This Potato and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie is a perfect combination of crispy, flaky layers of dough and a creamy, flavorful potato filling. With the richness of cheddar cheese and the aroma of rosemary, this savory pie makes a great addition to any meal. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it’s sure to impress your guests with its delicious layers and mouth-watering filling.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar
- 2 cups (400 ml) warm milk
- 5 cups (530 g) all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 140 g (softened at room temperature) butter
For the Filling:
- 7-8 small potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (100 ml) cold raw cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh rosemary, optional, for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, kneading to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Sprinkle flour on a surface and knead the dough for 6-7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into four equal parts, cover, and let them rest for another 20 minutes.
2. Roll and Layer the Dough:
- Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll out each dough portion thinly.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Fold the dough (following visual or written instructions), and lightly brush with oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pieces of dough, layering each piece over the previous one and buttering as you go.
- Cover the dough and chill in the freezer for 25 minutes to firm it up.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- Thinly slice the potatoes and place them in a bowl.
- Mix the potato slices with cold cream, salt, and black pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough thinly and shape it as needed. Place it on a lined baking tray.
- Add the potato mixture to the center of the dough, spreading it evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle extra salt and black pepper over the filling to season.
- Brush the edges of the dough with egg yolk for a golden crust.
5. Bake the Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove the pie from the oven, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top, and add fresh rosemary if desired.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, slice the pie while hot and serve.
- Enjoy the crispy, flaky layers paired with the creamy potato and cheese filling!
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve the pie with a refreshing green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- With Tomato Soup: Pair the pie with a light tomato soup for a comforting lunch or dinner.
- For a Hearty Meal: Enjoy this pie as a main dish with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a flavorful accompaniment.
Cooking Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy spreading. Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough in the freezer, as this will help it hold its layers and create a flakier texture.
- Adjust Potato Slices: Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and a creamy filling.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have cheddar, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, helping with digestion and supporting heart health.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which help support strong bones and muscle health.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Both fats provide healthy fats that can help improve skin health and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Rosemary: Known for its antioxidant properties, rosemary may help reduce inflammation and support digestion.
Storage
- Leftovers: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Bake from frozen for 40-45 minutes at 190°C (375°F).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery: The layers of buttery, flaky dough paired with the creamy potato filling create an irresistible texture.
- Deliciously Savory: The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheddar makes for a rich and flavorful filling.
- Simple and Versatile: This recipe can be served as a main or side dish and pairs well with a variety of salads, soups, and other sides.
- Great for Entertaining: Its elegant presentation and satisfying taste make it a perfect dish to serve at gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different flavor.
2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool before assembling the pie.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough, though the texture may differ slightly.
5. How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the potato slices are thinly sliced and not too wet. You can also bake the pie on a preheated baking sheet for extra crispiness.
This Potato and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie is a deliciously indulgent dish with crispy layers and creamy filling. Whether served on its own or with your favorite sides, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite!