13 British Pies You Should Try

As the mention of Britain conjures up thoughts of its storied past, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s only natural that our minds also turn to its delectable culinary delights. British cuisine has earned a reputation for being hearty, comforting, and indulgent, with pie-playing a significant role in this reputation. From classic fish & chips to the countless varieties of pies, Britain’s love affair with food is undeniable.

The humble pie has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many, and it’s not hard to see why. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and adaptability to a wide range of fillings and toppings, British pies have become an integral part of the country’s gastronomic identity.

So, what are some of the most beloved pie recipes hailing from Britain? We’ll be exploring 13 mouth-watering options in this post, each one showcasing the incredible diversity of this quintessential British dish.

Let the culinary journey begin!

Cottage Pie

While it’s true that cottage pie shares many similarities with its more famous counterpart, shepherd’s pie, there are a few key differences that set it apart. At its core, cottage pie features the same classic combination of sautéed meat and vegetables mixed with broth and herbs, topped with a generous helping of mashed potatoes. The primary distinction lies in the type of mince used – beef takes center stage in cottage pie, whereas lamb is the star of shepherd’s pie.

This subtle variation yields a dish that is just as rich, comforting, and satisfying as its counterpart, but with a unique flavor profile all its own.

Fish Pie

The British fish pie is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of fish with the comfort of mashed potatoes. At its core lies a thick, creamy filling reminiscent of a fish chowder, but elevated to new heights by its indulgent texture. This filling is made possible by the combination of smoked salmon, salmon, and white fish, which adds a welcome firmness to prevent the fish from breaking apart.

Steak And Kidney Pie

British cuisine is renowned for its hearty pies, and one of the most iconic is the steak and kidney pie. This robust dish is a staple of traditional British cooking, featuring a rich meaty filling packed with tender chunks of beef chuck and kidneys. The addition of vegetables adds texture and depth to the filling, while the use of beef stock elevates the overall flavor profile.

To create this satisfying pie, start by preparing the filling, which can be ready in under four hours.

A puff pastry crust provides a buttery, flaky exterior that perfectly complements the savory filling within. For an authentic taste, opt for calves’ kidneys if possible, as they impart a unique and superior flavor to the dish.

Try our recipe now!

Mushroom Pie

British mushroom pie, a vegetarian and vegan-friendly delight, boasts a rich flavor profile courtesy of 100% cacao and vermouth infused into a medley of mushrooms. This distinctive flavor combination yields a profound taste experience that’s both earthy and meaty, yet completely plant-based. While the filling can be served as a stew on its own, this recipe elevates it by wrapping it in dairy-free puff pastry, creating a satisfying and savory pie.

Vegetable Pie

British cuisine is renowned for its hearty vegetarian pie, a staple that has been delighting palates for generations. One variation of this classic recipe typically combines red onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, potatoes, vegetable stock, a medley of herbs and spices, and a rich, creamy sauce to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.

This particular recipe showcases the art of crafting individual puff pastry pies bursting with savory goodness.

The flaky crust provides a perfect foil for the tender, well-seasoned vegetables within, which are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. The result is a truly satisfying and wholesome meal option.

Scotch Egg Pie

In Britain, there’s no shortage of beloved snacks, and the Scotch egg is undoubtedly one of them. Comprising a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and coated with breadcrumbs – either deep-fried or baked to perfection – this tasty treat has become a staple on its own. But did you know that it’s now also been reimagined as a British pie? By combining two picnic favorites, the BBC Good Food recipe for Scotch egg pie shows just how easy it is to create this delightful dish in under an hour.

When baked, the breadcrumb topping yields a satisfying crunch, while the filling delivers a rich, savory flavor.

Meat And Potato Pie

Looking for a quintessential British pie recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite? You’re in luck! This meat and potato pie recipe is a tried-and-true classic that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome goodness. A staple of British cuisine, this hearty pie combines tender beef, fluffy potatoes, and crisp vegetables with a buttery shortcrust pastry crust that’s simply irresistible.

With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time – it’s a true comfort food that will leave everyone feeling full and content.

Pork Pie

Pork pie is another British classic that’s a must-try for anyone who loves savory flavors. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for parties – your guests will adore indulging in its meaty goodness. Traditionally, this pie is crafted using hot water pastry, which is manually raised with the help of a jam jar. The filling, comprising pork fat, pork, and jellied pork stock, offers a rich and satisfying taste experience that’s just as enjoyable when served hot or cold.

To add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile, a blend of herbs and spices like salt and nutmeg is incorporated. Experience the delightful combination for yourself – head over to the recipe page now.

Cheese And Potato

The resurgence of the classic cheese and potato pie in popularity is no surprise, given its comforting nature and satisfying flavors. A significant factor contributing to this rise in popularity could be its ease of preparation. In fact, this beloved dish can be whipped up in a mere 40 minutes, with only six essential pantry ingredients required: onion, garlic, cheddar cheese, pepper, potatoes, and milk.

The absence of a pastry crust is another major draw – instead, the pie boasts a crispy cheddar cheese crust that’s simply irresistible.

Steak Pie

Savory food enthusiasts will delight in this indulgent steak pie recipe, featuring tender and juicy beef as the star of the show. The rich, savory flavors are expertly balanced by a depth of saltiness, courtesy of the beef stock that envelops each morsel. The bold, meaty flavor profile is further enhanced by the addition of sweet onions, adding a welcome layer of complexity to the dish.

To contain the generous filling, a double-crust pastry is required, ensuring every bite is a satisfying and filling experience. When served with creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of extra gravy, this show-stopping pie is sure to become a new favorite.

Cornish Pasty

In Britain, the love for pies runs so deep that it led to the creation of the Cornish pasty – a handheld treat designed specifically for miners who didn’t want to leave their work site to eat. This iconic British staple has been delighting palates for centuries. The crispy pastry shell gives way to a savory filling of skirt steak, turnips, and potatoes, which is already a flavor sensation on its own. But feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

Shepherd’s Pie

One of our go-to comfort foods is undoubtedly the classic shepherd’s pie. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, ease of preparation, and versatility as a family dinner option. The beauty of this dish is that it can be tailored to suit individual tastes and ingredient preferences. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie recipes feature a medley of vegetables including onions, carrots, potatoes, and peas.

However, feel free to get creative and incorporate any leftover veggies you have on hand, such as celery or other favorites. At its core, shepherd’s pie consists of a flavorful mixture of minced lamb, sautéed with aromatic herbs and spices, which is then topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our exploration of British pies, it’s clear that the diversity on offer is truly remarkable. From hearty meat-based pies to decadent cheesy treats, fish-packed delights and nutritious vegetarian options, there’s something for every palate. Having this comprehensive list at your disposal, you’re now faced with the delightful challenge of selecting a starting point from among these 13 scrumptious options.