Delicious English Cheese Pie Recipe for Cheese Lovers
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you a savory and cheesy delight that has been enjoyed in England for generations: English Cheese Pie. This dish is a celebration of British cuisine’s love affair with cheese, and it’s not your typical pie recipe.
This pie is perfect for anyone who appreciates the combined flavors of onion and cheese. Imagine a light, crispy crust filled with creamy cheese, caramelized onions, and topped with freshly grated cheddar. It’s absolutely divine!
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’ve found that there are few dishes as comforting as a good pie, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. It’s a hearty and filling option, perfect for any mealtime. So why not give this English Cheese Pie a try and bring some British warmth into your home?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pie recipe that will delight your taste buds? Look no further than this English Cheese Pie recipe! This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
What sets this recipe apart is its flavorful combination of ingredients. The pie crust is made from a mixture of shortening, butter, sugar, salt, and unbleached flour, giving it a crisp and flaky texture. Inside, there is a rich and creamy filling made with cottage cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of onions sautéed in butter adds a sweet and savory flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese.
But what really makes this recipe stand out are the optional additions of currants and rose water. These unexpected ingredients add a unique twist to the traditional cheese pie that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. And if you’re not a fan of rose water, don’t worry – you can easily leave it out without detracting from the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Overall, this English Cheese Pie recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich and satisfying comfort food. So give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious English Cheese Pie recipe:
For the crust:
- 2 x 320g ready rolled shortcrust pastry
- 150g butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 150g lard, cold and cut into cubes
- 750g unbleached flour
- A pinch of salt
- Cold water
For the filling:
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into small pieces
- 3 onions, finely sliced
- 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 200g Lancashire cheese, grated
- 50ml cream sherry or heavy cream
- 2 eggs, beaten
- A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
The cheese combination in this recipe is what makes it so tasty. English farmhouse cheddar cheese adds depth of flavor while creamy lancashire cheese gives pleasant tartness. The pie pastry crust is crunchy and easy to make with real butter and lard. Potatoes are added for an earthy flavor and texture while onions provide sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking our delicious English Cheese Pie! In this section, I will guide you through the process step-by-step to ensure a successful outcome.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Ingredients:
– 2 x 320g ready rolled shortcrust pastry
– 50ml (2oz) water
First of all, preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Take one of the pastry rounds and line a pie dish with it. Make sure to trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges. Then, brush the top with some water using a pastry brush.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Ingredients:
– 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into small pieces
– 3 onions, finely sliced
– 200g (7oz) mature cheddar cheese, grated
– 100g (3.5oz) Lancashire cheese, grated
– 2 eggs
– 150ml (5.2oz) heavy cream
– Salt and pepper
In a large mixing bowl, combine both of your grated cheeses and set aside. In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook your sliced onions until they are soft and slightly golden in color. Add in the chopped potatoes and cook them until they are tender but still firm.
Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients
Next, add your cooked onions and potatoes to your mixing bowl along with your two eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Bake Your Pie
Pour the cheese mixture into the pastry-lined dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Now, take your second pastry round and place it on top of the mixture as a lid. Press down on the edges to seal the pie, using a fork to crimp them together. With the remaining water, brush over the top to give it a nice glaze.
Bake your English Cheese Pie in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remember to let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made an incredible cheese pie that is guaranteed to impress all your guests. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to add a twist to your English Cheese Pie recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can experiment with. Here are a few ideas:
– For a fruity twist, try adding currants or chopped apples to the cheese mixture before baking. The sweetness from the fruit will complement the tangy flavor of the cheese perfectly.
– If you want to spice things up a bit, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese mixture. This will give your pie a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
– A splash of rose water can also be used to add fragrance and depth of flavor.
– Instead of using cream sherry, you can use any fortified wine or even savory substitutes like chicken broth.
– For a creamier texture, substitute heavy cream for some of the cottage cheese. This will give your pie a richer, more decadent flavor and texture.
– Use other types of British cheese such as blue cheese or Lancashire cheese in place of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
– You can also add spinach or onion to make spinach and potato pie or onion pie.
Whatever variation you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. These twists and turns on the traditional English Cheese Pie will definitely hit differently every time you bake!
Serving and Pairing
Ready to serve this scrumptious English Cheese Pie? This pie is rich, savory, and delectable making it perfect for any occasion. I prefer to serve it hot straight from the oven, but you may want to let it cool down a bit before serving.
When it comes to pairing with drinks, I recommend serving this English Cheese Pie with a glass of beer or cider. A light ale or a dark stout would complement the sharp flavor of the cheese quite well. Additionally, if you’re hosting a brunch or tea party, consider pairing it with hot tea for a delightful contrast.
For sides, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad such as mesclun or arugula salad with balsamic dressing. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more filling dish, make sure to pair the pie with hearty side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
If you have leftovers and are wondering what to do with them, there are endless possibilities! You could serve chilled slices of pie as a snack or appetizer, perhaps paired with fruit jam or honey mustard. You can also freeze the leftover pie for later consumption. It makes for an excellent option for those who are short of time but still crave something homemade and delicious.
In short, this English Cheese pie is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different beverages and sides- making it suitable for any mealtime or occasion. So go ahead and impress your guests with this warm and flavorful treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about English Cheese Pie is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. If you are planning to serve this dish at a party or gathering, I highly recommend making it a day or two before the event. This will give the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a more complex and delicious dish.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply follow the instructions as written and allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The English Cheese Pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you are short on time, you can also reheat this dish. To do so, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
When reheating leftovers, it’s important to cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out. You may also want to add a little extra cheese on top of the pie before reheating to help keep it moist.
English Cheese Pie can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply remove from the freezer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.
It’s important to note that while this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals, it’s not suitable for meal prep. The pie is best eaten within three days of baking and may become soggy if kept in the fridge for too long.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making the perfect English cheese pie is getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you make the most delicious cheese pie:
1. Don’t overwork the pastry. When it comes to making the crust, less is more. Overworking the pastry can make it tough and hard to work with. Make sure to handle it gently and don’t knead it too much.
2. Use cold butter and shortening. For a flaky crust, use butter and shortening that are cold out of the fridge. This will help to keep your pastry light and airy.
3. Choose a strong-flavored cheese. A mild cheddar won’t provide enough flavor for this dish, so go for a mature or sharp cheddar, or even a blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
4. Add some currants or apple slices for sweetness. A little bit of sweetness can really enhance the flavors in this pie. Try adding currants or thin slices of apple for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Cook your onions slowly to bring out their sweetness. When making the onion filling, be patient and cook your onions low and slow until they are caramelized and sweet.
6. Let it rest before slicing. Once your pie is cooked, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it. This will help everything set up nicely and make it easier to cut.
Following these tips will help make sure that your English cheese pie turns out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list and the recipe how-to, you may have some questions or concerns. In this section of the article, I will address some of the most frequently asked questions about the English Cheese Pie Recipe. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time. So, let’s get started with some FAQ!
What cheese is good for pie?
When it comes to cheese choices for your apple pie, although the classic sharp cheddar is unbeatable, there are numerous other options available. Gouda is an excellent choice, offering a nutty and caramel-like flavor that complements the sweetness in the pie. On the other hand, parmesan cheese provides similar nutty flavor notes but has a saltier taste that might attract taste buds that prefer savory flavors.
Do you put egg in cheese and onion pie?
When it comes to a delectable cheese and onion pie, less is often more. This delightful pastry dish is made with a few basic ingredients, including cheddar cheese, diced onion, egg, and a flaky, buttery crust.
Why do people put cheddar cheese on apple pie?
When it comes to the unconventional pairing of cheddar cheese and apple pie, it’s understandable to feel hesitant. But just hear me out! The combination of the sweet and sugary apple pie with the salty and savory cheddar cheese creates a perfectly balanced contrast of flavors, like a yin-yang of salty-sweet deliciousness. You can experiment with incorporating cheddar cheese into the crust or simply serving it on top of a freshly baked slice. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What is the yellow cheese on apple pie?
While Cheddar is a classic type of cheese, different regions may have their own unique preferences. For instance, in Yorkshire, they tend to favor the local Wensleydale cheese. In this area, there’s a well-known saying that an apple pie without cheese is similar to a kiss without a squeeze.
What is the cheese on apple pie called?
While cheddar may be the top choice of cheese in the US, there are a variety of other cheese options available for cooking. Some examples include Wensleydale, Roquefort, gouda, parmesan, and Gruyère.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, I hope this English Cheese Pie recipe has inspired you to explore the rich and diverse world of British cuisine. With its delectably rich and savory flavor, it is perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you are seeking comfort food on a rainy day or looking for a unique dish to impress your guests at a dinner party, this cheese pie recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or mix in your favorite complementary ingredients to make your own creative twist on this classic recipe. And remember, cooking is all about having fun and sharing delicious meals with the people you love.
So why not give this English Cheese Pie a try? Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll fall in love with its buttery texture and scrumptious taste – it’s simply irresistible!
English Cheese Pie Recipe
Ingredients
CRUST
- 2 cups unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar, Granulated
- 4 tablespoons butter, Chilled (DO NOT use margarine in this recipe.)
- 3 tablespoons shortening, Chilled
- 5 tablespoons water, Cold
FILLING
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream sherry
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar, Granulated
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, Grated
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, Ground
- 1/4 cup currants, Dried
Instructions
- CRUST: Sift together the flour, salt and sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the butter to the flour all at once.
- Mix together until well blended.
- Then add the shortening and continue to blend by cutting it into the flour mixture.
- The mixture will begin to look like crumbs or small pebbles.
- It will have the texture of oatmeal.
- Sprinkle the water over the dough, distributing it evenly throughout.
- The dough will be come sticky and cling together.
- Gather it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- When the pastry has chilled, roll it out on a pastry board to a thickness of 1/8-inch.
- The easiest way is to roll the dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper.
- Roll the dough up onto the rolling pin and transfer it to a 9-inch pie tin.
- Gently press it into the tin without stretching it.
- Use the excess pastry to make flutes or cut away the excess with a sharp knife or scissors.
- Prick the bottom of the pastry shell thoroughly to prevent trapped air from bubbling the dough.
- Butter a sheet of aluminum foil and place the foil down into the shell.
- Weight it down with weights or beans to keep the crust from lifting up.
- Bake the crust for 7 to 10 minutes then remove the weight and the foil.
- Return the crust to the oven and continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.
- If you have difficulty rolling out the dough, do not reroll it; just patch the tears or holes.
- Rerolling will make the pastry tough.
- FILLING: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Press the cottage cheese through a sieve.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream and the sherry until steamy, do not allow it to scorch.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, rosewater, and the spices until frothy -- about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cottage cheese until it is smooth then add the egg mixture and blend well.
- Add the hot cream and sherry slowly to the cheese mixture and beat until well blended.
- Stir in the currants and pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Chill and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.