Cheese And Onion Pie: Best Sauce Pairings Revealed

Cheese and onion pie is a traditional British dish, often served as a main course or appetiser. The pie is made with a flaky pastry crust, filled with cheese, chopped onions, and seasonings. While the pie is delicious on its own, some people like to add a sauce to enhance the flavour. So, what sauce goes well with cheese and onion pie?

Ketchup, a tangy, sweet and slightly acidic tomato-based condiment

The slightly acidic taste of ketchup can help to cut through the richness of a cheese and onion pie, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, buttery, and savoury flavours of the pie. The tanginess of ketchup can also complement the sharpness of the cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying flavour profile.

Additionally, the sweetness of ketchup can enhance the overall taste experience, adding a touch of depth and complexity to the savoury notes of the pie. The sweetness can also help to balance the sharpness of the cheese and the tanginess of the onions, resulting in a more harmonious and pleasing flavour combination.

For those who enjoy exploring different taste sensations, ketchup can be an excellent choice to accompany a cheese and onion pie. The combination of tangy, sweet, and slightly acidic flavours can elevate the dining experience, making it more exciting and enjoyable.

Ketchup can also be a versatile condiment, allowing individuals to adjust the amount added according to their preference. Some may prefer a more subtle touch of ketchup, while others might enjoy a more generous application to enhance the flavour of the pie.

Overall, ketchup can be an ideal condiment to pair with a cheese and onion pie, offering a range of taste sensations that can complement and enhance the flavours of the dish.

Mustard, a zesty kick, from classic yellow to robust Dijon and spicy brown varieties

Mustard is a condiment that packs a punch and is a great way to add a burst of flavour to your cheese and onion pie. The sharp, tangy taste of mustard is a perfect match for the rich, creamy flavour of cheese and the sweetness of onions. From the classic bright yellow mustard to the more robust Dijon and spicy brown varieties, there is a range of flavours to choose from. Mustard is a very versatile condiment that can be used in many ways. It is a popular choice for sandwiches, pretzels, and sausages, adding a zesty kick to your meal.

When it comes to cheese and onion pie, mustard can be a great way to enhance the flavour of the filling. The tangy, sharp taste of mustard cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a delicious contrast. The mustard can also help to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, adding a new dimension to the dish. Whether you prefer the classic yellow mustard or want to explore the more robust flavours of Dijon or spicy brown mustard, it can be a great addition to your pie.

If you're looking for a condiment that will add a bit of spice and tang to your cheese and onion pie, then mustard is an excellent choice. The sharp, tangy flavour of mustard is a perfect complement to the other ingredients in the pie. The mustard will also help to enhance the overall flavour of the dish, making it even more delicious.

For those who enjoy a more robust flavour profile, Dijon mustard is an excellent option. It has a more intense mustard flavour than classic yellow mustard, with a hint of spice and a sharper tang. This variety of mustard will add a sophisticated twist to your cheese and onion pie. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try experimenting with different types of mustard to find your favourite variety.

Mustard is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour of your cheese and onion pie. You can add a small amount of mustard to the filling of the pie to give it a subtle kick, or you can serve the mustard on the side as a dipping sauce for the pie. You can also experiment with different types of mustard to find the variety that best suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer the classic yellow mustard, the robust Dijon, or the spicy brown variety, mustard is a great way to add a zesty kick to your cheese and onion pie.

Gravy, a staple for Northerners, especially with pie and mash

While personal preference plays a big role in deciding which sauce to pair with a pie, gravy is a staple in most Northern households. It is commonly added to pie and mash, especially in regions like Lancashire and Blackpool.

Gravy is a sauce that is particularly well-suited to meat pies, such as a chicken, mushroom, and tarragon pie, or a steak and ale pie. It can also be used to enhance the flavour of vegetarian pies like a mushroom stroganoff pie.

In addition to gravy, other sauces that complement pies include ketchup, brown sauce, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, chutney, and mustard. These sauces can add a tangy, spicy, sweet, or savoury dimension to the dish, depending on the desired taste profile.

For a cheese and onion pie, a traditional Northern delicacy, some popular sauce options include gravy, ketchup, brown sauce, and mustard. This type of pie is often served with mash, making it a perfect candidate for a generous helping of gravy.

Cheese and onion pies are typically made with shortcrust pastry and filled with a combination of crumbly Lancashire or Cheshire cheese, and softly cooked onions. The addition of gravy can enhance the flavour of the cheese and onions, creating a hearty and comforting dish.

Whether you're a Northerner or not, adding gravy to your pie and mash can take your dining experience to the next level, providing a savoury and flavourful boost to your meal.

Mayonnaise, a luxurious and mild canvas for other flavours

Mayonnaise is a versatile sauce that can be used as a luxurious and mild canvas to elevate the flavours of a cheese and onion pie. Its smooth texture and subtle taste can enhance the overall dining experience without overwhelming the palate. Here are some reasons why mayonnaise can be an excellent choice as a sauce to accompany a cheese and onion pie:

Luxurious Texture

Mayonnaise is known for its rich and creamy texture, adding a touch of luxury to the dining experience. Its smooth consistency pairs well with the flaky pastry and gooey cheese filling of the pie, creating a delightful contrast in mouthfeel.

Mild Flavour

The mild taste of mayonnaise acts as a subtle canvas for other flavours to shine through. Its role is to enhance, not overpower, the delicate balance of flavours in the cheese and onion pie. The tanginess of the cheese and the sweetness of the onions can be accentuated when paired with mayonnaise.

Versatile Accompaniment

Mayonnaise is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to complement the pie. It can be served as a dipping sauce on the side, spread on the pastry, or even mixed with other ingredients to create a unique sauce. For example, a tangy and flavourful sauce can be created by combining mayonnaise with ketchup or BBQ sauce, adding a new dimension to the pie.

Highlighting Ingredients

The mild flavour of mayonnaise allows the key ingredients of the pie, cheese and onion, to take centre stage. Its neutral taste ensures that the delicate flavours of the cheese, whether it be a sharp cheddar or creamy Lancashire, are not overpowered. Similarly, the sweetness of the onions is accentuated without being overwhelmed.

Temperature Flexibility

Mayonnaise is an excellent choice for cheese and onion pies served at various temperatures. It complements both warm and cold pies, making it a versatile option. Whether the pie is served straight out of the oven or as a picnic dish, mayonnaise can be a suitable accompaniment, enhancing the flavours without being too heavy or overwhelming.

In conclusion, mayonnaise can be the perfect sauce to accompany a cheese and onion pie. Its luxurious texture, mild flavour, and versatility elevate the dining experience, highlighting the delicious flavours of the pie without overwhelming them. So, the next time you indulge in a cheese and onion pie, consider a generous dollop of mayonnaise on the side!

Chutney, a vegetable- or onion-based variety to go with pork pie

Chutney is a great sauce to go with a cheese and onion pie. Here is a detailed recipe for a vegetable- or onion-based chutney to accompany a pork pie.

Ingredients:

• 140g (4.9 oz) Butter
• 2kg (4.4 lbs) Red onions, finely diced
• 4 Cloves of garlic, finely diced
• 140g (4.9 oz) Caster sugar
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
• 75ml (2.6 fl oz) Red wine
• 350ml (12.3 fl oz) Sherry or red wine vinegar
• 200ml (7 fl oz) Port

Method:

Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir well until glossed with butter. Sprinkle in the sugar, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give the pan a good shake and reduce the heat slightly. Cook uncovered for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions are ready when their juices have evaporated, and they are soft and sticky. Be careful not to overcook them.

Pour in the wine, vinegar, and port. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the onions are a deep mahogany colour and the liquid has reduced by about two-thirds. Draw a spoon across the bottom of the pan; if it clears a path that quickly fills with syrupy juice, the chutney is ready. Leave the onions to cool, then scoop them into jars and seal. The chutney can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

This chutney is the perfect accompaniment to a pork pie. It can also be served with meatballs, or as a side with a meat feast buffet, to compliment meats such as pork pies, sausage rolls, and other pies.

Frequently asked questions