Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the richness of creamy potatoes and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese, all baked to perfection. Think of it as a cozy embrace on a plate, blending the mild flavors of potatoes with the tangy, creamy delight of cheese. The pie is simple in its ingredients but bold in taste. What sets Jamie Oliver’s version apart is his approach to seasoning and the love he puts into transforming basic ingredients into something comforting and delicious.
If you’ve ever craved something that feels like a hug from the inside, this pie is it. It’s a traditional British dish, often enjoyed as a warming meal on a cold day and it’s definitely something you’d want to make when you’re looking for comfort food.
Jamie Oliver Cheese And Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this dish is how simple it is while still delivering incredible flavors. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: About 1kg of potatoes is perfect. Waxier potatoes work best for this dish as they hold their shape when baked.
- Cheese: You’ll need around 250g of mature cheddar cheese, grated. The sharper, the better as it adds depth to the pie.
- Butter: A generous amount (around 50g) for both the creamy mashed potatoes and for greasing the pie dish.
- Milk: Around 150ml, to help make the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste. You can add a pinch of nutmeg if you want to bring in a warm, spicy undertone to the mash.
- Onion: A small onion or two adds extra flavor. It’s finely chopped and sautéed to soften and sweeten the taste before being added to the pie mixture.
- Garlic: Optional but a couple of cloves of garlic can elevate the flavor profile.
- Egg: One egg, beaten, to bind the pie together.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme can be sprinkled over the pie for a fresh, herby note.
Most of these ingredients are things you probably already have in your kitchen which makes it even more appealing.
Equipment Needed
While the ingredients are minimal, the equipment is straightforward but essential. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- A large pot for boiling the potatoes.
- A pie dish: A medium-sized, round pie dish or a square one works fine. Aim for something that holds about 1.5 liters of filling.
- A frying pan: For sautéing the onions and garlic if you choose to include them.
- A grater: For grating the cheese and possibly zesting a little nutmeg if you want to use that.
- A mixing bowl: To combine the mashed potatoes with the cheese, milk and egg.
- A spoon or spatula: For spreading the mashed potato mixture into the pie dish.
- A fork: To score the top of the pie and create a golden, crispy finish in the oven.
These tools will help you achieve that perfectly creamy, crispy and cheesy pie that Jamie Oliver’s recipe is famous for.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie
Step 1: Start by peeling and slicing your potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook until tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain them and leave them to sit for a moment.
Step 2: While your potatoes are boiling, sauté your onions and garlic in a frying pan with a little butter until they become soft and golden. This brings out their natural sweetness, making the pie even more delicious.
Step 3: Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, milk and seasoning (salt, pepper and maybe a little nutmeg). Keep mashing until you get a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Stir in the grated cheese (saving a little for the topping) and the sautéed onions and garlic. Add the beaten egg and mix well. This will help bind the mixture and give it a lovely texture once baked.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to around 200°C (400°F). Grease your pie dish with butter, then spoon the cheesy potato mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 6: For a golden finish, top the pie with the reserved cheese and lightly score the top with a fork. You can also drizzle a little more melted butter over it if you want an even crispier crust.
Step 7: Bake for around 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, giving that irresistible finish.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie taught me the value of simplicity. Even with such basic ingredients, the end result is so satisfying. The richness of the creamy mashed potatoes and the sharpness of the cheddar cheese come together in the most comforting way.
Another takeaway was the importance of seasoning. It’s easy to overlook how much flavor you can bring into a dish with just a pinch of nutmeg or the right amount of salt and pepper. The sautéed onions and garlic, too, really make a difference. they add layers of sweetness that balance the heaviness of the potatoes and cheese.
Also, the texture! I was surprised at how the egg really helped bring the pie together. It holds everything in place, giving the filling that perfect, firm texture while still staying creamy inside.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie is already a solid classic but you can always have fun and make it your own. Here are some tweaks to customize it to your taste:
- Cheese Variations: The recipe calls for a mix of mature cheddar and Parmesan but you can get creative with different cheeses. Try a smoked cheddar for a more intense flavor or go with Gruyère if you prefer a nutty, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For something creamy, a dollop of mascarpone mixed in can add richness.
- Adding Veggies: The pie is primarily potatoes and cheese but why not sneak in some extra veggies? Thinly slice leeks, mushrooms or spinach and layer them with the potatoes. It’ll add a fresh, earthy contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Herb Infusion: Jamie uses thyme which is lovely but consider adding rosemary, sage or even a hint of fresh parsley for an herbal kick. A little crushed garlic can elevate the flavor too. add it to the butter while you’re sautéing your onions.
- Texture Tweaks: If you want your pie a bit more crispy on top, use panko breadcrumbs to give it a crunchy layer when baking. Or, swap the mashed potato topping for something like parsnip mash or even a mixture of cauliflower and potato for a lighter version.
- Spices for a Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your mashed potatoes. It’s a subtle spice but it’ll create a warm, cozy feeling in the pie, perfect for colder months. If you want to go bold, a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can give it a slight heat.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftovers of Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie are a total treat. Here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh:
- Fridge Storage: Once your pie has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It should last about 3-4 days in the fridge. For best results, reheat it gently in the oven to keep the top crispy.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze it for later, slice it up first for easy portions. Then wrap each slice tightly in foil or parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven. The oven helps keep the texture intact better than microwaving.
- Reheating Tips: To avoid a soggy pie, when reheating, consider using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. If you’re short on time, a microwave works but the crust won’t be as crispy. To make sure the inside heats evenly, cover it with a damp paper towel.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie?
This dish is comforting on its own but pairing it with some sides can make for a perfect meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Salads: A fresh, zesty salad cuts through the richness of the pie. Think mixed greens with a tangy lemon vinaigrette or a tomato and cucumber salad. A simple slaw with a bit of crunch can also complement the softness of the pie.
- Roasted Veggies: Carrots, parsnips or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, garlic and rosemary add color and flavor. The caramelized edges give a savory balance to the creamy cheese and potatoes.
- Pickles: A side of tangy pickles-either sweet or sour-works wonders with this pie. The acidity of the pickles balances the richness of the dish and gives an extra punch of flavor.
- Chutney or Relish: A fruity chutney like apple or cranberry pairs perfectly with cheesy dishes. The sweetness and acidity bring out the savory flavors in the pie and make every bite more interesting.
- Grilled Meat: If you want to go for a more substantial meal, grilled chicken, lamb chops or even sausages can be the perfect protein accompaniment to the pie. A grilled steak with a side of caramelized onions and mushrooms also works great.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie?
A mix of mature cheddar and a softer cheese like mozzarella works best for flavor and texture.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead Of Regular Potatoes In The Cheese And Potato Pie?
You can, but it will give the pie a sweeter taste and slightly different texture. Experiment and see if you like it!
