There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty pie filled with a medley of fresh vegetables and melted cheese. This cheese and veg pie recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, savory flavors wrapped in a crisp, golden pastry.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, it packs in nutritious veggies without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a fulfilling meal or simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this pie is sure to satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a fantastic recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Ready in under an hour, this recipe balances the richness of cheese with the freshness of garden vegetables, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully as a main dish or a side, and it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup.
Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out, what you’ll need, and how to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese and veg pie recipe offers the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The creamy cheeses melt beautifully, binding the veggies together, while the pastry provides a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft filling.
It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Another reason to love this pie is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or cheese types based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
It’s also ideal for meal prepping and reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as enjoyable. And for those who enjoy a hands-on cooking experience, this pie is incredibly fun to assemble and decorate with pastry designs.
Lastly, it’s a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly meal that brings comfort food to a healthier level. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a picnic treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 250g), thawed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 100g spinach, roughly chopped
- 150g grated cheddar cheese
- 100g crumbled feta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 150ml milk or cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Equipment
- Medium frying pan or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Pie dish (approx. 9-inch/23cm diameter)
- Rolling pin (if needed for pastry)
- Oven
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (for cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). This ensures a hot oven for a crisp pastry.
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and dried thyme. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the mixture seems too wet, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir well and cook for another minute to thicken the filling slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool for 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when mixed.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or cream). Add the grated cheddar and crumbled feta cheese, then combine with the cooled vegetables.
- Roll out the puff pastry if needed to fit your pie dish. Line the dish with the pastry, trimming any excess around the edges.
- Pour the vegetable and cheese filling into the pastry-lined dish. Smooth it out evenly.
- Use the remaining pastry to create a lattice or cover the pie fully. Seal the edges by folding and pressing them down. You can decorate the top with extra pastry cutouts if desired.
- Brush the pastry top with a little beaten egg or milk. This helps achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Check the filling is set and not too runny by giving the pie a gentle shake.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling firm up for easier serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer filling, try adding a dollop of cream cheese or a handful of grated mozzarella for extra meltiness.”
You can easily tailor this pie to your taste or dietary preferences. Try using sweet potato or butternut squash instead of carrot for a sweeter note.
Mushrooms add a lovely umami flavor, while leeks or spring onions can replace the standard onion for a milder taste.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry and a little cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs—basil, oregano, or rosemary can add delightful aromatic notes depending on your mood.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 pie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This cheese and veg pie is fantastic served warm with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. You might enjoy it alongside a bowl of homemade tomato soup or a light cucumber and dill raita for a refreshing contrast.
For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted potatoes or steamed green beans. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated and make a great packed lunch.
Don’t miss trying this pie alongside some refreshing sides like the Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for an added zing.
Conclusion
This cheese and veg pie recipe is a go-to for anyone craving a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It combines the best of fresh vegetables and rich cheeses inside a flaky, buttery crust, making it a comforting dish perfect for any season.
Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, its versatility allows you to tailor it to your preferences and ingredients on hand.
With simple steps and accessible ingredients, it’s a recipe that encourages creativity while promising reliable deliciousness. Don’t forget to explore other tasty ideas like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the protein-packed Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe to round out your meal planning.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheese and Veg Pie
Description: A delicious and comforting pie filled with mixed vegetables and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots, peas, and corn; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add cream and cheese, stirring until melted and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Pour vegetable mixture into a pie dish.
- Cover with puff pastry, trimming excess and sealing edges.
- Brush pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 25 g
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