Vegan Cheese, Onion And Potato Pie (Old British School Dinners)

This vegan cheese, onion and potato pie is a plant-based adaptation of the old school dinners British cheese, onion and potato pie.

Many people have fond memories of enjoying cheese, onion and potato pie for school dinners or served up by their parents or grandparents.

This pie is packed with classic cheese and onion flavours and complimented with the cheesy sensations that only nutritional yeast flakes can provide! If you are not familiar with nutritional yeast you are in for a surprising treat. Or if your not too keen on nutritional yeast then suspend your scepticism as this recipe will change your mind!

Many traditional recipes do not have a pastry crust so this can be omitted for a quicker pie. But the wholemeal pastry is such a crisp, nutty and melt-in-the-mouth wholesome experience that it is so worth the extra effort.

This pie is perfect for wowing dinner guests or served chilled for picnics, buffets, pack lunches or simply everyday enjoyment.

What is an old School British Cheese, Onion and Potato Pie?

Basically this old school pie was served up for school dinners during the 60s, 70s and 80s and came with or without a pastry crust.

More typically the pie was simply potatoes and onion boiled together, mashed and cheese added. This mix was scooped into a casserole dish with extra cheese added to the top, and baked until golden.

Often sliced tomatoes where placed across the pie for a classic touch.

Some sources refer to this pie as a Cheese and Onion pie whilst still containing potato.

What is a Vegan Traditional Cheese, Onion and Potato Pie?

Traditional cheese, onion and potato pie is not too common these days but it should be as it is so tasty and satisfying. My vegan version boasts a wholemeal crust that is short, buttery, crisp and nutty.

The cheesy potato and onion filling is seasoned with garlic and onion powder. With nutritional yeast providing the essential cheesy hit.

Best of all the pie is topped off with even more cheesy goodness in the form of a wholemeal vegan cheese sauce that is enriched with white miso paste.

If nutritional yeast and white miso paste are new ingredients to you, don't stress, as these ingredients are now commonly available from UK and US supermarkets. And once purchased you'll get more than one meal out of each product.

I frequently buy my supplies of white miso from Tesco (not an affiliate ad).

Also you may be sceptical about using wholemeal flour for the pastry and the cheese sauce.  But it really does add extra flavour and nuttiness. And the extra fibre is so satiating in a good way as it doesn't give you that heavy feeling of fullness.

However the wholemeal flour can simply be subbed out for plain or all-purpose flour if that's what you have available. I have tried both types of flour and both are great.

Recipe Notes And FAQS

How do I store leftover pie?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in a covered container/ the actual baking dish/ or on a plate with food wrap, for up to 3 days. Chilled leftover pie is delicious served straight from the fridge especially for lunch the next day, or enjoyed as food-on-the-go such as work/school/college pack lunch, picnic or travelling.

Can I freeze potato pie?

Yes. Cool and wrap well with freezer wrap. Freeze for 3-4 months, Defrost to room temperature before reheating. This potato pie is perfect for batch prep.

How do I reheat potato pie?

To reheat set your oven to 180 Fan/200 Celsius/390 Fahrenheit/gas 6 and heat through for about 25 minutes until piping hot. To avoid browning too much, place your pie near the bottom of your oven or cover with some loose kitchen foil over the pie. I reheated my leftover pie in already cut slices on a baking tray and not in the original casserole dish but either way is fine.

Is there any time-saving hacks for preparing this potato pie?

Yes of course!

A few ideas:

• Save time by preparing your pastry or mashed potatoes the day before. Leftover mashed potatoes are great time saver. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen. Just cool quickly and place in a freezer container. When you have enough frozen this pie is an ideal way to make another meal from leftovers. Simply cook the onions as per the instructions and add these to the already prepared potatoes along with the garlic powder, onion powder and nutritional yeast.
• Wholemeal pastry can also be frozen before it is baked. It's always worthwhile to prepare double batches of pastry and freeze the second ball of pastry. I find that it just saves so much time. Simply wrap up your pastry ball to prevent freezer burning. The pastry will keep well for a few months in the freezer.
• Ready rolled or ready prepared vegan pastry can be used for this pie.
• Ready-made vegan cheese sauce can be used instead of homemade. If you only have vegan ready-made or packet mix white/béchamel sauce then simply add the nutritional yeast and white miso paste for the cheese sauce to flavour your ready mix.
• Prepare the pie a day or two in advance and have ready to enjoy for a quick meal. This recipe is perfect for batch prepping as it the entire pie can be frozen in the baking dish. Maybe prepare two pies at once, one for now and another for a lazy or busy day!

I can't source white miso paste. What can I use instead?

A teaspoon or two of Dijon or English mustard is a good replacement. Or simply omit this ingredient. Perhaps add a teaspoon of garlic powder just for extra flavour if this ingredient is omitted.

I can't eat nutritional yeast flakes. Can I use another ingredient?

Yes, replace the nutritional yeast for vegan cheese. Any plant-based cheese that can be grated and melted will work fine. A stronger flavour cheese will add more flavour. Add a ½ teaspoon of turmeric to the cheese sauce for extra cheesy tones.

What can I serve with cheese, onion and potato pie?

Anything you usually like to serve with pie! A few ideas:

• Baked beans

• Spaghetti hoops

• Mixed salad

• Fresh spinach

• Variety of steamed vegetables especially green veggies such as kale, chard, collard greens and cabbage

• Boiled sweetcorn, peas and carrots

• Corn-on-the-cobs

• Veggie gravy

• Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over top before serving

• Pickled onions, pickled beetroot, pickled red cabbage, etc

• Vegan coleslaw

How To Prepare Vegan Old School Cheese, Onion and Potato Pie:

More Tasty Vegan Traditional Family Meals:

Traditional Lancashire Hotpot

Vegetable Au Gratin

Cabbage And Noodles

One-Pot American Goulash (veggie mince and pasta)

Delicious Sausage Casserole