Top 7 British Casseroles

One of the most popular comfort foods in the United Kingdom is called shepherd's pie, a hot and savory dish reminiscent of a casserole, consisting of minced lamb or mutton meat, potatoes, onions, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, thick gravy, and seasonings such as marjoram, parsley, and black pepper. All of the ingredients are placed under a roof of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes, and baked in an oven until the pie is ready for consumption. This simple delicacy was invented by shepherds in the 18th century England and Scotland. The pie became extremely popular in the 1870s, and not by coincidence, as mincing machines became widely available to the public in those years. Today, shepherd's pie is a great way of using up leftover cooked meat, but it is generally recommended to use fresh meat for a better flavor and texture of the pie. This hearty pie is a favorite in numerous pubs, homes, and restaurants throughout the United Kingdom.Expand

In the county of Lancashire in the United Kingdom, there is a long, slow-cooked casserole dish, famous for its simplicity and savoriness. The name of the dish is Lancashire hotpot, its name referring to a tall, straight-sided pot intended for cooking the dish. In order to prepare it, lamb and onions are topped with thinly sliced potatoes and baked in the oven. Some variations include vegetables such as carrots and turnips, while parsley, thyme, and bay leaf are among the most commonly used seasonings. The meat should be a mix of three types of cuts - neck, shin, and shoulder. It takes a long time to bake - from two and a half hours upwards in order to let the flavors infuse so that the dish develops its hearty, savory flavor. As a perfect accompaniment, try it with pickled red cabbage, a fresh salad, or crusty bread that should be dipped in the flavorful juices.Expand

Pan haggerty is a traditional dish originating from Northumberland, but it’s enjoyed throughout the United Kingdom in numerous variations. The dish is usually prepared with a combination of sliced potatoes, onions, butter, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. The potato and onion slices are layered in a baking dish, dotted with butter, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The dish is covered and baked until the potatoes and onions become tender. It is then uncovered, sprinkled with the cheese, and baked again until the cheese becomes lightly browned. Once done, pan haggerty is left to cool slightly, and it’s then served while still warm. It is believed that the name of the dish is an English pronunciation of a Celtic or French name. Pan haggerty is especially popular as comfort food on cold and rainy days.Expand

Panackelty is a popular English casserole that is especially popular in County Durham and Sunderland. It consists of slowly cooked meat (typically lamb chops or corned beef) and root vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, although there are numerous recipe variations throughout the region, so the type of meat and vegetables may vary. The dish is cooked in a pan which is placed in an oven at a low temperature, hence the name. It is believed that panackelty was invented out of necessity as a frugal and hearty dish.Expand

Miser’s feast is a traditional frugal dish originating from Wales. Simply put, the dish consists of potatoes and pork. The original recipes called for British bacon, while the addition of pork chops was a luxury, but nowadays, the bacon is somewhat of a luxury, while pork chops are inexpensive. The list of ingredients usually includes sliced potatoes, onions, pork chops (or bacon), black pepper, and salt. The potatoes, onions, and pork are layered in a baking dish, then topped with water, salt, and pepper. The dish is covered and baked until the potatoes become tender and the pork is fully cooked. It’s then uncovered and baked again until the liquid forms into a thick sauce. Miser’s feast is always served warm as a one-dish meal.Expand

Bean jar is Guernsey’s traditional one-pot dish. Although each family has a different variation, it is typically made with pig’s trotter, haricot beans, butter beans, bay leaves, onions, and carrots. The beans are soaked overnight, and the following day all ingredients are placed in a large casserole dish, then covered with water or stock. The dish is baked in an oven for a long time, usually for 6-8 hours, before it’s ready to be served, preferably with crusty bread and Guernsey butter on the side. Until the 1920s, Guernsey bean jar has been regularly eaten for breakfast. When made at home, the pot was taken to the local bakers, where it would be cooked overnight in the bottom of the ovens. At dawn, the pot was collected, and the dish was traditionally eaten by fishermen before they went out to sea.Expand

Dating back to at least 1673, ormer casserole is a Guernsey specialty made with ormers, pork belly, carrots, shallots, butter, and bay leaves. Ormers are a type of shellfish that is one of Guernsey's well-known local delicacies. They look similar to oysters and have a mild flavor. Ormers can only be collected on a few dates between January and April, so this dish isn't always available in local restaurants. The ormers are removed from their shells, flattened with a mallet, then rolled in flour and fried in Guernsey butter. Later on, they are combined with the other ingredients in a casserole dish, and the concoction is then baked until ready for consumption. It is recommended to serve this delicious casserole with crusty bread or Guernsey biscuits on the side.Expand