Potato and Leek Shepherds Pie with Cheesy Mash

Potato Supper Recipes Cheesy Leek Shepherds Pie Easy Comfort

By Sarah Chen-MartinezAugust 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Fancy some proper comfort food recipes with potatoes ? Ever wondered what to do with those leeks lurking in the fridge? Well, you're in for a treat.

Today, we're diving headfirst into a hearty Potato and Leek Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Mash. It's my take on the potato supper recipes, and it's about to become your new favourite.

This beauty is a twist on the classic shepherd's pie. Instead of lamb, we're loading up on yummy veggies like potatoes and leeks.

Think of it as a vegetarian hug in a dish, topped with the cheesiest cheesy mashed potato recipes you've ever tasted.

Potato and Leek Shepherd's Pie: A Classic Reimagined

Shepherd's pie is a British pub food recipes staple. This version is a veggie delight. It is easy to make.

It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to whip up, including 25 minutes prep and 45 minutes cooking time. This recipe will serve 6 hungry people.

It’s proper family fare.

Why You'll Love This Shepherd's Pie

Okay, so why should you bother? Well, for starters, potatoes are packed with potassium. Plus, this pie is guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly night.

Serve this on a cold evening! This vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe is truly special because it combines the best of both worlds: healthy veggies and decadent cheesy mash.

The Hearty Filling

Here's what you'll need for the luscious filling:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 large leeks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
500g potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 tbsp plain flour
500ml vegetable stock
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
140g frozen cooking fresh peas

The Dreamy Topping

And now for the star of the show:

1.5kg potatoes, quartered
100ml milk
50g butter
100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
A knob of butter

Trust me, folks, once you try this potato bake supper recipe , you'll never look at shepherd's pie the same way again.

We will not be adding English Peas Recipe Side Dishes or Vegetable Side Dishes Recipes . Let's get cooking!

Alright, let's chat about what you need to whip up this amazing potato and leek shepherd's pie. Think of it as a big hug on a plate, proper comfort food recipes with potatoes, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty

Right, let's dive into the ingredients. No need to be a Michelin star chef here. Just good, honest ingredients, and don't worry. We'll keep it simple.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's what you'll need for this fantastic potato supper recipes dish. I've given you both US and metric measurements because, well, why not?

For the Potato & Leek Filling:
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Quality olive oil will always add to the dish
- Leeks, sliced: 2 large (about 14 oz). Make sure to wash them well.
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed: 1.1 lbs (500g). Any good boiling potato will do.
- Carrots, diced: 7 oz (200g)
- Celery stalks, diced: 5 oz (150g)
- Plain flour (all-purpose): 1 oz (30g)
- Vegetable stock: 2 cups + 1/8 cup (500ml)
- Tomato puree: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Frozen peas: 5oz (140g). Or Cooking Fresh Peas if you're feeling fancy! These english peas recipe side dishes really add a pop.
For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes, peeled and quartered: 3.3 lbs (1.5kg). King Edwards or Maris Pipers are my go-to.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (100ml)
- Butter, unsalted: 1/4 cup (50g). That's about 4 tablespoons for you and me.
- Mature cheddar cheese, grated: 3.5 oz (100g). A good, strong cheddar is key.
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Butter: A knob to top it off.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of Magic

Honestly, the seasoning is what makes or breaks a dish. The thyme really gives it that proper British vibe. Salt and pepper are crucial, obviously.

You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the mash for extra warmth. Simple vegetable side dishes recipes, but the flavor is complex.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe .

Large saucepan or Dutch oven: For the filling.
Potato masher: A must for that creamy mash. A fork will do in a pinch.
Large pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Oven safe dish: About 9x13 inch.

Cooking Up a Cosy Potato and Leek Shepherd's Pie!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good shepherd's pie? It's proper comfort food recipes with potatoes , isn't it? I’m going to share my veggie twist on this British classic.

Picture this: a hearty potato and leek filling topped with the cheesiest, dreamiest mash. Oh my gosh, my mouth is already watering! This is my take on potato bake supper recipes .

Cooking Fresh Peas with the family makes this recipe even more special.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organised. We need our "mise en place" fancy French for "everything in its place".

Chop your 2 large leeks (about 400g) and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Peel and dice 500g of potatoes, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks.

Having it all ready saves time and stops the panic later!

step-by-step to Pie Perfection

Time to get cooking! This vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe is easier than you think.

Sauté those leeks and garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil until they're soft. About 5 minutes should do it.
Chuck in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stir in 2 tbsp plain flour, then gradually add 500ml of vegetable stock and 1 tbsp tomato puree. Don't forget 1 tsp of dried thyme!
Simmer it all until the vegetables are tender, and the sauce has thickened, about 20- 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Now, add 140g of frozen peas.
While the filling simmers, boil 1.5kg of potatoes until they are soft.
Mash the potatoes with 100ml milk and 50g butter until smooth. Stir in 100g of cheddar. Season.
Pour the vegetable mix into an oven safe dish.
Top with the cheesy mash. Dot with a knob of butter. Bake at 200° C/ 400° F until golden and bubbly, about 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Pie

Want to take your pie to the next level? First, avoid overcooking the potatoes. Soggy potatoes are a no-no! Second, use good cheddar, it makes a huge difference.

English Peas Recipe Side Dishes go well with this.

Honestly, I messed this up by using cheaper cheese once and nearly cried!. Don't be afraid to experiment with potato and leek recipes , I have been creating this recipe with my family for ages and it is delicious.

Why you may also like Creamed Potatoes .

So there you have it a cracking potato and leek shepherd's pie. Perfect for a chilly evening! Pair it with some Vegetable Side Dishes Recipes for a proper feast.

If you ask me, this is a winner every time. Whether it's British pub food recipes or family get togethers.

If you make this, show me yours, and don't forget to tag me! This Cheesy mashed potato recipes will blow your family away!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Potato Supper

Honestly, whipping up this potato supper recipes can be as easy or as fancy as you like. Here are a few notes to guide you.

These are based on my own kitchen escapades! Let's get cooking fresh peas.

Plating & Presentation: Show Off Your Creation

Presentation matters, right? For a rustic vibe, serve straight from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color.

Fancy a bit more elegance? Portion into individual ramekins. Serve with a flourish. For a complementary side, try some English peas recipe side dishes.

Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Pop 'em in the fridge pronto. They'll keep happily for up to three days in an airtight container.

Fancy stocking up? Freezing is an option! Divide into portions. Freeze for up to one month. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Reheat in the oven until piping hot. This is one of the best vegetable side dishes recipes I know!

Tweak It: Variations to Suit Your Taste

Want to make it a bit healthier? Swap half the potatoes for sweet potatoes in the mash. It adds a lovely sweetness and a boost of nutrients.

Going dairy-free? Use oat milk and dairy-free cheese in the mash. It works a treat! For more interesting swaps, try some creamy cheesy mashed potato recipes, or even a potato and leek recipes for the soup.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Fueling Your Body

Each serving clocks in around 450 calories. It's a good source of protein (15g) and fiber (8g). You get a decent hit of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

This is an estimate only. Actual values depend on your ingredients and portion sizes. You know?

Time to get back into the kitchen!

Honestly, this vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe is a crowd pleaser. It is one of the perfect comfort food recipes with potatoes.

It is an excellent alternative to standard British pub food recipes. So, go on, give it a whirl! Don't be afraid to experiment with that potato bake supper recipe.

Have fun and enjoy every mouthful!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this potato supper recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato and leek filling and the cheesy mashed potato separately, store them in the fridge, and then assemble and bake the pie just before you're ready to eat. This is a proper lifesaver when you're juggling work and family, innit?

How long does this Potato and Leek Shepherd's Pie keep in the fridge?

Once cooked, your Potato and Leek Shepherd's Pie will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's properly covered or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until piping hot, just like a takeaway curry but much better!

Is it possible to freeze this potato supper recipe?

Yes, freezing is an option! Let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through and golden brown on top.

I'm not a fan of leeks. Can I substitute them in this potato supper recipes?

Of course, flexibility is key! If leeks aren't your cup of tea, you can easily substitute them with onions. Brown them gently in the olive oil as you would with the leeks. For a sweeter flavor you could use shallots too, all depends on what you fancy.

What kind of potatoes are best for the mashed potato topping?

For a fluffy and creamy mash, go for floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edwards. These spuds break down nicely when boiled and mashed, giving you that classic, comforting texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they can result in a slightly gluey mash, which isn't quite the ticket!

I'm vegetarian, but can this recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use a plant based milk like oat milk or soy milk in the mash. You'll also need to swap out the cheddar cheese for a vegan cheese alternative. There are some cracking vegan cheese options available these days!