. The pie is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Whether you choose to add grated cheese to your shepherd's pie or stick to the classic recipe, it is a hearty and comforting dish that can be customised to your taste preferences.
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The best type of cheese to grate on shepherd's pie
The classic shepherd's pie is a casserole of meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked. The traditional meat used is lamb, but beef is also a common alternative.
When it comes to adding cheese to a shepherd's pie, it is not a part of the classic recipe but is a popular addition, especially in the United States. The best type of cheese to use is a sharp cheddar. This can be incorporated into the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top of the pie before baking.
Some recipes suggest adding cheese to the mashed potatoes, creating a cheddar-potato topping. This involves mixing shredded cheddar cheese with milk and mashed potatoes, seasoning to taste, and spreading the mixture over the meat filling. Other recipes suggest simply sprinkling grated cheddar cheese over the top of the shepherd's pie before baking. This creates a melted cheese topping.
Adding cheese to a shepherd's pie is a great way to add a creamy texture and extra flavour. Whether mixed into the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top, sharp cheddar is the cheese of choice for this classic comfort food.
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How much cheese should you grate on shepherd's pie?
While the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie does not call for cheese, an Americanized version of the dish does include cheese. The amount of cheese to be grated on Shepherd's Pie depends on the number of servings being prepared. A standard recipe for Shepherd's Pie yields 6 servings. For this quantity, a generous sprinkling of grated cheese, such as cheddar, is recommended. The cheese is added towards the end of the baking process, with the dish being returned to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
When preparing the mashed potatoes, ingredients such as butter, milk, and sour cream can be added as per one's preference. The potatoes are then spread over the ground beef or lamb mixture, and the surface is roughened with a fork to create peaks that will brown well during baking.
Shepherd's Pie is a classic casserole of Britain and Ireland, traditionally made with lamb or mutton, while the American version typically uses ground beef. The dish consists of a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until browned and bubbling.
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When to add grated cheese to shepherd's pie
The traditional Shepherd's Pie is a casserole of meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. The meat is usually lamb, but beef is also a common alternative.
When it comes to adding grated cheese to a shepherd's pie, there are a few different approaches. Some recipes call for sprinkling grated cheese, such as cheddar, over the mashed potatoes before baking. This adds a layer of flavour and texture to the dish. This is a common approach in Americanized versions of the classic recipe. The cheese is often sprinkled during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and turn golden.
Other recipes incorporate cheese into the mashed potatoes themselves, creating a cheesy potato topping. In these recipes, the cheese is mixed into the mashed potatoes along with butter, milk, or sour cream. This approach ensures that the cheese is well combined with the potatoes, resulting in a cohesive and flavourful topping.
Additionally, some recipes suggest preparing the mashed potatoes separately and then assembling the entire shepherd's pie just before baking. This method allows for a more distinct layer of cheese between the meat and potatoes. The cheese can be sprinkled generously, creating a decadent, cheesy centre.
Whether you choose to sprinkle grated cheese on top, mix it into the mashed potatoes, or create a cheesy centre, adding cheese to your shepherd's pie can elevate this classic dish and make it even more comforting and delicious.
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History of shepherd's pie and when grated cheese was introduced
The history of shepherd's pie can be traced back to the 13th century when the Norman invasion of Ireland sparked a tumultuous union with England that lasted for about 800 years. In the late 15th century, England gained control of Ireland, bringing it into the United Kingdom. This led to the introduction of Protestantism as the official religion, despite Ireland's majority Catholic population. As a result, Irish Catholics became peasant land workers, living in humble homes called "cottages."
In 1589, Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the potato to Ireland, and it gained popularity over time. The term "shepherd's pie" came into use in the middle of the 19th century, derived from the fact that sheep are tended to by shepherds. The dish is traditionally made with lamb or mutton, although some recipes also use beef. The terms "shepherd's pie" and "cottage pie" have been used interchangeably since the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with the distinction that shepherd's pie refers to a dish made with lamb, while cottage pie refers to a dish made with beef.
The earliest known recipe for shepherd's pie was published in Edinburgh in 1849 in "The Practice of Cookery and Pastry," specifying cooked meat of any kind, sliced rather than minced, covered with mashed potato, and baked. In the 1850s, the term "shepherd's pie" was also used for a Scottish dish containing mutton and diced potatoes in a pastry crust. Modern recipes often include a layer of creamed corn between the meat and mashed potatoes, and some recipes call for sprinkling grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes before baking.
While the exact timing of when grated cheese was introduced to shepherd's pie is unclear, the dish's history and evolution suggest that it became a popular addition at some point, with recipes recommending it for a delicious, comforting meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Shepherd's pie is a casserole of meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked. It is a classic dish from Britain and Ireland.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for shepherd's pie, but you can also use other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella.
You can add the cheese to the shepherd's pie before baking it. Sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potatoes before putting it in the oven.
Yes, you can make a shepherd's pie without cheese. Simply omit the cheese from the recipe and proceed with the rest of the steps.
Yes, you can reheat shepherd's pie. It is best to reheat individual servings in the microwave to ensure even heating.
