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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare shortcrust pastry and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up the dough.
- 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).
- Roll out the chilled pastry and carefully line a 28cm tart tin, ensuring even coverage. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
- 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.
- Spread a generous layer of caramelized onions across the partially baked pastry base.
- Whisk eggs and cream together, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Pour half the egg mixture over the onion layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Add the remaining caramelized onions on top of the first layer.
- Cover with the remaining egg mixture, allowing it to seep between the onions.
- Optionally sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for extra richness.
- Bake at 180C for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is set.
- 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