This Easy Cheesy Potato Pie is a warm and comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes and plenty of cheese in a flaky crust. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days!
I love how this pie warms my heart and satisfies my cheesy cravings. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up leftover potatoes—no waste, just pure deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Starchy potatoes work best for this recipe, as they create a creamy texture. I like using Maris Piper or Yukon Gold, but you can also try Russet potatoes if needed.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk gives a creamy consistency, while double cream adds richness. If you want a lighter option, use low-fat milk or a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, though the texture may vary.
Cheese: I adore mature cheddar for its strong flavor in the pie. You could swap it for Gruyère, Fontina, or even a mix of your favorites. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a punch of flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amount since powder is more concentrated!
How Can I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Ensuring your potatoes are cooked perfectly is key for a great cheesy pie. Here’s what to do:
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking—about 1-2 mm thick. This speed ensures they cook through without losing too much structure.
- Layer the potatoes with seasoning and cheese. Don’t skip this step; it adds flavor throughout the dish.
- Cover the dish with foil initially while baking to steam the potatoes. Remove it towards the end for a lovely golden crust.
- Check for tenderness by poking a fork into the potatoes before removing the pie from the oven. If it glides in easily, you’re good to go!
Easy Cheesy Potato Pie by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 300 ml (1¼ cups) whole milk
- 200 ml (⅞ cup) double cream or heavy cream
- 200 g (7 oz) strong cheese (such as mature cheddar or a mix of cheddar and parmesan), grated
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped
- 25 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting cheesy potato pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need about 1 hour of baking time. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the whole process, plus 5 minutes to let it rest before serving. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) fan/200°C (400°F) conventional/gas mark 6. While it heats up, butter a large ovenproof dish well. This ensures your pie won’t stick!
2. Infuse the Milk and Cream:
In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, double cream, and crushed garlic. Heat the mixture gently until it’s just about to simmer, but make sure it doesn’t boil! Once it’s hot, remove it from the heat and let the garlic infuse for a few minutes to add flavor.
3. Layer the Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to layer your potatoes. Start by placing half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. As you layer, sprinkle each layer with salt, pepper, and a handful of grated cheese—this builds delicious flavor!
4. Finish Layering:
Repeat the process with the second half of your potato slices, adding more seasoning and cheese. Press down gently to compact the layers so everything cooks evenly.
5. Pour and Dot:
Carefully pour the warm milk and cream mixture over the layered potatoes until it’s almost covered. Then, dot the top with small pieces of butter for added richness.
6. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through beautifully!
7. Create a Golden Crust:
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. This will give you that gorgeous golden and bubbling top. Check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork—if it goes in easily, you’re good to go!
8. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let your pie rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to serve.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious potato pie with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
This Easy Cheesy Potato Pie is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
FAQ about Easy Cheesy Potato Pie
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mature cheddar gives a great flavor, you can mix it with Gruyère, Fontina, or even mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
What Can I Substitute for Double Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream. For a dairy-free version, look for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute that froths well.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slice your potatoes and prepare the layers in advance. Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a little extra baking time if cooking straight from the fridge!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
