Delicious Pairings For Cheese And Onion Pie Perfection

Cheese and onion pie is a traditional British dish that combines two of the nation's favourite ingredients. This savoury delight is perfect for a picnic or as a main course at the dinner table. The pie can be served warm or cold, and goes well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. So, what are the best accompaniments to this mouth-watering meal? Let's explore the options and find the perfect partners for your cheese and onion pie.

What type of pastry is best?

When it comes to the pastry for a cheese and onion pie, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, let's look at the type of flour used. Plain flour is the most commonly used variety, but recipes may also call for a combination of plain and self-raising flour. Using self-raising flour can give the pastry a lighter, fluffier texture.

The fat content of the pastry is another important consideration. Butter is the most commonly used fat, but recipes may also call for lard or vegetable shortening. These fats can affect the flavour and texture of the pastry. For example, lard can give the pastry a flakier texture, while butter can provide a richer flavour.

The liquid used to bind the pastry is also a factor. Water is the most common liquid used, but milk or cream can also be used. These liquids can affect the flavour and tenderness of the pastry. For example, milk can add richness and tenderness to the dough.

The method of mixing and rolling out the pastry also matters. Most recipes call for the fat to be cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then the liquid is added and the dough is gently brought together. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough pastry, so it's important to handle it as little as possible.

In terms of specific types of pastry, shortcrust pastry is a popular choice for cheese and onion pies. It has a crumbly texture and a rich flavour, making it ideal for savoury dishes. Puff pastry is another option, which will give the pie a lighter, flakier texture.

Ultimately, the best type of pastry for a cheese and onion pie will depend on personal preference. Shortcrust pastry is a classic choice, but puff pastry or even a combination of the two can also work well. Experimenting with different recipes and techniques can help you find the perfect pastry for your pie.

What cheese works well?

When it comes to cheese, a combination of Lancashire and mature cheddar is a popular choice for a cheese and onion pie. Lancashire cheese is a crumbly lactic cheese that is particular to the north-west of England and is known for its subtle sharpness and creamy texture. Mature cheddar, on the other hand, is a harder cheese with a stronger, more aggressively cheesy flavour.

In terms of quantity, most recipes call for around 125-150g of mature cheddar, and the same amount of Lancashire cheese. However, one recipe uses a whopping 800g of mature cheddar, making it the dominant flavour of the pie.

Some recipes also include Parmesan or a similar vegetarian hard cheese in the pastry, adding a further savoury dimension to the dish.

When preparing the cheese for the filling, it is typically grated or crumbled, and combined with other ingredients such as chives, spring onions, or mustard.

So, for a cheese and onion pie, a combination of Lancashire and mature cheddar cheeses is a popular and tasty option, with the potential for additional hard cheeses in the pastry.

How do you prepare the onions?

Preparing the onions is a key step in making a delicious cheese and onion pie. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

To start, you'll need a few basic ingredients: onions (of course!), butter, oil, water, and seasoning. The amount of onions you'll need may vary depending on your recipe and the size of your pie, but typically, two to four large onions should suffice.

Begin by slicing, chopping, or cutting the onions into thin pieces. Some recipes call for finely chopped onions, while others suggest slices. It's important to be consistent with your cuts to ensure even cooking.

Next, heat a large frying pan over low to medium-low heat. Add a knob of butter and a splash of oil. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Stir the butter and oil together as they melt, creating a mixture that will coat the onions beautifully.

Now, add your sliced onions to the pan and gently cook them. You want the onions to soften without taking on any colour, so keep the heat relatively low. This process should take around 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the onions occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once the onions start to soften, it's time to add the seasonings. A sprinkle of salt is essential, and you can also add a bit of white or black pepper, depending on your preference. For a tangy twist, you can include some English mustard at this stage, as suggested by Lucy Loves Food Blog.

Next, add a small amount of water to the pan. This helps to cook the onions further and keep them nice and juicy, especially if you're using a drier cheese in your pie. Continue cooking the onions until they are very soft and most of the water has reduced. This step is crucial, as it ensures your onions are meltingly soft and full of flavour.

Finally, tip the cooked onions onto a plate and allow them to cool. This step is important, as you don't want to add hot onions to your pie filling, as it may affect the texture of the other ingredients.

And there you have it! Your onions are now ready to be used in your cheese and onion pie. Remember, the key to this step is patience—allow the onions to cook slowly and gently for the best results.

What other ingredients can be added?

While a cheese and onion pie is delicious in its simplicity, there are several ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavour or change the texture. Here are some options:

• Potatoes: Some recipes include potatoes in their cheese and onion pie, such as The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook. The potatoes are usually cubed and boiled before being added to the filling. However, it is worth noting that some people believe that potatoes distract from the heavenly combination of cheese and onion.
• Mustard: A small amount of English mustard or mustard powder can be added to the filling or the pastry. It contributes a tangy heat that works well with the cheese without overwhelming it.
• Spring onions and chives: These ingredients can be added raw, providing a sharper, greener onion flavour. However, such additions might be frowned upon in traditional recipes.
• White sauce: A white sauce made from flour, milk, and cream can be added to the filling. This creates a richer, creamier texture and enhances the flavour of the pie.
• Spices: Black pepper, cayenne pepper, and white pepper are commonly used to season cheese and onion pies.
• Vegetables: Cheese and onion pies are often served with vegetables on the side, such as steamed broccoli. You could also add vegetables directly to the pie filling to create a heartier dish.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs are commonly used as an egg wash for the pastry to create a golden, crispy crust. However, some recipes, such as Andy Bates's, include eggs in the filling, resulting in a richer, more quiche-like pie.

How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time for a cheese and onion pie depends on the recipe you are using. Most recipes call for baking the pie in the oven for around 40 to 50 minutes. However, some recipes may require a shorter or longer cooking time, depending on the specific ingredients and method used.

For example, one recipe recommends baking the pie for about 45 minutes until golden. Another recipe suggests baking the pie for 40 minutes until golden brown. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your pie. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pie while it's baking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

In addition to the baking time, there is also preparation time to consider. Most recipes involve making the pastry, cooking the onions, and assembling the pie before baking. This preparation time can vary depending on the recipe and your level of expertise in the kitchen. In general, you should allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for preparing the pie before it goes into the oven.

Once the pie is baked, it's important to let it cool down before serving. Some recipes recommend leaving the pie to cool for a few minutes, while others suggest waiting for about 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice and serve the pie.

Overall, the total cooking time for a cheese and onion pie, including preparation and baking, is typically around one and a half to two hours. However, this can vary depending on the specific recipe and your individual circumstances. It's always a good idea to read through the recipe thoroughly before starting and to allow plenty of time for preparation and cooking to ensure the best results.

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