Andy Montoya
Cheese and potato pie is a simple, indulgent, and budget-friendly dish that is perfect for family dinners. It is a British homestyle food that is essentially a cheesy mashed potato bake. The pie is easy to make and does not require any pastry. The recipe is flexible, and you can make it up as you go along. The only real requirement is mashed potatoes, and you can add as much cheese as you like. The dish can be adapted to personal preference, and you can use your favourite cheese or finish it off with a smothering of sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish type | Budget-friendly, indulgent, comforting |
| Main ingredients | Potatoes, cheese, onion, butter, milk, egg, mustard |
| Additional ingredients | Olive oil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chilli, bacon, breadcrumbs, spring onions, salt, pepper, cream cheese, cayenne pepper, tomato |
| Potato type | White, floury, King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russet, Idaho |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Wensleydale, Cheshire, dairy-free, chilli cheese |
| Preparation | Boil potatoes, peel and mash, add other ingredients, bake |
| Baking temperature | 190-205°C or 375-400°F |
| Baking time | 15-30 minutes, until bubbling, golden brown and cheese has melted |
| Serving size | 2-6 people |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, steamed peas, bread, pickled beetroot, HP sauce |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool until they are easy to handle. Peel the potatoes and place them in a bowl. At this stage, you can add some butter and cream cheese to make the mashing process easier. Use a potato masher or a potato ricer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. If the mash is too dry, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
For a more indulgent pie, you can also add an egg to the mashed potatoes. Beat the egg with some milk before mixing it into the potatoes. This will create a "wet" mash that will result in a softer, richer pie. You can also add mustard, cayenne pepper, or other spices to the mashed potatoes for extra flavour.
Finally, grate or chop your desired amount of cheese and mix it into the mashed potatoes. A strong cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Wensleydale, Cheshire, or chilli cheese, to find your favourite combination. You can even add crispy bacon, spicy sausage, bell peppers, or spring onions for a heartier pie.
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Choosing the cheese
The choice of cheese is an important factor in making a cheese and potato pie. While the type of cheese used can vary according to personal preference, some popular options include cheddar, cream cheese, and dairy-free alternatives.
Cheddar cheese is a common choice for this dish, with mature, mild, or strong cheddar all being suitable options. Mature cheddar has a sharper taste that can add a distinct flavour to the pie. Mild cheddar, on the other hand, provides a gentler cheese flavour, allowing the potatoes and other ingredients to shine through.
Cream cheese is another option that can be used to thicken the mashed potatoes and create a creamy texture. Regular or dairy-free cream cheese can be used, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of cheeses to enhance the flavour and texture of the pie. For instance, you could mix grated cheese with cream cheese to create a rich and indulgent dish. Grated cheese can also be sprinkled on top of the pie to create a crispy, golden layer.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavour combination. Some alternatives to cheddar include Wensleydale and Cheshire cheese, which have been used successfully in cheese and potato pies, offering a slightly different taste profile.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your personal taste, dietary restrictions, and the overall flavour profile you want to achieve.
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Adding extra ingredients
Cheese and potato pie is a versatile dish that can be customised with various extra ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions for adding extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your cheese and potato pie:
Herbs and Spices
Adding dried thyme to the recipe is a great way to infuse subtle peppery notes into the dish. If you want to experiment with different herbs, you can try using rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding chilli pepper flakes or chopped red chillies to the potato mixture will give it some extra heat.
Meat and Bacon
For a heartier and more indulgent pie, consider adding meat to the mix. Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top or mixed throughout the pie add a delicious savoury element. Alternatively, spicy sausage is another option to create a robust and flavourful pie.
Vegetables
If you want to incorporate more vegetables, bell peppers and spring onions are excellent choices. Spring onions provide a mild onion flavour with a hint of freshness, while bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of colour.
Breadcrumbs and Toppings
For added texture and crunch, breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on top of the pie. This creates a delightful contrast between the soft, creamy filling and the crispy topping. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, to give your pie a unique twist.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. While mild cheddar is a popular choice, you can also try strong cheddar, chilli cheese, Wensleydale, Cheshire cheese, or dairy-free alternatives. Using a combination of cheeses can create a more complex and intriguing flavour profile.
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Cooking the pie
Cheese and potato pie is a simple, indulgent dish that is perfect for family dinners or when you crave something warm and comforting. It is also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. The recipe is quite flexible, but here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. You'll want to use floury or mealy potatoes, such as King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russet, or Idaho, as they are ideal for mashing. Scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, then place them in a pot filled with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take around 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the onions
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your onions. Thinly slice one onion into half-moon shapes. Heat some olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft. Add salt to taste and continue cooking the onions over low heat for another 20 minutes, or until they are caramelized. In the last few minutes of cooking, add some dried thyme for extra flavour.
Step 3: Mash the potatoes
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them and let them cool down until they are easy to handle. Peel the potatoes and place them in a bowl. Add butter and cream cheese to the potatoes, and use a masher to mash them until they are almost smooth. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Combine ingredients
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) and Dijon mustard to taste into the mashed potatoes. You can also add some red chilli or chilli flakes for extra heat if desired. Then, stir in the caramelized onions until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the pie
Preheat your oven to 200-205°C (around 400°F) or Gas Mark 5. Grease a casserole dish or pie dish with butter or margarine. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Top the pie with a layer of grated cheese. You can also add sliced tomatoes or other toppings like bacon, breadcrumbs, or spring onions.
Step 6: Bake the pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. If you are using a smaller dish, the baking time may be longer, around 30 minutes. The pie is ready when it is bubbling and the cheese is nicely browned.
Your cheese and potato pie is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course, paired with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or soft bread on the side.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese and potato pie is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It pairs well with various side dishes, such as:
- A fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Steamed peas for a simple and healthy accompaniment.
- Bread, especially soft white bread, for dipping into the pie and soaking up its flavours.
- Pickled beetroot, which offers a tangy contrast to the richness of the pie.
- HP sauce, adding a savoury and slightly sweet dimension to the dish.
For a heartier meal, you can also add extra ingredients to the pie itself, such as crispy bacon, spicy sausage, bell peppers, or spring onions. These additions can enhance the flavour and texture of the pie, making it even more indulgent and satisfying.
When serving, consider the portion size. The pie typically serves four people as a side dish and two people as a main course. However, it can also serve four to six people as a more generous main course.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need potatoes, butter, cheese, and milk. You can also add mustard, onion, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
It is best to use floury or mealy potatoes, such as King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russet, or Idaho.
You can use any cheese you like, but a mild or mature cheddar is recommended.
Bake the pie for 15 to 20 minutes at 200°C or 400°F.
