This Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe is everything you want in comfort food: creamy mashed potatoes swirled with sharp cheddar, a kick of mustard, sweet golden onions, and all crowned with slices of juicy tomato and a bubbling, cheesy crust. It’s humble, nostalgic, and seriously irresistible—like a warm hug on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Comfort: With buttery mashed potatoes and melty cheddar, this pie is the ultimate in cozy, soul-soothing eats.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy or expensive groceries—just a handful of pantry staples create incredible depth and richness.
- A Family Classic for All Ages: There’s something nostalgic and universally appealing about this dish, making it a hit with both kids and grown-ups.
- Easy to Make & Adapt: The Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe is straightforward and endlessly customizable to suit every mood and season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few honest, classic ingredients come together to create pure magic in this dish. Each one brings something special—whether it’s bold flavor, creamy texture, or beautiful color—to this Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe.
- Potatoes (400g; about 3 small–medium): Fluffy, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Maris Piper work beautifully for their creamy texture when mashed.
- Butter (75g; ½ stick + 1 Tbsp): Adds richness that coats every bite and makes the mash lusciously soft.
- English Mustard (1½ Tbsp): An essential “secret ingredient” for gentle heat and irresistible tang—don’t skip it!
- Sharp Mature Cheddar (150g; 1½ cups): Bold, tangy cheese gives the pie that signature bite and golden, gooey topping.
- Onion (75g; ½ cup): Cooking the onion with the potatoes adds mellow sweetness and aromatic flavor throughout.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the filling a soufflé-like lightness.
- Milk (1 Tbsp): Helps loosen the mash, making it delightfully moist rather than heavy.
- Tomato (1): Sliced for the top; these juicy rounds look gorgeous and add balancing acidity.
- Salt (to taste): Don’t be shy—a well-seasoned potato base is the key to a savory, crave-worthy pie.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe is just how easy it is to make it your own! This is a perfect dish for riffing—just tweak the filling or toppings to fit your pantry, mood, or dietary needs.
- Add Veggies: Stir through some sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or cooked leeks for extra flavor and color.
- Spice it Up: Swap the English mustard for Dijon for more subtle heat, or sprinkle in smoked paprika or cayenne for a gentle kick.
- Try Different Cheese: Experiment with Gruyère, Red Leicester, or a combo of your favorite melty cheeses for a flavor twist.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a brilliant side or main for all eaters—just double-check your mustard and cheese labels.
- Add Protein: Toss in some leftover ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon if you want to make the pie more substantial.
How to Make Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Boil Potatoes and Onion Together
Start by bringing a 20cm (8-inch) saucepan of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your whole, unpeeled potatoes and let them cook away for about 15 minutes. When the timer hits the halfway mark, peel your onion and drop it right into the pot—this clever move gently sweetens the onion and infuses subtle flavor into the potatoes as they finish cooking together.
Step 2: Peel and Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fork-tender (after around 30–35 minutes), drain them well. Pierce each potato with a fork—they’ll be hot, so be careful!—and the skins will slide off easily. Either mash them by hand for a rustic pie, or use a potato ricer for silky-smooth results.
Step 3: Mix in Butter, Cheese, and Mustard
Add the butter while the potatoes are still steamy so it melts right in. Sprinkle in almost all your grated cheese (save a handful for topping) and that punchy English mustard. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well combined—you’ll see the mash turn gloriously golden and smell irresistible.
Step 4: Add Egg, Milk, and Chopped Onion
Beat the egg with the milk in a small bowl, then pour it into your potato mixture. This creates a soft, almost soufflé-like filling after baking. Remove the cooked onion from the pot, chop it into a chunky dice, and stir it through the potatoes. Now’s a great time for a little taste—add more salt if it needs a boost!
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Tomato Slices
Grease a medium casserole dish (about 0.5 liters) and spoon in your dreamy potato mixture, smoothing the top. Sprinkle over the last bit of cheese, then artfully arrange slices of fresh tomato in a neat layer—this looks gorgeous once baked and adds vibrant brightness.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the top is burnished to a deep, golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes—those cheesy edges are hot!—then dig in and enjoy every creamy forkful.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe
- Choose the Right Potato: Use floury, all-purpose potatoes—like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold—to get mash that’s fluffy, not gluey.
- Boil Onion with Potatoes: Simmering the onion in the same pot not only saves time, it mellows its flavor and infuses everything with sweetness.
- Mustard Matters: Don’t hold back on the English mustard; it gives the Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe its signature punch—taste the mash before baking to balance the flavors to perfection.
- Perfect Cheese Crust: For that unbeatable golden crown, grate your cheese freshly and scatter it evenly over the top so you get cheesy bits in every bite.
How to Serve Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie truly shines with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley just before serving. If you want even more savory depth, add a light dusting of smoked paprika or a crack of black pepper—these little touches elevate the Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe with extra color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your pie with a simple green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or some honey-glazed carrots to balance its rich creaminess. For heartier appetites, serve alongside baked beans, roasted sausages, or classic steamed greens—it’s the ultimate versatile centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making mini Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe portions in ramekins for a dinner party, pop them under the broiler for a bubbly finish, or cut into neat squares to serve as a brunch side. The pie’s cheerful golden crust and ruby-red tomatoes make it an instant crowd-pleaser, however you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply let your Cheese and Potato Pie cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers truly special—just be sure to keep it sealed so the mash stays moist.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices or the entire baked pie: wrap tightly in foil and pop in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe in the oven at 180°C (350°F), covered with foil, until hot through (about 15–20 minutes for slices). For extra crispiness, uncover and broil the top for a couple of minutes just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I prepare the Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold, and you’ll have a piping hot pie ready when you need it.
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What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Sharp, mature cheddar is classic for its tangy flavor and perfect melt, but feel free to switch things up with Gruyère, Red Leicester, or any robust melting cheese you love.
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Is Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian as long as you check that your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet—most cheddar is, but a quick label check keeps things meat-free.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger dish; just allow a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure the center is piping hot and the cheesy topping is gloriously golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something both nostalgic and magical, give this Cheese and Potato Pie Recipe a try. It’s the kind of homey meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles—and you’ll find yourself making it again and again for pure, uncomplicated comfort.
PrintCheese and Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese and Potato Pie recipe is a comforting dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese, English mustard, and savory onions, topped with sliced tomatoes for a pop of freshness. A simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect as a side or main course.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 400g (3 Small-Medium) Potatoes
- 75g (1/2 Stick + 1 Tbsp) Butter
- 1 1/2 Tbsp English Mustard
- 150g (1 1/2 Cups) Sharp Mature Cheddar
- 75g (1/2 Cup) Onion
- 1 Egg
- 1 Tbsp Milk
- Salt to taste
Topping:
- 1 Tomato
- Remaining Cheese
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Bring a 20cm or 8′ saucepan of well-salted water to a boil. Add whole unpeeled potatoes and onion. Boil for 30-35 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Drain, peel, and mash the potatoes. Add butter, most of the cheese, and mustard. Mix well.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat egg with milk. Add to the potato mixture and combine.
- Assemble: Mix in diced onion. Taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with cheese and tomato slices.
- Bake: Bake at 200°C or 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Nutrition calculated for 4 portions, serving 4 as a side and 2 as a main.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg