Andy Montoya
Shepherd's pie is a traditional dish that originated in England and Ireland and is now popular in the US. While there are many variations, the classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked. Some recipes call for adding cheese to the mashed potatoes or sprinkling it on top of the pie before baking. The type of cheese used can vary, with some recipes suggesting sharp cheddar, while others recommend grated cheese or even a mix of cheeses. The addition of cheese to shepherd's pie is a subject of debate, with some people preferring the traditional recipe without cheese, while others enjoy the extra flavour and texture that cheese provides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, grated cheese |
| When to Add Cheese | Before baking, after assembling the pie |
| How to Add Cheese | Dollops spread to the edges with a spatula, sprinkled on top, mixed with mashed potatoes |
| Baking Time | 20 minutes, 5 more minutes after sprinkling cheese |
| Baking Temperature | 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) |
| Baking Dish | 2-quart, 13-by-9-inch |
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What You'll Learn
Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular topping
While there are many ways to make shepherd's pie, a popular topping for this dish is sharp cheddar cheese. This variety of shepherd's pie is an Americanised version of the traditional Irish recipe.
Shepherd's pie is a much-loved comfort food, both in England, where it originated, and in the US. The dish is traditionally made with leftover meat from a roast, but nowadays, it is more common to use raw minced meat. The pie is usually made with beef, in which case it is called cottage pie, but it can also be made with lamb, pork, or turkey. The meat is cooked with vegetables in a rich gravy and topped with mashed potatoes.
Some people like to add cheese to their shepherd's pie, and a popular choice is sharp cheddar. The cheese is usually added towards the end of the baking process, after the meat is bubbling and the potatoes are golden. The pie is then baked for a further 5 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted.
Adding cheese to shepherd's pie is a matter of personal preference, and some people may choose to omit it altogether. However, for those who enjoy a cheesy topping, sharp cheddar is a great option. It adds a delicious, savoury flavour to the dish and makes it even more comforting and indulgent.
When making shepherd's pie with cheese, it is important to consider the moisture content of the other ingredients. For ingredients like zucchini and tomatoes, it is best to saute them first to evaporate some of the liquid so that the filling does not become soggy. The cheese can be added to the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top of the pie before baking.
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Grated cheese can be added to the mashed potatoes
When making mashed potatoes for a shepherd's pie, you can add milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard or some grated cheese to the potatoes at this stage. Stir the ingredients together until you have a thick, smooth mash.
If you want to add cheese to your shepherd's pie, you can sprinkle it on top of the potatoes before baking. This will give the pie a golden, crunchy texture. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp Cheddar, which will add a savoury note to the dish.
Alternatively, you can mix the cheese into the mashed potatoes before assembling the pie. This will create a creamy, cheesy layer that will melt into the meat filling as it bakes. This option is especially good if you want to ensure every bite of your shepherd's pie includes cheese.
You can also add cheese to your shepherd's pie in other ways, such as by mixing it into the meat filling or using a cheese sauce. However, adding grated cheese to the mashed potatoes is a simple and effective way to include this ingredient in your shepherd's pie.
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Shepherd's pie can be frozen after assembly
Shepherd's pie is a rustic dish from the UK, traditionally made with ground lamb and mashed potatoes. It is a great dish to make ahead of time and store in the freezer for a future meal. You can freeze the entire shepherd's pie once it has been assembled.
To freeze an assembled shepherd's pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, reheat the shepherd's pie (still covered with the foil) for one hour in a 350ºF oven. If you thaw the pie in the fridge overnight, you can cut the reheating time in half.
It is important to note that if you are using meat that has been cooked, frozen, and then defrosted, it should not be frozen again. However, if you are using raw meat, it is safe to freeze the shepherd's pie after cooking.
Some people prefer to freeze the pie before baking it in the oven, as it can take a long time to defrost due to its dense texture. You can also freeze individual servings of shepherd's pie to easily reheat them for a quick and easy dinner.
Shepherd's pie is a versatile dish, and you can add cheese to the mashed potatoes for a delicious, crispy crust. Popular cheeses to use include sharp cheddar, grated cheese, and shredded cheese. You can also add cheese after baking the shepherd's pie, sprinkling it on top, and baking until the cheese has melted.
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The pie should be baked until the cheese is melted
While a traditional shepherd's pie is made with mashed potatoes, some people like to add cheese to the topping. This can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top. If you want to add cheese to your shepherd's pie, there are a few steps to follow to ensure it melts evenly and doesn't burn.
First, prepare your filling. For a shepherd's pie, this typically includes ground meat, vegetables, and gravy. Common meat choices include lamb, beef, turkey, or plant-based substitutes. For vegetables, you can use carrots, peas, zucchini, tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, spinach, or any leftover vegetables you want to use up. Saute any ingredients with high moisture content, such as zucchini and tomatoes, to evaporate some of their liquid. This will prevent your filling from becoming sogy. You can also add aromatics and spices to your filling to enhance the flavour.
Next, prepare your mashed potatoes. Boil potatoes until they are soft enough to be pierced easily with a knife. Drain them and then mash them until they are smooth. You can then mix in milk, butter, sour cream, or any other ingredients you typically use to make your mashed potatoes. If you want to include cheese in the mashed potatoes, grate or shred it and mix it in at this stage. You can also add grated cheese to the top of the mashed potatoes before baking, or sprinkle it on top of the shepherd's pie after baking.
Now it's time to assemble your shepherd's pie. Spread your filling evenly in a baking dish. Then, add dollops of mashed potatoes on top and spread them to the edges, covering the filling completely. If you want a crunchy texture, you can use a fork to create decorative peaks on the surface of the mashed potatoes. If you prefer a golden crust, you can brush the potatoes with a beaten egg before baking.
Finally, bake your shepherd's pie in the oven until the cheese is melted. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). If your filling and topping are at room temperature, bake the shepherd's pie for about 20 minutes. If they are chilled, increase the baking time to 35 minutes. After the initial baking time, sprinkle grated cheese on top of your shepherd's pie and continue baking for about 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Let the pie stand for 5 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to cool slightly and for the filling to thicken.
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The meat and potatoes can be prepared in advance
Shepherd's pie is a comforting casserole with a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven until browned. The meat and potatoes can be prepared in advance, which is a great way to work ahead when making this dish.
The meat filling can be made ahead of time, up to two days in advance. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This filling usually consists of ground beef, lamb, or other ground meats, cooked with vegetables and aromatics in a rich gravy. It is a great way to use up leftover meat or vegetables. If you are using ingredients with high moisture content, such as zucchini or tomatoes, be sure to sauté them long enough to evaporate some of the liquid to prevent a soggy filling.
The mashed potatoes can also be made ahead of time. You can prepare them as you usually would, adding milk, butter, or other desired ingredients. To make the potatoes, drain them when they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a knife. Then, mash them with a potato masher or ricer until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add other ingredients such as Dijon mustard or cheese.
Once the meat and potatoes are prepared, you can assemble the shepherd's pie just before baking. Spread the meat filling in an even layer in a baking dish, and then spoon the mashed potatoes on top, being careful not to dump them all in one spot, as they will sink. You can rough up the surface of the potatoes with a fork to create a crunchy texture after baking.
If you want to add cheese to your shepherd's pie, you can sprinkle grated cheddar or other cheeses over the mashed potatoes before baking. You can also add cheese to the mashed potatoes themselves for extra cheesiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Shepherd's Pie is a comfort food that originated in England. It is made with meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for Shepherd's Pie, but you can also use other cheeses such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Parmesan.
You can add the cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking the Shepherd's Pie. Sprinkle the cheese and bake until the cheese has melted, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Yes, you can choose to make a Shepherd's Pie without cheese. Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with leftover meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes without cheese.
Yes, you can customize your Shepherd's Pie by adding various ingredients. You can use different types of meat, such as ground beef, lamb, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. Additionally, you can experiment with vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, peas, spinach, or carrots.
