Who can resist the comforting allure of a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese? Enter the realm of homemade delights with my cheese and onion pasties recipe.

Originating from the heart of British cuisine, pasties have a rich history dating back centuries, initially enjoyed by miners and laborers for their convenient, portable nature. Today, they’ve evolved into a beloved snack or meal option for folks of all walks of life.

But fear not, dear novice chef, for this recipe promises not only delicious results but also simplicity in preparation.

With just a handful of humble ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon be savoring your own freshly baked pasties straight from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, craving a hearty snack, or simply seeking a cozy homemade meal, these cheese and onion pasties are sure to hit the spot.

Crafted with layers of golden puff pastry enveloping a savory filling of mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.

The buttery pastry lends a satisfying crunch, while the creamy interior offers a comforting contrast, heightened by the tangy richness of the cheese and the subtle sweetness of the onions.

Expert Tip: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and mashed to a smooth consistency before incorporating them into the filling.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry Sheet: Puff pastry lends its flaky, buttery layers to create the golden crust that encases our delectable filling. Its airy texture provides the perfect contrast to the hearty interior, ensuring each bite is a delightful combination of crispiness and creaminess.

Potatoes: Mashed potatoes form the hearty base of our filling, adding a comforting, velvety texture and subtle sweetness to the pasties. Boiled until tender and then mashed, they serve as the creamy canvas upon which the flavors of cheese and onion shine.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar cheese brings its bold personality to the mix, infusing the filling with a rich, tangy taste that melts beautifully into every nook and cranny of the pasties. Its creamy consistency and savory bite elevate the overall flavor profile, making each bite utterly irresistible.

Butter: Melted butter adds a luxurious richness to the filling, enhancing its velvety texture and contributing to the golden brown color of the pastry crust. It also serves as the perfect medium for caramelizing the onions, imparting a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Onion: Caramelized onions lend a sweet and savory note to our filling, infusing it with a subtle depth of flavor and aromatic warmth. Cooked low and slow until golden brown and tender, they add a delightful sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and butter, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Salt and Black Pepper: These pantry staples act as flavor enhancers, seasoning our filling with just the right amount of savory goodness and a hint of warmth. They help to elevate the overall taste profile, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and balanced.

Milk: A splash of milk adds a touch of creaminess to the filling, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a luscious, smooth texture. It also adds moisture and richness to the mixture, ensuring that our pasties are tender and delicious.

Egg: Used for both the egg wash and binding, egg plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted golden brown crust and ensuring that our pasties hold their shape during baking. Its protein-rich properties help to create a beautifully glazed exterior that’s both visually appealing and deliciously crisp.

Expert Tip: Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to coax out their natural sweetness and develop a rich, golden-brown color.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cheese and onion pasties as a satisfying lunch or dinner option alongside a crisp, green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The refreshing contrast of the salad will complement the richness of the pasties perfectly, creating a well-balanced meal.
• Serve these pasties as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering or potluck. Simply slice them into smaller portions for bite-sized treats that are sure to be a hit with guests. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.
• Pack these pasties for a picnic or outdoor outing, where they can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Their portable nature makes them an ideal choice for on-the-go snacking, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a leisurely day in the park.
• Elevate your brunch spread by serving these pasties alongside other breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. The combination of savory and sweet flavors will tantalize your taste buds and make for a memorable morning meal.
• Get creative with your serving presentation by garnishing the pasties with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped chives or parsley. Not only will this add a pop of color to your dish, but it will also enhance the overall flavor profile with an herbaceous freshness.

Expert Tip: When sealing the pasties, be sure to press the edges firmly together with a fork to create a tight seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pasties ahead of time and reheat them?

Absolutely! These pasties can be made ahead of time and reheated for later enjoyment. Simply allow them to cool completely after baking, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I freeze the pasties before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pasties before baking for future convenience. Place the assembled pasties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen pasties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush with beaten egg, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor to these pasties, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gruyère, mozzarella, or even blue cheese can be delicious alternatives that add their own unique twist to the recipe.

Can I make these pasties vegan?

Yes, you can easily make these pasties vegan by using dairy-free substitutes for the butter, cheese, milk, and egg. Look for vegan puff pastry, vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and a vegan egg wash alternative. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors in a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.

How can I prevent the pasties from becoming soggy?

To prevent the pasties from becoming soggy, it’s important to ensure that the filling is well-sealed within the pastry dough before baking. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges when spooning the filling onto the pastry, and use a fork to firmly press the edges together to seal them. Additionally, baking the pasties on a preheated baking tray lined with parchment paper helps to ensure a crisp, golden crust.

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Cheese and Onion Pasties

by Nabeela Kauser

Flaky puff pastry with a warm and cheesy potato filling, these delicious cheese and onion pasties are the perfect appetiser for your next party. A cheesy pastry that can be served hot or cold.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetiser, Lunch

Cuisine British, Western

Servings 4

Calories 215 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 rolls Puff Pastry Sheet 2 x 320g
• ▢ 300 g Potatoes mashed
• ▢ 200 g Cheddar Cheese
• ▢ 50 g Butter
• ▢ 1 Onion chopped
• ▢ 1/2 Salt
• ▢ 1/2 Black Pepper
• ▢ 100 ml Milk
• ▢ 1 Egg for egg wash

Instructions

• Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
• Put the diced potatoes into a saucepan with water, bring to a boil and cook until they soften, usually taking about 10 minutes.
• As the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter on low heat completely then add the onions with the salt and cook on low heat for 5 minutes until caramelised
• Drain the potatoes then mash before adding into the onions, along with the rest of the ingredients
• Mix everything together and then set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes
• Take the puff pastry sheet and unroll it. Proceed to cut it into 4 rectangles.
• On one half of each rectangle, spoon the cheese and potato mixture, making sure to leave some space around the edges.
• Brush the edges with some beaten egg, then fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, ensuring that the edges are sealed by pressing them together with a fork.
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the pasties on it.
• Brush the pasties with the remaining beaten egg.
• Put the pasties into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy.
• Once they’re ready, take the pasties out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• If you want a cheesier pasty, you can add more grated cheese.
• You can also experiment with the filling by adding other ingredients such as diced ham, mushrooms, or peas.
• These pasties can be served either hot or cold, making them an excellent option for picnics or lunchboxes.
• If you have leftover pasties, you can reheat them in the oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4 for 10-15 minutes.
• To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, make sure to cool the onion and potato mixture before adding it to the pastry.
• You can also freeze the pasties before baking them. Just place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, freeze them until they become solid, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, put the frozen pasties on a baking tray and bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 187mgPotassium: 538mgFibre: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 313IUVitamin C: 24mgVitamin D: 0.4µgCalcium: 204mgIron: 1mg

Keyword After School Snacks, Cheese, Food, Freezer-Friendly, Kids Snacks, Party Food, Pastry, Ramadan, Recipe, Snack

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