Frederic Melton
Shepherd's Pie is a hearty, savoury dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. While the traditional recipe calls for ground lamb and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes, there are many variations of this classic dish. One such variation is the addition of cheese, which has sparked some debate. Some people swear by the extra flavour that cheese adds to the dish, while others prefer to stick to the traditional recipe. So, what cheese should you use for Shepherd's Pie?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Provolone, or any cheese that melts well |
| Quantity of cheese | 1/2 cup |
| When to add cheese | At the end so it doesn't overcook |
| Cheese alternatives | Dairy-free cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese
There is some debate about whether to add cheese to shepherd's pie. However, if you are going to add cheese, Cheddar is a good option.
Cheddar-topped shepherd's pie is a twist on the classic recipe, which is a traditional English dish. The addition of cheese makes the dish even more comforting and delicious.
To make a shepherd's pie with Cheddar, you can prepare your mashed potatoes as you usually would, adding butter, milk, sour cream, or any other ingredients you like. Then, make your meat filling with ground beef, onion, and celery. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach. For extra flavor, add tomato paste to the filling.
Once your filling and potatoes are ready, assemble the pie in a baking dish. Drop dollops of the potato topping over the filling and spread it to the edges with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the shepherd's pie until the topping is browned and the filling is bubbling. This should take around 20 minutes, but if your ingredients were chilled, increase the time to 35 minutes. Let the pie stand for 5 minutes before serving.
You can also make this recipe with ground lamb, turkey, or bison, or use a plant-based meat substitute.
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Provolone cheese
While there are several variations of shepherd's pie, the classic recipe is a casserole of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked. The addition of cheese to shepherd's pie is a matter of preference, with some recipes calling for cheddar, provolone, or other melting cheeses.
To make a shepherd's pie with provolone cheese, start by preparing the meat filling. Sauté onions in olive oil, then add ground beef or lamb, along with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and add any desired aromatics or spices. For a heartier pie, you can also include butternut squash, parsnips, turnips, or zucchini.
Next, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. You can also add provolone cheese directly to the mashed potatoes for a creamier texture and more pronounced cheese flavor. Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish, then top it with the mashed potatoes, creating decorative peaks with a fork. Finally, sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the potatoes and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For added texture and flavor, you can also include a crunchy topping on your shepherd's pie. Before baking, top the provolone cheese with French-fried onions, crushed chips, crackers, or slivered almonds. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be stirred into the meat filling or sprinkled on top before serving.
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Extra old cheese
Extra old cheddar cheese is a great option to use for shepherd's pie. While the traditional shepherd's pie is topped with mashed potatoes, adding cheese can make this classic casserole even more delicious.
Shepherd's pie is a much-loved comfort food that originated in England and Ireland. It is traditionally made with lamb or mutton, but in the United States, it is more commonly made with ground beef. The dish typically consists of a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until the potatoes are browned.
To make a shepherd's pie with extra old cheddar cheese, start by preparing the beef or lamb filling. Cook the meat with vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onion, and thyme, in a large saucepan. Once the vegetables are tender, add flour and tomato paste, followed by the meat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then add water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes before transferring the filling to a baking dish.
Next, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Add milk and extra old cheddar cheese to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Season the potato topping with salt and pepper, and spread it over the meat filling in the baking dish.
Finally, sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the mashed potatoes and bake the shepherd's pie until the topping is browned and the filling is bubbling. Let the dish stand for a few minutes before serving. This extra old cheddar shepherd's pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a comforting meal.
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Dairy-free cheese
While a traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, it is possible to make a dairy-free version of this dish.
To make a shepherd's pie without cheese, you can use ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference and availability. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, mushrooms, parsnips, and spinach. If you're gluten-free, be sure to check the ingredients on your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain wheat.
For a dairy-free shepherd's pie, you can use mashed potatoes as the topping. You can make this with yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick, and boiled in salted water. You can also add some chicken broth or stock to the filling to add richness and flavor.
When assembling the pie, spread the beef or lamb filling into a baking dish and top it with the mashed potatoes. Create decorative peaks with a fork and sprinkle with salt to taste. Bake the shepherd's pie for about 20 minutes, or until the potato topping is slightly golden.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before unwrapping and baking it.
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Cheese with a fried egg on top
There are many different types of cheese that can be used for shepherd's pie, including cheddar, provolone, and extra old cheddar. Some recipes call for the addition of dairy-free cheese or no cheese at all. The cheese is typically sprinkled on top of the mashed potatoes before baking, resulting in a golden, cheesy crust.
When it comes to adding a fried egg on top of shepherd's pie, there are varying opinions. Some people enjoy the combination of a fried egg with the cheesy shepherd's pie, while others may find it unusual. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.
To create a shepherd's pie with cheese and a fried egg on top, you can follow these general steps:
- Prepare the meat filling by sautéing ground beef or lamb with vegetables and gravy.
- Make mashed potatoes, optionally mixing in cheese for an extra cheesy dish.
- Assemble the shepherd's pie by spreading the meat filling in a baking dish and topping it with the mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle the desired amount of cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake the shepherd's pie until the meat is bubbling and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Fry an egg to your preferred doneness in a separate pan.
- Once the shepherd's pie is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully place the fried egg on top.
- Serve and enjoy the unique combination of flavours and textures.
It is important to note that the fried egg should be added just before serving to ensure it remains warm and fresh. The runny yolk from the fried egg can create a delicious sauce for the shepherd's pie, adding moisture and flavour to each bite. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy hearty and indulgent meals, combining classic shepherd's pie with the savoury delight of a fried egg.
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Frequently asked questions
Shepherd's Pie is a savoury pie with a base layer of ground beef or lamb and vegetables, simmered in a gravy. It is then topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven.
No, but many recipes recommend it. Cheese is often added on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
Cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar or provolone, are good options.
If you are baking your Shepherd's Pie straight away, add the cheese on top before placing it in the oven. If you are making your pie ahead of time and storing it in the fridge or freezer, add the cheese when you are ready to bake the pie to avoid overcooking it.
Yes, you can skip adding cheese to the potatoes or use dairy-free cheese to make the dish dairy-free.
