The Perfect Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Crafting a delightful cheese and onion pie brings comfort to any mealtime gathering.

Layers of golden pastry cradle rich, melted cheese and caramelized onions.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a heartwarming experience.

Soft, flaky crust gives way to a creamy, tangy filling that dances with flavor.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Home cooks love how easily this classic dish comes together.

You’ll want to slice into this warm, inviting pie and share its deliciousness with everyone around your table.

Why You’ll Enjoy Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

• Craft with Ease: Simple step-by-step instructions make this pie accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create a delicious meal without stress.
• Savor Layered Flavors: Slowly caramelized onions and creamy egg mixture create a rich, complex taste profile that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
• Perfect for Gathering: This hearty pie works brilliantly for family dinners, weekend lunches, or casual get-togethers, serving multiple people with one beautiful centerpiece.
• Flexible Presentation: Serve warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or make-ahead meal planning with minimal last-minute preparation needed.

What You’ll Use For Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

• Onions: Sweet and flavorful base that creates a rich, caramelized foundation for the pie.
• Cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy element that complements the caramelized onions.
• Pastry: A buttery and flaky crust that holds the savory filling.

• Eggs, Cream: Bind the filling together and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Butter: Helps caramelize the onions and adds richness to the pastry.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the pie and balance the sweetness of the onions.
• Extra Cheese: Optional topping that adds extra depth and cheesy goodness.

Step Guide For Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

Step 1: Craft Buttery Pastry Dough

Blend flour, salt, and cold butter into a crumbly mixture. Add icy water gradually until the dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest and firm up.

Step 2: Transform Onions Into Golden Delights

Slice onions thinly. Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Cook onions slowly, stirring occasionally, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet flavor. This process takes about 40 minutes, so be patient and let the onions turn a deep golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare Pastry Shell

Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface. Carefully transfer to a 28cm tart pan, pressing into the edges. Trim excess dough and freeze the shell for 30 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 4: Pre-Bake Pastry Crust

Preheat oven to 190°C with a baking tray inside. Line the pastry shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and paper, brush base with egg wash, then bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 5: Layer Caramelized Onions

Spread half of the golden caramelized onions evenly across the pre-baked pastry base.

Step 6: Create Creamy Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)

Pour half of this mixture over the onion layer.

Step 7: Complete Pie Filling

Add remaining caramelized onions on top. Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the onions.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle grated cheese over the pie if desired. Cheddar or gruyère work wonderfully.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Place pie in the oven at 180°C. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is set.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Smart Tips For Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

• Slow Caramelize Onions: Take time to develop deep, sweet flavor by cooking onions on low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Freeze Pastry: Chill pastry in the freezer for 30 minutes to ensure a crisp, flaky crust that holds its shape during baking.
• Blind Bake Carefully: Preheat baking tray and use foil with weights to prevent pastry from puffing up, creating a sturdy base for the filling.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Alternate onions and egg mixture to distribute flavors evenly and create a beautiful, textured filling.
• Cheese Topping Option: Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish that adds richness and visual appeal to the pie.

Ways To Change Up Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

• Vegan Cheese and Onion Pie: Replace dairy cheese with cashew cheese, use plant-based butter and coconut cream, substitute eggs with silken tofu or chickpea flour mixture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free pastry mix for crust, swap regular flour with rice or corn flour blend.
• Spicy Caramelized Onion Edition: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or jalapeños to onion mixture for extra kick and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Create a crustless version using cauliflower base, increase egg content, use sharp cheddar for more intense cheese flavor.

Great Pairings For Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie

• Sip a Crisp Chardonnay: Buttery white wine perfectly complements the rich, caramelized onions and creamy egg filling, balancing the pie's savory depth.
• Pair with Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens cut through the pie's richness, adding a zesty contrast and cleansing the palate with a bright vinaigrette.
• Serve with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Sharp, acidic pickles provide a vibrant counterpoint to the pie's creamy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Enjoy with Roasted Tomato Relish: Sweet and slightly charred tomato condiment adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the pie's complex flavors.

How To Store Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie Right

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice pie into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 160C for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Cut desired portion, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check temperature and rotate halfway through for even warming. Best used for quick reheating but may slightly soften pastry texture.

FAQs On Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie Answered

• Why caramelize onions slowly?

Slow caramelization develops deep, sweet flavor by breaking down onion sugars gradually, creating rich, complex taste without burning.

• Can I use pre-made pastry?

Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s good quality and rolled to the right thickness.

• What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is traditional and ideal – it provides sharp flavor and melts beautifully. Gruyère or a mix of cheeses can also work wonderfully for extra depth.

• How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie should have a golden-brown crust and the egg mixture should be set but still slightly wobbling in the center. A light golden color indicates it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 13-18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets tradition in this irresistible Cheese and Onion Pie, a savory British classic that brings warmth to any table. Flaky pastry cradles a creamy, golden filling that promises rich flavors and hearty satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) onions, chopped fairly small
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) double cream

Cheese Ingredients:

• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) finely grated strong cheddar cheese
• 12 teaspoons dry mustard powder

Pastry Ingredients:

• 110 grams (3.9 ounces) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) lard, room temperature
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) butter, room temperature
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• Cold water, as needed

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Instructions

1. Prepare shortcrust pastry and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up the dough.
2. Gently cook onions in butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown and develop a sweet, caramelized flavor (approximately 40 minutes).
3. Roll out the chilled pastry and carefully line a 28cm tart tin, ensuring even coverage. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
4. Preheat oven to 190C with a baking tray inside. Line pastry with parchment and baking beans, blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and beans, brush base with egg wash, then continue baking for 8 minutes.
5. Spread a generous layer of caramelized onions across the partially baked pastry base.
6. Whisk eggs and cream together, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
7. Pour half the egg mixture over the onion layer, ensuring even distribution.
8. Add the remaining caramelized onions on top of the first layer.
9. Cover with the remaining egg mixture, allowing it to seep between the onions.
10. Optionally sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for extra richness.
11. Bake at 180C for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is set.
12. Allow the pie to rest and cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving, which helps the filling stabilize.

Notes

• Slow-caramelize onions for maximum sweetness, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and develop deep, rich flavor.
• Freeze pastry before blind baking to ensure a crisp, sturdy base that won’t become soggy from moisture.
• Choose tangy cheeses like mature cheddar or gruyère for more complex, robust flavor profile that complements sweet caramelized onions.
• Make this pie vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based cream and egg alternatives, perfect for those avoiding animal products.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 33-38 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 442 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg