Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a delightful, comforting dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with each bite. This rustic, hearty pie combines the creamy richness of cheese with the earthy goodness of potatoes, enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or as a satisfying meal on chilly evenings.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and requires about an hour to prepare and cook.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of creating Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Potato Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a classic British comfort food dish that features layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a rich, cheesy filling, all baked to perfection in a flaky pastry crust.
Other Pie Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Pie
- Jamie Oliver Leek and Potato Pie
- James Martin Meat and Potato Pie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: Perfect for those who love hearty, comforting meals, this pie brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday ingredients that are easy to find and work with, making it accessible for anyone to prepare.
- Versatile: Ideal as a main course or a side dish, adaptable to many occasions whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and cheesy goodness, this pie is a hit among children, making it a family-friendly option.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this pie in advance, making it a perfect option for busy days or when planning meals for the week.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious pie:
- Potatoes: About 2 kg (approximately 4.4 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced. Choose a variety that holds its shape well, like Yukon Gold or Maris Piper.
- Cheddar Cheese: 300 grams (about 10.5 ounces) of sharp cheddar cheese, grated. The sharper the cheese, the more flavorful the pie.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely sliced. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: 200 ml (about 7 ounces). It creates a rich and creamy texture in the filling.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten. They help bind the ingredients and enrich the filling.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons, leaves picked. Adds a light, aromatic touch to the pie.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. These seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Butter: For greasing the pie dish and dotting over the top before baking. Adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
Equipment
To make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Deep Pie Dish or Baking Dish: Suitable for layering the ingredients and baking in the oven.
- Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the potatoes and onions uniformly.
- Cheese Grater: To grate the cheese.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the filling ingredients.
- Whisk: Beat the eggs and cream together.
- Pastry Brush: Optional, for buttering the dish and the top layer of the pie.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie
Step 1: Preparation of the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onions: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes and onions. Keep them in separate bowls.
- Mix the Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Layering the Pie
- Grease the Dish: Butter your pie dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to add extra flavor.
- First Layer: Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping each other.
- Add Onions and Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of sliced onions and grated cheese over the potatoes.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering potatoes, onions, and cheese, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Step 3: Adding the Cream Mixture
- Pour Over the Cream Mixture: Gently pour the cream mixture over the layered potatoes. The liquid should come about three-quarters of the way up the sides of the dish.
- Dot with Butter: Place small dabs of butter over the top layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Baking the Pie
- Bake the Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Resting the Pie
- Let It Rest: Once baked, let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie?
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pie.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or carrots for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the pie.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie
- Slice Evenly: Ensure your potato slices are even to cook uniformly. Using a mandoline helps achieve consistent thickness.
- Drain Potatoes: After slicing, pat the potatoes dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent a soggy pie.
- Layer Tightly: Pack the layers tightly and neatly to help the pie hold its shape when serving.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the pie; it should go through the potatoes easily when they are cooked.
- Season Each Layer: To enhance flavor, lightly season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper as you build the pie.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cheese and cream to come to room temperature before assembling the pie to ensure they meld well during baking.
- Pre-cook the Onions: Sauté the onions before layering to bring out their natural sweetness and reduce moisture.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie
- Add Meats: For a non-vegetarian version, add layers of cooked bacon or ham between the potato layers.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cream mixture for a bit of heat.
- Include Veggies: Introduce layers of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Herb Variations: Mix in different herbs like rosemary or sage to complement the creamy potato and cheese flavors.
How do I Store Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Cool the pie completely before covering it with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly with foil and freeze. It can be frozen for up to a month.
How do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie Leftovers?
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quick option, microwave slices on a microwave-safe plate for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes for this recipe. While Yukon Gold or Maris Piper are recommended for their ability to hold shape and creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Russet or Red potatoes, depending on what’s available or your personal preference.
How long can you store Cheese and Potato Pie in the refrigerator?
Cheese and Potato Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is cooled completely before wrapping it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Is it possible to freeze Cheese and Potato Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Cheese and Potato Pie. Wrap the pie tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some vegetarian alternatives to add to Cheese and Potato Pie?
For a vegetarian version of the Cheese and Potato Pie, consider adding layers of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These add both flavor and nutritional value. You could also include sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese and Potato Pie is a versatile, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, its comforting flavors and hearty texture are bound to impress. Enjoy the process of making it and the delightful results!