Jamie Oliver Recipes

Jamie Oliver Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe

I remember the first time I tried a cheese and onion pie. I was visiting a friend in the countryside. The aroma of melted cheese and caramelized onions hit me before I even stepped inside the kitchen. There was something magical about that golden crust hiding a creamy, savory filling. From that moment, I was hooked on pies, especially ones that feel comforting and a little indulgent.

  • Pies like these are more than food. They are experiences.
  • They remind us of family kitchens and cozy evenings.
  • And when you make them yourself, you get to tweak every little detail to perfection.

Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe

I’ll never forget discovering Jamie Oliver’s version of this classic. I had always thought pies were complicated. But Jamie’s recipe changed my perspective. It was simple, approachable, yet elevated with flavors that made every bite sing.

  • Jamie focuses on natural ingredients, letting each component shine.
  • His cheese and onion pie is all about layers: a buttery crust, a creamy onion base, and a generous hit of cheese.
  • It’s a dish that balances comfort food with a little gourmet flair.

Ingredients Needed

The first time I gathered the ingredients, I felt like I was preparing for a mini cooking adventure. Here’s what you need:

  • For The Pastry

    • 250g plain flour
    • 125g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
    • Pinch of salt
    • Cold water, a few tablespoons

  • For The Filling

    • 3 large onions, thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 25g butter
    • 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
    • 100g mozzarella, grated
    • 2 tablespoons flour
    • 300ml milk
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Optional: fresh thyme or nutmeg

  • For Finishing

    • 1 egg, beaten for glazing

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Onion Pie

I remember rolling out my pastry for the first time. It was sticky, delicate, and oddly satisfying. That first slice out of the oven was golden perfection. Here’s how to recreate it:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F.

  • Make The Pastry

    • Rub butter into flour and salt until it resembles breadcrumbs.
    • Add cold water little by little until it forms a dough.
    • Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

  • Prepare The Filling

    • Melt butter in a pan and gently cook onions and garlic until soft and golden.
    • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
    • Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
    • Mix in cheese, season, and add optional herbs.

  • Assemble The Pie

    • Roll out the pastry and line a pie dish.
    • Pour in the cheese and onion mixture.
    • Cover with another layer of pastry or create a lattice top.
    • Brush with beaten egg.
    • Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

The first time I learned why cheese and onions work so well together, it blew my mind. It’s pure chemistry in action.

  • Onions

    • Contain sulfur compounds that develop sweetness when cooked slowly.

  • Cheese

    • Fat in cheese binds with water from onions, creating a creamy texture.

  • Flour And Butter In Pastry

    • Flour proteins form structure while butter creates flakiness.

  • Milk

    • When heated with flour, milk thickens into a smooth sauce because of starch gelatinization.

Understanding these interactions helps you troubleshoot the pie. No more soggy bottoms or clumpy filling.

Expert Tips

I always tweak my pies with a few tricks I’ve learned from cooking and watching Jamie.

  • Use a food processor for pastry for extra flakiness.
  • Cook onions slowly to develop maximum sweetness.
  • Let the filling cool slightly before topping with pastry to prevent sogginess.
  • Brush edges with milk or egg for a shiny golden finish.
  • Chill the pie briefly before baking to help it hold shape.

Recipe Variations

I love experimenting. Every time I make this pie, I try something slightly different:

  • Add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
  • Use caramelized red onions for deeper flavor.
  • Swap cheddar with Gruyère or blue cheese for richness.
  • Make a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables.
  • Top with puff pastry instead of shortcrust for extra crunch.

Final Words

The first bite of this pie is always a little celebration. I remember sitting on my kitchen floor, fork in hand, savoring the warm, cheesy, sweet filling. Cooking this pie teaches patience, attention to detail, and the joy of flavors working together.

  • It’s a dish worth making for special occasions or cozy nights.
  • It’s forgiving, allowing room for creativity.
  • And it always leaves you craving another slice.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Onion Pie?

You’ll need onions, cheddar cheese, puff pastry, butter, flour, mustard, and seasoning like salt and pepper.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Onion Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving.

How Do I Get The Crust Crispy In Jamie Oliver’s Cheese And Onion Pie?

To get a crispy crust, make sure to bake the pie at a high temperature (around 200°C or 400°F) and avoid overstuffing it with filling.

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