This Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie is a warm, cheesy delight! Made with creamy potatoes and melted cheese, it’s perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Whenever I make this pie, I can already hear my family saying, “More cheese, please!” It’s such a cozy meal, especially when served fresh from the oven. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russets for a fluffy mash. You can also use waxy potatoes, but the texture will be slightly different. If you want to go for a healthier option, sweet potatoes can also work well.
Cheddar Cheese: A good sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor. In a pinch, you can swap it with pecorino or even a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind the saltiness of these substitutes.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but you can substitute with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. If using plant-based options, try to go with unsweetened varieties for the best taste.
How to Make the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes?
The key to creamy mashed potatoes is to properly cook them and then mash them just right. Here’s how to get it perfect every time:
- Start with cold water to cook the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Keep the potatoes in big chunks while boiling to prevent them from becoming watery.
- Once they’re tender, drain them well. Excess water will ruin the texture.
- For the creamiest mash, add warm milk or cream gradually as you mash. This keeps the potatoes fluffy!
By following these tips, you will ensure your Cheese and Potato Pie has a wonderful texture that everyone will love!
Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 150 g (about 1 ½ cups) cheddar cheese, grated
- 150 g (about 1 ½ cups) mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated
- 100 g (about 1 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 100 ml (about ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp) whole milk or cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried mustard powder (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or oil, for greasing the pie dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pie takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 25-30 minutes of cooking time in the oven. It’s a great dish that’s not only creamy and cheesy but also packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Potatoes:
First things first, you need to get those potatoes ready. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash:
Once your potatoes are cooked, drain them well using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Now add the butter and milk or cream, and mash everything together until it’s nice and smooth and creamy.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and if you’d like to add some zing, mix in the dried mustard powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
4. Preheat Oven:
Time to get that oven ready! Preheat it to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6) so it’s nice and hot for our pie.
5. Assemble Pie:
Take your greased ovenproof dish (use butter or oil to grease it) and spread the cheesy mashed potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Top with Mozzarella:
Now, grab that mozzarella cheese and scatter or layer it evenly over the mashed potato base. This will give a gooey, cheesy topping when baked!
7. Bake:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbling on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives on top for an added pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Enjoy your delicious, comforting Jamie Oliver Cheese and Potato Pie!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different cheeses based on your preferences. Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a unique flavor. Just ensure you have cheese that melts well like mozzarella or a different type of cheddar.
How Can I Make This Pie Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! However, ensure to check your cheese labels to confirm they don’t contain any animal rennet if you prefer a strict vegetarian option.
Can I Prepare This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pie up to the baking stage, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven from cold while adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture before heating.
