Cheese and Potato Pie

 

 

 

This classic, frugal cheese and potato pie is the perfect way to use up any leftover mash. Eaten as a side or as a main meal, this dish, with its creamy potatoes, cheese and onion, is comfort food at its finest. 

 

 

My cheese and potato pie

Can I adapt this recipe?

The perfect use for leftover mash

What is HP Sauce?

Is it a side or main meal?

Ideas for dishes to go with cheese and potato pie

 

 

 

 

 

My cheese and potato pie

Mashed potato pie is a dish my mum made for me, so it has a real nostalgic feel for me. I have zero idea why it’s called pie, though. There’s not a whisper of pastry involved.

In all honesty, this recipe is just fluffy mashed potato mixed with loads of cheese and any other ingredients you might fancy adding. You can either make the mash from scratch just for this dish, or it is perfect to use up leftover mash. And, once or twice, I’ve even used dried mash potato granules. However, real potato produces a much better result.

 

 

 

 

Can I adapt the recipe?

This is most definitely the kind of recipe where you can make it up as you go along. The only real requirement is the mashed potato. Everything else (including measurements) is down to personal choice. I have made the recipe so often, and each time it is different. For example, use your favourite cheese, or use up whatever is in the fridge. I like a good, strong cheddar, but the cheese used for the pictures in this post was chilli cheese (you can see the little red flecks). 

Other great additions could be crispy bacon, spicy sausage, bell peppers or spring onions. Already cooked food works best, as the time in the oven is really just re-heating rather than actually cooking. 

 

The perfect way to use up leftover mashed potato

This cheese and onion pie is the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potato. If you’re anything like me, you will invariably make far too much, and the rest sits forlornly in the fridge waiting to be eaten.

All you need is to chop up some red onion, grate some cheese and mix them in with the already prepared mashed potato. Spoon it into an oven dish and bake until all the cheese is nice and melty.

The top is also given a healthy sprinkling of cheese, which turns beautifully crisp in contrast to the soft fluffiness of the potato. 

To finish it off, a smothering of HP sauce is needed. I am aware that it sounds like a rather strange combo, but it was (and still is) my ultimate comfort food. I still eat it like this today, but as I no longer eat store bought white sliced bread, my super soft spelt bread buns provide the perfect replacement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is HP Sauce?

HP sauce is a spicy brown condiment adored by British people. In fact, 70% say it’s their favourite sauce. It is the perfect accompaniment to meat, and a bacon sandwich would be lost without out. It also goes amazingly well with anything that includes baked cheese and potatoes. Although, strangely enough, I prefer Ketchup on my fries. 

Packaged in an easily identifiable bottle, HP looks similar to the popular American sauce, A1. However, that seems to be where the likeness stops. Tasting Table does a great comparison of the two, and throws in a little HP history, too. 

 

 

 

 

Is cheese and potato pie a side dish or main meal?

Both. My mum used to make it for my dinner when I was a kid. In those days, money was a little tight, and cheap potatoes mixed with cheese made for a very filling meal in itself. I would have a couple of slices of soft white bread with it, and a side of pickled beetroot.

However, it is a great little side dish for any kind of dinners.

 

Ideas for dishes to go with cheese and potato pie

Spicy baked fish: A light, wholesome main with a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy potato pie. Perfect for a balanced dinner.

Mushroom stroganoff: Earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce make a gorgeous vegetarian main that’s elevated by the cheesy comfort of the pie.

Red pepper chilli sin carne: A punchy, vibrant chilli with smoky red pepper notes. The cheese and potato pie’s soft texture is a lovely contrast to the bold flavours.

Crispy Dorito fish nuggets: Crunchy, fun, and a little cheeky. These nuggets and dollop of cheese and potato pie make a dinner that your kids will love you eternally for.

Smoked paprika chicken stew: Warm, hearty, and full of smoky depth. The mash soaks up the sauce beautifully for a proper comfort meal.

Slow cooked shredded beef: Tender, juicy beef with rich flavours that pair effortlessly with the creamy, cheesy potato.

Slow cooked rosemary brisket: Fragrant and melt-in-the-mouth, this brisket turns the mash into the ultimate sidekick to a slow-cooked feast.