Mary Berry Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe

The Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie is a comforting and delicious classic British dish. Made with a rich shortcrust pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, this pie is the perfect option for a hearty family meal or special gathering. The pie is golden and crisp on the outside while oozing with cheesy goodness inside. Simple yet flavorful, this pie is ideal for vegetarians and anyone who loves the combination of cheese and onion.

What is Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie?

Mary Berry’s Cheese and Onion Pie is a savory pie made with a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with caramelized onions and plenty of cheese. It is baked to golden perfection, offering a creamy, cheesy filling encased in a crispy pastry. This classic pie can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
• Jamie Oliver Macaroni Cheese With Cauliflower
• Mary Berry Cheese And Onion Quiche

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic British Dish: A traditional favorite that’s loved by many.
• Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty, filling dish that’s suitable for vegetarians.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy to make with common pantry staples.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even a savory snack.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

For the Pastry:

• Plain Flour (200g): For making the shortcrust pastry.
• Butter (100g, chilled and cubed): Adds richness to the pastry.
• Cold Water (2-3 tablespoons): To bring the dough together.
• Salt (a pinch): To season the pastry.

For the Filling:

• Onions (3 large, thinly sliced): For a sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese (250g, grated): A strong cheese that adds richness.
• Double Cream (100ml): For a creamy texture.
• Butter (25g): For cooking the onions.
• Eggs (2 large): To bind the filling together.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Egg Yolk (1, for glazing): To give the pie a golden finish.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl: For making the pastry.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pastry.
• Pie Dish (20-23cm): For assembling and baking the pie.
• Frying Pan: For cooking the onions.
• Whisk: For mixing the eggs and cream.
• Baking Beans: For blind baking the pastry.

Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

Step 1: Make the Shortcrust Pastry

• In a mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

• In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
• Roll out half of the chilled pastry on a floured surface until it’s about 3mm thick. Use it to line the base of a 20-23cm pie dish, trimming off any excess.
• Prick the base with a fork and chill for 10 minutes.
• Blind bake the pastry by lining it with baking paper and filling it with baking beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until the base is golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Make the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and double cream until well combined.
• Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and caramelized onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the cheese and onion filling into the prepared pastry case.
• Roll out the remaining pastry to make the top crust. Dampen the edges of the pastry base and place the top crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
• Brush the top of the pie with egg yolk for a golden glaze.

Step 6: Bake the Cheese and Onion Pie

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve the Pie

• Slice and serve warm, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

• Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich pie.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, parsnips, or zucchini for a hearty meal.
• Steamed Greens: Spinach, green beans, or peas complement the flavors of the pie.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish.
• Tomato Chutney: A tangy chutney adds a delicious contrast to the cheesy filling.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time to cook the onions low and slow for maximum sweetness.
• Chill the Pastry: Chilling the pastry before rolling and after lining the tin helps prevent it from shrinking during baking.
• Use Strong Cheese: A mature cheddar adds more flavor to the filling, but you can also mix it with Gruyère or Red Leicester.
• Brush with Egg Yolk: For a golden and shiny crust, always brush the top with egg yolk before baking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting to ensure the filling sets and doesn’t spill out.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

• Add Leeks: Replace some of the onions with leeks for a different flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Red Leicester, or a mix of cheeses for added depth.
• Add Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mustard powder for a bit of heat.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and egg substitutes to create a plant-based version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked pie. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie

• Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C and reheat the pie for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the pastry crisp.
• Microwave Option: For a quicker option, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Be aware that this may soften the pastry.
• Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the filling or overcooking the pastry.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie Healthier?

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace some of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat variety.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, leeks, or mushrooms into the filling for extra nutrition.
• Use Low-Fat Cream: Replace the double cream with a lower-fat alternative like single cream or Greek yogurt.
• Smaller Portions: Serve smaller slices alongside a large salad to balance the richness of the pie.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg

FAQs

Who makes the best cheese and onion pie?

Mary Berry’s Cheese and Onion Pie is widely considered one of the best. Known for her traditional British recipes, Mary Berry combines a buttery, flaky shortcrust pastry with a rich, creamy cheese and caramelized onion filling, creating a comforting and delicious pie.

Can cheese and onion pie be frozen?

Yes, cheese and onion pie can be frozen. After baking, allow the pie to cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 180°C until heated through.

How long to reheat a cheese and onion pie?

To reheat a cheese and onion pie, preheat your oven to 180°C and bake the pie for 10-15 minutes until it is heated through. If reheating a whole pie, it may take 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the crust from over-browning.

How to make a Mary Berry pie crust?

To make a Mary Berry pie crust, combine plain flour and chilled cubed butter in a bowl, rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt and cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Chill the dough before rolling it out and blind baking for a crisp, golden crust.

How do you keep the bottom of a cheese and onion pie from getting soggy?

To keep the bottom of a cheese and onion pie from getting soggy, blind-bake the pastry. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill it with baking beans, then bake for 10-12 minutes. This ensures the base is crisp before adding the filling.

How long can you keep a cheese and onion pie in the fridge?

You can keep a cheese and onion pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the oven at 180°C to maintain the crispy crust and warm the filling.

What’s the best cheese for cheese and onion pie?

A strong, mature cheddar cheese works best for cheese and onion pie, as it provides a rich, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the onions. You can also mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester for added depth of flavor.

Can I make cheese and onion pie in advance?

Yes, you can make cheese and onion pie in advance. Prepare and assemble the pie, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie is a comforting, delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, this pie is rich in flavor with a buttery crust and creamy filling. It’s a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by all, making it a must-try for any cheese lover.

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• Mary Berry Fish Pie With Leeks
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