Mary Berry Cheese & Onion Pie (Classic British Comfort Bake)

Introduction
Mary Berry’s cheese and onion pie is a timeless British classic that perfectly showcases how simple ingredients can create exceptional flavor. This dish is comforting, hearty, and wonderfully nostalgic, making it ideal for family dinners or relaxed weekend meals. I have made this pie on several occasions, and it never fails to deliver that warm, home-cooked feeling. The combination of sweet, slowly cooked onions and sharp, mature cheese wrapped in crisp pastry is deeply satisfying without being heavy. What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its balance; the filling is creamy but not overwhelming, and the pastry provides just the right amount of structure. I once tried adding a small spoon of mustard, and it elevated the flavor beautifully without straying from the classic profile. This pie is proof that traditional recipes endure for a reason.

Print

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie is straightforward to prepare, uses affordable ingredients, and delivers rich, comforting flavors. It works equally well as a main course or as part of a larger spread, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shortcrust pastry
Shortcrust pastry provides a crisp, buttery shell that holds the filling together. Homemade pastry offers the best texture, but a good-quality ready-made version is perfectly acceptable.

Onions
Onions form the heart of this pie. When gently cooked, they become soft and sweet, adding depth and natural sweetness to the filling.

Butter
Butter is used to cook the onions slowly and evenly, allowing their flavor to develop without browning too quickly.

Mature cheddar cheese
A strong, mature cheddar gives the pie its signature savory bite. Using a well-aged cheese ensures the flavor stands up to the onions.

Eggs
Eggs bind the filling together and give it a soft, custard-like texture once baked.

Milk or cream
Milk or cream adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive filling.

Mustard
Mustard enhances the cheese flavor and adds subtle warmth without dominating the dish.

Salt
Salt brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and sharpness of the cheese.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balances the richness of the filling.

Directions

Begin by preparing the pastry. Line a pie dish with the shortcrust pastry, pressing it gently into the edges. Chill the lined dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent. This slow cooking process is essential for developing sweetness without browning. Once cooked, set the onions aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the grated cheese, then fold in the cooled onions until evenly combined.

Spoon the filling into the prepared pastry case and smooth the surface. Cover with the pastry lid if using a fully enclosed pie, sealing and crimping the edges neatly. Cut a small steam hole in the center.

Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden and the filling is set. Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This pie serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with a baking time of about 40 to 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven until warmed through to maintain the pastry’s texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can soften the crust.

Variations and Customizations

This cheese and onion pie adapts beautifully to personal preferences. For added richness, substitute part of the cheddar with Lancashire cheese or Gruyère. Each brings a slightly different texture and flavor while remaining true to the dish’s character.

You can also add finely chopped chives or spring onions for a fresh, mild onion note. A pinch of nutmeg works well if you want a warmer, more rounded flavor profile. For a heartier version, thinly sliced potatoes can be layered into the filling, though this will require a slightly longer baking time.

If you prefer an open pie, omit the pastry lid and bake until the filling is lightly golden on top. This version is excellent served with a crisp green salad.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This pie is vegetarian and provides protein and calcium from the cheese and eggs. Due to the pastry and cheese content, it is moderately high in calories and best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfectly Sweet Onions
Cook the onions slowly over low heat to avoid bitterness and ensure natural sweetness.

Cheese Choice Matters
Always use a mature cheese for depth of flavor.

Crisp Pastry Base
Chilling the pastry before baking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a crisp result.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and baked when needed.

Can I freeze cheese and onion pie?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely for up to one month.

What cheese works best?

Mature cheddar is ideal, but other strong cheeses also work well.

Do I need to blind bake the pastry?

It is not essential, but blind baking can help ensure a crisp base.

Can I make it without mustard?

Yes, though mustard enhances the cheese flavor.

Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is fully vegetarian.

Can I use puff pastry instead?

Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less traditional.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The filling should be set and the pastry golden.

What should I serve with it?

Green vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes pair well.

Can I use red onions?

Yes, they will give a slightly sweeter flavor.

Conclusion
Mary Berry’s cheese and onion pie is a celebration of classic British cooking, combining humble ingredients into a comforting, reliable dish. With its crisp pastry and creamy, flavorful filling, it is perfect for everyday meals or special occasions alike. This recipe is a reminder that simplicity, when done well, is always satisfying.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!