Kamil Perry
Shepherd's pie is a traditional comfort food, both in England, where it originated, and in other parts of the world. While there are many variations of the recipe, the classic version is made with ground lamb, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Some people like to add cheese to their shepherd's pie, and the best types of cheese to use are those that melt well, such as cheddar, provolone, or another melty variety. The addition of cheese can add a crunchy texture and a salty, savoury flavour to the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Provolone, Cream Cheese, Dairy-free cheese |
| Cheese texture | Melts well, Crispy, Crunchy |
| Cheese quantity | 1 cup |
| Meat | Ground beef, Ground lamb, Turkey, Bison, Chicken, Plant-based ground meat substitute, Black beans |
| Vegetables | Carrots, Celery, Onion, Thyme, Peas, Corn, Mushrooms, Spinach, Frozen peas and carrots |
| Other ingredients | Potatoes, Salted water, Olive oil, Flour, Tomato paste, Water, Milk, Butter, Egg, Sour cream, Egg yolk, Black pepper, Dijon mustard, Smoked paprika, Worcester sauce, Russet potatoes, Caulfiflower, Sweet potato, All-purpose flour, Rice flour, Cornstarch |
| Baking temperature | 450°F |
| Baking time | 20 minutes, 35 minutes (if chilled), 4-5 minutes (for browning the crust) |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, Freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Whether to add cheese or not
Those who choose to add cheese to their Shepherd's Pie often use cheddar, as its sharp flavor and melting properties make it a good option. Other cheeses that can be used include provolone, cream cheese, or dairy-free cheese for a vegan or dairy-free option. The cheese is usually added to the mashed potatoes, either mixed in or sprinkled on top before baking. This creates a crispy, crunchy texture that is appealing to many.
Adding cheese to Shepherd's Pie can enhance the flavor and provide a savory, salty, or umami taste. It can also add a decorative touch to the dish, with the browned and crispy cheese creating an appealing presentation. Some people also choose to add other ingredients to the cheese, such as French-fried onions, crushed chips or crackers, slivered almonds, or fresh rosemary or thyme.
On the other hand, some people prefer to omit the cheese from their Shepherd's Pie. This may be due to dietary restrictions, such as dairy intolerance or veganism. Others may simply prefer the traditional flavors of the dish without the addition of cheese. Leaving out the cheese can also make the dish lighter and less rich, which may be preferable for some palates.
Ultimately, the decision to add cheese or not comes down to individual taste and dietary preferences. Those who enjoy the flavor and texture of melted cheese will likely appreciate its addition to Shepherd's Pie. However, those who prefer a more traditional or lighter dish may choose to omit the cheese.
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Cheddar cheese is a popular choice
When choosing a cheddar for your shepherd's pie, a good strong English cheddar is recommended. Smoked sharp cheddar is also a popular option, adding a unique, smoky-sweet flavour to the dish. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, dairy-free cheese can be used, or the cheese can simply be omitted.
Cheddar-topped shepherd's pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual tastes. The type of ground meat, vegetables, and aromatics can be switched up according to preference. In addition to cheddar, other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone, can also be used.
The recipe for shepherd's pie with cheddar cheese is straightforward and can be prepared ahead of time. Both the filling and topping can be made a day in advance and refrigerated separately. The pie can then be assembled and baked when needed. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Overall, cheddar-topped shepherd's pie is a comforting and flavourful dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. It is a versatile recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
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When to add the cheese
While there is a debate about whether to add cheese to shepherd's pie, many recipes do include cheese, with cheddar being a popular choice.
If you are assembling and baking your shepherd's pie straight away, add the cheese just before baking. If you are making the filling and topping ahead of time and storing them in the fridge, you can add the cheese to the mashed potatoes before storing. If you are freezing your shepherd's pie before baking, do not add the cheese before freezing. Instead, assemble and add the cheese just before baking.
If you are adding cheese to your mashed potatoes, you can do so when you add the milk and butter. If you are making a crispy, crunchy topping, add the cheese just before baking so that it has time to crisp up and brown. If you are making individual shepherd's pies in ramekins, you can add the cheese to each ramekin and then bake them.
If you are making a shepherd's pie with a meat and potato base topped with cheese, add the cheese before baking. If you are making a shepherd's pie with a meat base topped with cheese and then mashed potatoes, add the cheese before adding the potatoes.
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Other cheese options
While cheddar is the most popular cheese to use in a shepherd's pie, there are several other options to consider.
A few sources suggest using cheddar in combination with other ingredients. For instance, one recipe calls for cheddar to be mixed with potatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. Another recipe recommends sprinkling smoked paprika over the pie before baking to add a unique, smoky-sweet flavor to the dish.
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free cheese as a substitute. You could also try a different type of cheese altogether, such as provolone, which melts well and can add a nice, crunchy texture to the dish.
Additionally, you can get creative with the toppings. For a crunchy texture and added flavor, consider adding French-fried onions, crushed chips or crackers, or slivered almonds. Fresh rosemary or thyme can also be stirred in.
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Dairy-free alternatives
While a traditional shepherd's pie is topped with cheese, there are many dairy-free alternatives that you can try.
For a dairy-free shepherd's pie, you can make mashed potatoes without milk or cheese. Simply boil potatoes in salted water, then cook over medium heat until any liquid evaporates and a thin film covers the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and use a potato masher or electric mixer to achieve your desired consistency. You can also make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake your shepherd's pie.
When preparing the filling, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add your meat of choice and cook until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then sprinkle the meat with flour and stir until coated. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, mushrooms, parsnips, spinach, or any others you prefer. Instead of beef, you could use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a more flavourful option.
Once your filling is ready, assemble the shepherd's pie by spreading the mashed potatoes over the filling and creating decorative peaks with a fork. Bake in the oven at 450°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Your dairy-free shepherd's pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar, specifically a strong English Cheddar, sharp Cheddar, or smoked sharp Cheddar.
Provolone, or another cheese that melts well, such as cream cheese.
This depends on your preference. Some recipes suggest adding 1 cup of cheese to the mashed potatoes, while others suggest sprinkling around 1/2 cup on top of the shepherd's pie.
Add cheese to the mashed potatoes before spreading them on top of the meat filling. You can also grate or sprinkle cheese on top of the shepherd's pie before baking it.
Yes, you can choose to omit the cheese from your shepherd's pie.
