Ah, Irish Potato Pie! Just the name alone brings a smile to my face and a warm feeling in my heart. This delightful dish has been a family favorite since I can remember. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up this savory pie during chilly Sunday dinners, filling the house with the mouth-watering scent of baked potatoes and crispy bacon. I can still picture everyone gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting their slice, and enjoying hearty laughter as we dug in, savoring every bite. There’s truly something special about comfort food that brings us together, and Irish Potato Pie has a way of doing just that!
What makes this recipe unique is the perfect harmony of flavors: creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs come together in a flaky crust to create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. It’s like a hug on a plate! Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this pie never fails to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making this scrumptious delight!
What’s in Irish Potato Pie?
Pie Crust: You can go for a store-bought crust, which saves time, or treat yourself to a homemade crust if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it creates the perfect base for our luscious filling.
Potatoes: Four large potatoes are the stars of this show! I prefer russets for their starchiness, which creates that beautiful, comforting texture. Thinly slicing them ensures they cook evenly.
Bacon: Ah, crispy bacon! I use about a cup of cooked bacon, chopped into bits, which not only adds a delightful crunch but also infuses the pie with rich, smoky flavors. You can substitute it with lardons for a more traditional touch.
Onion: We’ll need one medium onion, thinly sliced until it’s nice and tender. It gets caramelized to bring out its natural sweetness!
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic, right? Two cloves, minced, will add a lovely aromatic kick.
Heavy Cream: Our secret weapon for extra creaminess! One cup of heavy cream takes the flavor to a whole new level.
Eggs: Two large eggs will help to bind everything together, which is essential for a sturdy pie.
Salt and Pepper: These little guys enhance all those yummy flavors and make everything pop!
Dried Thyme: A bit of dried thyme adds a herby note that pairs perfectly with potatoes and bacon.
Fresh Dill: One-quarter cup of fresh dill, chopped, brings a refreshing brightness to our pie. Plus, we’ll save a little for garnishing!
Green Onions: These colorful green onions won’t just garnish; they add a fresh crunch that is simply irresistible!
Is Irish Potato Pie Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend that Irish Potato Pie is a health food, but life is all about balance, right? Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients:
Potatoes: They’re a fantastic source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber! Potatoes can be a great energy source and the fiber can support digestive health.
Bacon: This savory delight does contain high levels of protein and some nutrients, but let’s not forget it can be higher in sodium and saturated fat. Moderation is key!
Eggs: Packed with protein, eggs are also a source of healthy fats and several essential vitamins.
Dill and Green Onions: These fresh herbs and vegetables bring plenty of nutrients without adding extra calories. They’re rich in antioxidants and vitamins!
So, while Irish Potato Pie is a delicious indulgence, it’s certainly not an everyday dish if you’re watching your health. But hey, treat yourself once in a while!
Ingredients List
– 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (or substitute with lardons)
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: 6-8*
How to Make Irish Potato Pie?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let’s get that oven nice and warm while we prepare our ingredients.
2. Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling – nobody likes a soggy crust!
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. I love that sizzling sound! Once it’s done, remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels, but don’t forget to reserve about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor.
4. In that same skillet, throw in the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
5. Now, in a large bowl, layer the thinly sliced potatoes, cooked bacon, cooked onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together with love.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and chopped dill until smooth and creamy. Pour this delectable mixture over the potato filling in the large bowl.
7. Carefully pour the entire potato filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly so every slice will have all that goodness!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is a lovely golden brown. The smell will be driving you wild!
9. Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. Garnish with fresh dill and chopped green onions before serving – and dig in!
Delicious Tips for Your Irish Potato Pie
– Feel free to experiment! This pie is highly versatile. You can add in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a twist!
– If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream. It won’t be quite as rich, but still oh-so-delicious.
– Leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully in the oven or can be enjoyed cold, making for a scrumptious lunch option!
I truly hope you give this Irish Potato Pie a try. I can guarantee that it will be a hit with anyone you serve it to, just like it was with my family all those years ago. So grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this delightful dish brings. Bon appétit!
