The Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the subtle sweetness of leeks and the earthiness of potatoes. This savory pie serves as a perfect main course for family dinners, get-togethers, or a cozy night in. Ready in about an hour and a half, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying.
What is Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie?
Mary Berry’s Cheese Leek and Potato Pie is a savory, baked dish layered with thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed leeks, and a rich cheese sauce. This pie is topped with a golden, flaky pastry crust, making it an irresistible comfort food.
Other Pie Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Pie
- Jamie Oliver Leek and Potato Pie
- Mary Berry Chicken and Bacon Pie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: The steps are simple, involving basic layering and baking.
- Flavorful: The combination of leeks, cheese, and potatoes offers a rich and comforting taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for any meal, fitting for both casual and formal settings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie
- Potatoes: 500 grams (about 1.1 pounds) of peeled, thinly sliced potatoes.
- Leeks: 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced into thin rings.
- Cheese: 150 grams (5.3 ounces) of sharp cheddar cheese, grated.
- Milk: 300 ml (about 10 fluid ounces) for the sauce.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons, for thickening the cheese sauce.
- Butter: 50 grams (about 1.76 ounces) for sautéing the leeks and making the roux.
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
- Pie Crust: 1 pre-made or homemade pastry crust to cover the pie dish.
Equipment
- Pie Dish: Suitable for oven use and deep enough to hold all the ingredients.
- Saucepan: For making the cheese sauce.
- Frying Pan: For sautéing the leeks.
- Oven: Preheated to 180°C (356°F).
- Mixing Bowl: For combining and seasoning the sliced potatoes and leeks.
- Whisk: For creating a smooth cheese sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient portioning.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the pie.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Clean the leeks and slice them into thin rings. Grate the cheese and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Leeks
In a frying pan, melt a portion of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the mustard and half of the grated cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Layer the Pie
In the pie dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the sautéed leeks, and then pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, leeks, and sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Cover with Pie Crust
Roll out your pastry crust and lay it over the top of the pie dish. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the pie sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pie to be set, making it easier to slice.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie?
- Green Bean Almondine: The crunch and freshness of green beans dressed with toasted almonds complement the creamy textures of the pie.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of freshly baked crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw: A tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the pie, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets, roasted to caramelized perfection, pairs wonderfully with the pie.
- Red Cabbage Salad: A vibrant red cabbage salad with a sweet balsamic dressing offers a visually appealing and flavorful contrast.
- Garlic Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic adds a healthy and flavorful green side that’s easy to prepare.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A buttery bowl of mashed sweet potatoes provides a sweet, smooth counterbalance to the savory pie.
- Caramelized Onion Chutney: A spoonful of caramelized onion chutney adds a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the pie’s cheesy filling.
- Pickled Beets: Their earthy, tangy flavor complements the creamy and cheesy elements of the pie beautifully.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different types of cheese for various flavors; a mix of cheddar and gruyere adds a nice depth.
- Leek Preparation: Thoroughly wash leeks after slicing to remove any dirt between the layers, which can affect the texture and clarity of your dish.
- Pie Crust Tips: For a golden, crispier crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking.
- Sauce Consistency: Ensure the cheese sauce is neither too thick nor too thin to prevent the pie from being dry or overly soggy.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste your filling before assembling the pie to ensure the seasoning is just right; it’s easier to adjust at this stage.
- Layering Technique: Arrange the leeks and potatoes evenly to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Baking Temperature: Monitor the pie in the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning the crust. Cover with foil if necessary.
- Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and helps the layers set properly.
Variations of Mary Berry Cheese Leek And Potato Pie
- Add Bacon: Introduce cooked, chopped bacon into the layers for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute cheese with a vegan alternative and add mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes in the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the layers for an aromatic lift.
- Creamy Blue Cheese: Use blue cheese in the sauce for a bold, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the mild leeks and potatoes.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top for an extra crispy finish.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before you plan to bake it. This can help the flavors meld together nicely. When ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven according to the recipe instructions.
What type of cheese works best in Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie?
Sharp cheddar is commonly used for its rich flavor and excellent melting properties, but you can also experiment with a mix of cheeses. Combining cheddar with gruyere or a bit of parmesan can add depth and a more complex flavor profile to the pie.
How can I store leftovers of Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pie is cooled completely before storing to maintain its best quality and avoid moisture buildup.
Is Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie suitable for freezing?
Yes, this pie freezes well. Cool the pie completely and wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can freeze it whole or in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Final Words
Creating the Mary Berry Cheese Leek and Potato Pie is a delightful experience that rewards you with a dish full of comforting flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a beautiful blend of leeks, potatoes, and cheese, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. The variations and tips provided allow you to customize the pie to suit your taste preferences and ensure perfect results every time. Serve it up with some simple sides, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors that make this pie a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.