Randy Chandler
Cheese and onion pie is a classic British comfort food. The perfect combination of tangy cheese, sweet onions, and spicy mustard, all wrapped up in a crumbly pastry crust, is a delight that can be enjoyed hot or cold. While some recipes add potatoes or a white sauce to the mix, others prefer to keep it simple with just cheese and onion. So, what are the best sides to serve with this delicious dish? A dressed green salad, some mustard, or mash and greens are all great options to complement the flavours of the pie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of servings | 4-6 |
| Temperature | Warm, room temperature, or cold |
| Sides | Mustard, mash, greens, or a dressed green salad |
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Mustard and mash
When choosing a mustard to serve with your cheese and onion pie, consider a classic spicy English variety such as Colman's, or a smooth Dijon. A wholegrain mustard will also work well, providing a textural contrast to the soft, creamy filling of the pie. If you want to add a little extra heat, you could opt for a mustard with added cayenne pepper.
For the mash, use a floury potato variety such as Maris Piper or King Edward. These types of potatoes will give a fluffy, creamy mash when cooked and mashed with butter and milk or cream. Season well with salt and white or black pepper, depending on your preference.
To serve, place a generous scoop of mash on a plate and top with a wedge of cheese and onion pie. Finish with a good grinding of pepper and a dollop of mustard on the side.
This combination of flavours and textures is a perfect example of classic British comfort food and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Salad and salad cream
A cheese and onion pie is a flavourful and hearty dish, and serving it with a salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the pie. The freshness and crispness of the salad will complement the warm and comforting flavours of the pie.
When it comes to building your salad, aim for a mix of leafy greens, crisp vegetables, and perhaps some fruit for a touch of sweetness. Consider including ingredients such as mixed salad leaves, spinach, rocket, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, and sliced apples or pears. You can also add some crunch and texture with toppings like nuts, seeds, or croutons.
For the salad dressing, a classic salad cream is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour will enhance the overall taste experience. You can either purchase a ready-made salad cream from the store or make your own by combining ingredients such as mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings. Play around with the proportions to find your preferred level of tanginess and creaminess.
To serve, arrange the salad on a plate or in a bowl, and drizzle with the salad cream dressing. You can also offer the dressing on the side for your guests to add according to their preference. Enjoy the combination of the warm cheese and onion pie with the refreshing salad and tangy dressing!
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Cayenne pepper
When making a cheese and onion pie, it's essential to slowly cook the onions to achieve the best flavour. This can be done by sautéing them over medium-low to medium heat until soft and golden brown. Once your onions are cooked, you can season them with salt and black pepper to taste.
The cheese and onion pie is a versatile dish that can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. It pairs well with a variety of sides, including mustard, mash, and greens. For a spicier pie, in addition to cayenne pepper, you can add the seeds of a hot pepper to the filling.
If you're looking for a complete meal, serve your cheese and onion pie with mashed potatoes or chips and peas. This classic combination is a satisfying and comforting option. However, if you're looking for something lighter, a dressed green salad with salad cream or a zippy balsamic vinaigrette also complements the pie nicely.
Whether you choose to add cayenne pepper or not, the cheese and onion pie is a delicious and comforting dish. It's a simple recipe with only a few ingredients, making it quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy your pie however you like it best!
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Black pepper
The Hairy Bikers also add Parmesan to their pastry, while Angela Boggiano uses Red Leicester in her book, Pie. Boggiano uses butter alone in her pastry, while the Hairy Bikers and Simon Hopkinson use a combination of lard and butter, which makes the pastry lighter and crumblier.
For a cheese and onion pie, the onions should be slow-cooked until soft and golden brown. The Hairy Bikers and Nigel Haworth simmer them in water, while other recipes suggest frying them. The filling should be seasoned generously with black pepper and a little salt.
A cheese and onion pie can be served warm or cold, with mustard, mash, and greens, or simply with a dressed green salad.
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Spuds and sauce
For the sauce, a tangy mustard or a thick white sauce is a great option. The mustard can be the classic Colman's British-style mustard, or an equal amount of Dijon mustard can be used for a slightly different flavour. A thick white sauce can be made by cooking onions in butter until soft, then stirring in flour and mustard powder. Milk is then added to create a smooth sauce. This sauce can be served alongside the pie and mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Another option for a sauce is to make a gravy. This can be served with the mashed potatoes and pie, creating a traditional and comforting meal. A simple onion gravy can be made by cooking onions in butter until soft, then adding flour and stock to create a thick and flavourful gravy.
The addition of spuds and sauce to a cheese and onion pie creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal, perfect for a cosy night in or a hearty lunch. The combination of flavours and textures makes for a delicious and comforting dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with cheese and onion pie include mustard, mashed potatoes, chips, peas, gravy, a dressed green salad, and salad cream.
A mature kind of cheese that melts easily, such as Cheddar, Lancashire, or Double Gloucester, is recommended.
Shortcrust pastry is a popular choice for cheese and onion pie. You can make it with a mix of butter and lard or vegetable fat to produce a crumbly yet crisp pastry.
Bake your cheese and onion pie for around 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius fan-assisted or 375 degrees Fahrenheit before baking your cheese and onion pie.
