This classic British pie features a hearty filling of cheese, onions, and potatoes baked in a flaky pastry crust. With just a handful of supermarket ingredients, you can have this comforting dish on the table in about an hour.
Delia Smith’s version produces a pie that is simple to prepare yet utterly delicious. The crispy golden pastry provides the perfect contrast to the gooey cheese and softened onions and potatoes. Each bite delivers a delightful mingling of flavors and textures. This pie makes a stellar accompaniment to a wide variety of sides, from fresh salad to baked beans to steamed vegetables. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance for meals throughout the week.
For a savory pie that offers no-fuss convenience along with bold, nuanced flavors, you must try this recipe. Follow my easy step-by-step instructions for Delia Smith’s Cheese and Onion Pie to enjoy this British classic in your own kitchen.
What is Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie?
Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that features a flaky pastry crust filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, onion, potato, and spices. It is a classic British recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Delia Smith is a famous chef and cookbook author who has been inspiring home cooks for decades with her simple and reliable recipes.
Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, but here are some of the main ones:
- Crisp, flaky, and buttery pastry crust
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy filling
- Sweet, slow-cooked onions add great flavor
- Uses up leftover cheese, onions, and potatoes
- Versatile – pairs with salads, green beans, baked beans
- Comforting, satisfying, and flavorsome
- A favorite and most requested dish in my family
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie
Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie Ingredients To make Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 225g plain flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 75g butter
- 25g parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp water
For the filling:
- 1 large potato
- 3 large onions
- 25g plain flour
- 150ml milk
- 150ml double cream
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 175g cheddar cheese, grated
For the glaze:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions to Make Delia Smith’s Cheese and Onion Pie
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Delia Smith’s Cheese and Onion Pie:
Make the Pastry
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and egg yolk.
- Add just enough cold water (2-3 tbsp) to bring the mixture together into a firm dough.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
- Peel and slice the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Peel and thinly slice the onions. Fry them gently in oil or butter for 15-20 minutes until very soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the onions with flour and stir to coat evenly.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder and cayenne.
- Remove from heat and mix in 3/4 of the grated cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a deep 9-inch pie dish.
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface into a round large enough to line the pie dish.
- Place the potato slices in the pie dish and top with the onion and cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover with the rolled-out pastry, pressing the edges to seal. Trim off any excess pastry.
- Brush the top with beaten egg. Make a small slit in the center for steam.
Bake and Serve
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
- Serve with baked beans, salad, or green beans.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie?
Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie can be served with many different sides, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Some of my favorite options are:
- Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad can balance out the richness of the pie and add some color and texture to your plate. You can use any greens and vegetables you like, such as lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomato, carrot, or radish. You can also add some nuts, seeds, or cheese for extra protein and flavor. For the dressing, you can use a simple vinaigrette, a creamy ranch, or a tangy mustard.
- Green Beans: Green beans are a classic and easy side dish that goes well with cheese and onion pie. You can cook them in boiling water until tender, then drain and toss them with some butter, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also add some garlic, herbs, or almonds for more flavor and crunch.
- Baked Beans: Baked beans are another traditional and hearty side dish that complements the cheese and onion pie. You can use canned or homemade baked beans, and heat them up in a saucepan or microwave. You can also spice them up with some Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, or chili powder.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie
Here are some pro tips to make sure your cheese and onion pie turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces before rubbing it into the flour. This will help create a flaky and tender pastry.
- Chill your pastry dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will prevent it from shrinking and cracking in the oven.
- Cook your onions until they are soft and translucent, but not browned. This will ensure they have a sweet and mild flavor and not a bitter or burnt taste.
- Season your cheese and onion filling well with salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne pepper. This will enhance the flavor and contrast with the pastry.
- Brush your pastry with some beaten egg before baking. This will give it a golden and glossy appearance.
- Let your pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set and the pastry to cool slightly.
How do I store Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of your cheese and onion pie, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat them, you can use the oven, the microwave, or the toaster oven.
How do I Reheat Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie Leftovers?
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Cut the pie into slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot, flipping halfway through.
- Toaster Oven: Cut the pie into slices and place them on a toaster oven tray. Toast for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp and warm.
Nutrition
Each serving of this pie (assuming 4 servings) provides approximately the following nutrition:
- Energy: 885 kcal
- Fat: 54.8 g (saturated: 33.6 g)
- Carbohydrates: 64.9 g (sugars: 8.9 g)
- Fiber: 5.9 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Salt: 1.3 g
FAQs
What kind of cheese is best for cheese and onion pie?
The traditional cheese for cheese and onion pie is a crumbly lactic cheese, such as lancashire or cheshire. These cheeses have a subtle sharpness and a creamy texture that complement the onion flavor. However, you can also use other cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or red leicester, depending on your preference and availability.
How do I make the pastry for cheese and onion pie?
You can use either shortcrust pastry or hot water crust pastry for cheese and onion pie. Shortcrust pastry is made by rubbing cold butter into flour, then adding water and egg to form a dough. Hot water crust pastry is made by melting butter in boiling water, and then adding flour and salt to form a dough. Both pastries need to be chilled before rolling out and lining a pie dish.
What kind of onions work best in a cheese and onion pie?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal since they get caramelized and sweeter when cooked. You can also use regular yellow, white, or red onions. Avoid stronger flavored onions like shallots or onions.
How do I prevent my cheese and onion pie crust from getting soggy?
Chill the assembled pie before baking to help prevent a soggy bottom crust. You can also pre-bake the crust, brush it with egg wash, or line it with parchment to create a moisture barrier. Don’t overfill the pie to allow room for the filling to set.
Can I freeze cheese and onion pie?
Yes, this pie freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. The crust may soften but will still taste great.