Mary Berry Homity Pie

This Mary Berry Homity Pie is a comforting vegetarian classic made with soft potatoes, gently cooked leeks and onions, sharp mature cheese, and a crisp pastry case. The flavour is rich yet balanced, with the creaminess of the filling offset by the light crunch of the base. It works beautifully as a main meal with salad, a hearty lunch, or a make-ahead dish for family dinners. Simple ingredients and steady cooking are all it takes to achieve a pie that feels both homely and satisfying.

What Is Mary Berry’s Homity Pie?

Homity pie is a traditional British vegetarian pie made with potatoes, onions or leeks, cheese, and cream, baked in a pastry case until golden. Inspired by the calm, reliable cooking style of Mary Berry, this version focuses on clear flavours, a creamy but well-set filling, and pastry that stays crisp rather than soggy.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Lemon Meringue
• Mary Berry Meat and Potato Pie
• Mary Berry Steak and Kidney Pie

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Classic vegetarian comfort – Filling and satisfying without meat
• Budget-friendly ingredients – Simple pantry and fridge staples
• Great make-ahead option – Holds its structure well
• Balanced flavour – Creamy, cheesy, and gently savoury
• Versatile serving – Works hot or warm

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Homity Pie

For the pastry

• Plain flour – 200 g
• Cold butter – 100 g, diced
• Salt – a pinch
• Cold water – 2–3 tablespoons

For the filling

• Potatoes – 500 g, peeled and cubed
• Butter – 30 g
• Leeks – 2 medium, sliced
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Mature cheddar cheese – 175 g, grated
• Double cream – 200 ml
• Whole milk – 100 ml
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh thyme – optional

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• 23 cm pie dish or tart tin – Ensures even baking
• Saucepan – For cooking potatoes
• Frying pan – For softening leeks and onions
• Mixing bowl – For combining the filling
• Rolling pin – For pastry
• Pastry brush – Useful for sealing edges

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Make the pastry – Rub butter into flour and salt, add water, and bring together gently. Chill briefly.
• Cook the potatoes – Boil until just tender, then drain well.
• Soften the vegetables – Melt butter and cook the leeks and onion gently until soft, not coloured.
• Combine the filling – Mix potatoes, leeks, cheese, cream, milk, seasoning, and thyme.
• Prepare the case – Roll pastry and line the dish, trimming edges neatly.
• Fill the pie – Spoon the mixture evenly into the pastry case.
• Bake until golden – Cook until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
• Rest before serving – Allows clean slicing.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Watery filling – Draining potatoes well solved this
• Soggy pastry – Blind baking lightly helped
• Overcooked leeks – Gentle heat kept the flavour sweet
• Too salty – Seasoning carefully after adding cheese fixed it

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Reduced-fat cheese can be used for a lighter filling
• Half cream and half milk still gives a good set
• Extra leeks or spinach add bulk without heaviness
• Smaller slices served with salad keep it balanced

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Shortcrust pastry instead of homemade dough
• Gruyère or Red Leicester instead of cheddar
• Spring onions instead of leeks
• Dairy-free cream and cheese for a plant-based version

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted tomatoes for sweetness
• Coleslaw for crunch
• Pickles or chutney for contrast

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Drain potatoes thoroughly before mixing
• Cook leeks slowly to avoid bitterness
• Grate cheese finely for even melting
• Do not overfill the pastry case
• Bake on a preheated tray for a crisp base
• Rest before cutting to help the filling set
• Serve warm, not piping hot

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Homity Pie

• Add cooked mushrooms for depth
• Stir in mustard for gentle heat
• Use a potato-and-sweet-potato mix
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives
• Turn into individual mini pies

Storing Mary Berry Homity Pie the Right Way

• Cool completely before storing
• Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
• Freeze whole or in slices once cooled
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

How to Reheat Mary Berry Homity Pie (If Needed)

Reheat in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to protect the pastry.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fats: ~24 g
• Protein: ~14 g
• Sugar: ~6 g

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FAQs

How do I stop homity pie from having a soggy bottom?

A soggy base usually happens when the pastry is filled while the ingredients are still warm or wet. Blind bake the pastry lightly, drain the potatoes well, and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the pie.

Should the potatoes be mashed or left in chunks for homity pie?

Potatoes should be cut into small chunks and lightly broken up, not fully mashed. This gives the filling structure while keeping a rustic texture that helps the pie set properly.

What cheese works best for a traditional homity pie?

A strong mature cheddar works best because it melts well and adds depth of flavour. Mild cheese can make the filling bland and less satisfying.

Can I prepare homity pie filling in advance?

Yes, the filling can be prepared a day ahead and kept chilled. Assemble the pie just before baking to keep the pastry crisp and prevent excess moisture.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Homity Pie is a dependable vegetarian dish built on simple cooking and honest ingredients. Creamy, comforting, and easy to adapt, it is the kind of pie that works just as well for everyday meals as it does for sharing with guests.