The Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie is a comforting British classic, combining layers of creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a rich and cheesy filling encased in a crispy golden top. With easy-to-find ingredients, this pie is an excellent option for a comforting weeknight meal or a delicious side dish.
What is Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie?
Mary Berry’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a savory pie made with creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. Topped with a golden, crispy finish, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a hearty side.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Cheese And Onion Quiche
- Hairy Bikers Cheese and Onion Pie
- Hairy Bikers Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for children and adults alike.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main course or as a side dish to complement other meals.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A satisfying dish that’s suitable for vegetarians.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled and chopped): Use a starchy potato like Maris Piper for a fluffy mash.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): A strong, mature cheddar works best for a rich flavor.
- Milk (150ml): To make the mashed potatoes creamy.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the mash and helps create a golden top.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): For a subtle kick that complements the cheese.
- Egg Yolk (1): For brushing the top to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Frying Pan: For sautéing the onions.
- Mixing Bowl: This is used to combine the mashed potatoes and cheese.
- Pie Dish (23cm): For baking the pie.
- Masher: To mash the potatoes.
- Grater: For grating the cheese.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain the potatoes and allow them to steam dry for a few minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
- While the potatoes are boiling, melt a knob of butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes or until soft and golden. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
- Mash the boiled potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder for added flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese and Onions
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and sautéed onions to the mashed potatoes, reserving a handful of cheese for the topping.
- Mix everything well until combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
- Brush the surface with egg yolk to create a golden finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Cheese and Potato Pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool slightly before serving.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy dressing helps balance the richness of the pie.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, carrots, or peas for added freshness.
- Baked Beans: A classic side that complements the cheesy, creamy filling.
- Grilled Sausages: A perfect pairing for a hearty meal.
- Tomato Chutney: Adds a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet potatoes make for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Grate the Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes until smooth, but avoid overmixing to prevent them from becoming gummy.
- Golden Finish: For a beautifully golden top, brush the surface with egg yolk before baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the filling set before serving.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Add Bacon: Stir crispy bacon bits into the mashed potato mixture for a savory twist.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Red Leicester, or a mix of cheeses for extra depth.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, leeks, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Herb Twist: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a herby flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the pie in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
- Freeze: You can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C and reheat the pie for 10-15 minutes until it’s hot throughout. This keeps the top crispy and the filling creamy.
- Microwave Option: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Keep in mind that the top may lose some crispness.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the filling or overcooking the potatoes.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie Healthier?
- Use Less Cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat version to make the pie lighter.
- Swap for Low-Fat Milk: Use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk instead of whole milk for a lighter version.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, peas, or leeks for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: If adding breadcrumbs for a crispy top, use whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Smaller Portions: Serve smaller slices of the pie with a large side salad to balance the richness.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can you freeze Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie. Allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 180°C until hot and golden.
How do you make mashed potatoes creamy for cheese and potato pie?
To make creamy mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet, and add butter and warm milk while mashing. Ensure not to overmix the potatoes to avoid a gummy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can you make cheese and potato pie in advance?
Yes, you can make cheese and potato pie in advance. Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for meal prep or preparing ahead for a busy day.
What cheese is best for Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie?
A mature cheddar cheese is ideal for Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie. Its strong, sharp flavor complements the creamy potatoes perfectly. For added flavor, you can also mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie is the perfect dish for a cozy, comforting meal. With its creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, this pie is easy to make and is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, this pie delivers rich, satisfying flavors that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Mary Berry Cheese and Potato Pie
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a savory pie made with creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. Topped with a golden, crispy finish, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a hearty side.
Ingredients
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled and chopped): Use a starchy potato like Maris Piper for a fluffy mash.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): A strong, mature cheddar works best for a rich flavor.
- Milk (150ml): To make the mashed potatoes creamy.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the mash and helps create a golden top.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): For a subtle kick that complements the cheese.
- Egg Yolk (1): For brushing the top to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain the potatoes and allow them to steam dry for a few minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
- While the potatoes are boiling, melt a knob of butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes or until soft and golden. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
- Mash the boiled potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder for added flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese and Onions
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and sautéed onions to the mashed potatoes, reserving a handful of cheese for the topping.
- Mix everything well until combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
- Brush the surface with egg yolk to create a golden finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Cheese and Potato Pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool slightly before serving.
