Patrick Oconnell
A cheese and potato pie is a classic British comfort food. It is a simple dish to make and can be served as a main course or a side. The basic recipe calls for mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, but there are many variations to this classic recipe. So, what are the best things to put with cheese and potato pie?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Mashed potatoes, cheese, onion |
| Other ingredients | Butter, milk, salt, pepper, mustard, chives, leeks, Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, cabbage, salad leaves, seasonal vegetables, greens, egg, floury or mealy potatoes, wild garlic, spring onions |
| Side dishes | Baked beans, tomatoes, white bread, sausages, peas, ketchup, pickled beetroot, HP sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Use mature cheddar cheese for the best flavour
For a cheese and potato pie with the best flavour, it is recommended to use mature cheddar cheese. This variety of cheese has a firm texture and is both creamy and crumbly. It should have a strong savoury taste with a hint of sweetness. A good cheddar should not be spongy.
Extra mature or vintage cheddar will add a tangy taste to the pie. A mature farmhouse cheddar is a good choice, as this variety has a strong flavour. Wensleydale and Cheshire cheese are also good options, but cheddar is considered to be the most satisfying cheese for this dish.
The cheese and potato pie is a simple dish that is open to adaptation and experimentation. It is essentially a cheesy mashed potato bake, often with onion, and sometimes with a pastry crust. The pie can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
The potatoes should be floury or mealy, and varieties such as King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russet, or Idaho are recommended. The cheese and potato mixture can be layered with other ingredients, such as beans, or simply topped with sliced tomatoes.
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Serve with a side of baked beans
Baked beans are a great side dish to serve with cheese and potato pie. This classic, comforting meal is a favourite for many, bringing back childhood memories.
The cheese and potato pie is a simple yet delicious dish, often made with leftover mashed potatoes, lots of grated cheese, and sometimes, chopped red onions. It is a versatile recipe, and you can add other ingredients like mustard, chives, leeks, or garlic to enhance the flavour.
When serving with baked beans, you can keep the pie recipe simple, or add your preferred extras. The beans provide a savoury, hearty addition to the meal. You can serve the beans as they are, or get creative by adding bacon to the beans for a more indulgent side.
To elevate the meal further, serve the pie with a side of crusty white bread, as suggested by a user on Mumsnet, for a truly satisfying, comforting meal.
For a more substantial meal, you could also serve the pie and beans with sausages, as suggested by a user on Krumpli, creating a delicious, nostalgic plate of food.
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Add mustard for a piquant flavour
A cheese and potato pie is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While some people prefer to stick to the basics of butter, milk, salt, and pepper, others like to experiment with additional ingredients to enhance the flavour. One such ingredient is mustard, which adds a piquant touch to the dish.
When it comes to choosing the right mustard, you have a variety of options. You can opt for the classic English mustard, which is sure to add a punchy flavour. Alternatively, you could try German or American mustard, Dijon mustard, or even wholegrain mustard, depending on your preference. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of mustard to find the perfect balance of flavour for your palate.
The amount of mustard you use is also a matter of personal preference. Some people like to use just a teaspoon or two of English mustard powder to add a subtle kick, while others enjoy the bold flavour of a generous helping of prepared mustard. You can adjust the amount of mustard to suit your taste, ensuring that it complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Mustard is a versatile condiment that can be used in cheese and potato pie in a variety of ways. Some people like to mix it directly into the mash, creating a creamy and piquant blend. Others prefer to use it as a topping, spreading it over the pie before baking to create a delicious, crispy crust. You can also serve mustard on the side, allowing each person to add their desired amount to their slice of pie.
In addition to its flavour-enhancing properties, mustard also offers some health benefits when paired with cheese and potato pie. The sharp flavour of mustard can help cut through the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast. This makes the pie more palatable and easier to enjoy, especially if it is served as a side dish alongside other savoury meals.
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Include caramelised onions, garlic, and leeks
A classic British comfort food, cheese and potato pie is a simple yet delicious dish that can be served as a side or a main. While there are many variations, the core ingredients are mashed potatoes and cheese.
To elevate your cheese and potato pie, consider including caramelised onions, garlic, and leeks. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish. Start by slicing the onions and garlic and cooking them slowly in butter or oil until they are soft and golden. This process brings out their natural sweetness and develops a rich, caramelised flavour.
Next, clean and slice the leeks. Leeks belong to the onion family and have a mild, sweet flavour. They are often used to add depth to soups and casseroles but work equally well in pies. You can caramelise the leeks along with the onions and garlic, or cook them separately for a different texture.
When building your pie, layer the caramelised onions, garlic, and leeks with the mashed potatoes and cheese. This will create a beautiful contrast of colours and flavours. You can also add fresh herbs like chives for a brighter note. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese—a sharp mature cheddar is a popular choice, but you could also try a combination of cheeses like cheddar and stilton.
Finally, don't forget the importance of seasoning. A generous amount of English mustard will enhance the other flavours in the pie, and you can also add Worcestershire sauce or HP sauce for an extra kick.
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Accompany with seasonal vegetables and greens
Cheese and potato pie is a comforting, indulgent dish that is perfect for cold winter evenings. It is a versatile meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish. When served as a main, it is often accompanied by seasonal vegetables and greens.
One option is to serve the pie with steamed cabbage and salad leaves. This adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal, providing a contrast to the rich and indulgent pie. You could also try other seasonal vegetables such as boiled or steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, peppers, and aubergine, would also make a delicious and colourful addition to the plate.
For a lighter meal, a crisp and refreshing salad could be the perfect accompaniment. Try a mix of leafy greens such as rocket, spinach, or watercress, with some sliced cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. You could also add some protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make it a more substantial part of the meal.
If you're looking for something a little heartier, you could serve the pie with mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or regular potatoes. These starchy vegetables will add a comforting and filling element to the meal, making it perfect for a cold day.
Don't forget to add some condiments and sauces to the table as well! Some popular options include English mustard, HP sauce, and tomato ketchup. These can add an extra punch of flavour to the dish and complement the cheesy, potato goodness perfectly.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add ingredients like onion, red onion, wild garlic, chives, leeks, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beans, tomatoes, and spring onions.
A mature, extra mature or vintage cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavour. However, you can use any cheese you like. Other options include Wensleydale, Cheshire, and stilton.
You can serve the pie with seasonal vegetables like steamed cabbage, salad leaves, or peas. It also goes well with ketchup, crusty white bread, and pickled beetroot.
Boil potatoes until soft and pre-heat the oven to 200°C (400℉). Grease an oven dish and chop up the onion. Grate cheese and mix with the potatoes and onion. Add in any other ingredients you like. Bake until the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can build the dish and place it in the fridge for 2-3 days before baking it. However, freezing mashed potatoes is not recommended.
