Not All Pies Wear Crust: The British Tradition of Mash-Topped Pies

When most Americans picture a pie, their minds often go straight to golden, flaky pastry filled with sweet apples or hearty meats. But travel to Britain, and you’ll uncover a different kind of pie tradition—one that skips the pastry altogether. Enter the mash-topped pie, a comforting, crustless classic that’s deeply rooted in British food history.

A Slice of History: The Rise of Mash-Topped Pies

The mash-topped pie has humble beginnings. In 18th-century Britain, particularly in rural and working-class communities, families looked for economical ways to stretch their food and reduce waste. Leftover roasted meats were minced and mixed with gravy and vegetables, then baked under a thick, warming layer of mashed potatoes. The result was not only practical but deeply satisfying: a meal that could feed a family using ingredients already on hand.

The most well-known example of this format is, of course, the Shepherd’s Pie. Traditionally made with minced lamb (hence the shepherd reference), this dish became a staple across the UK. When beef was used instead, the variation was typically known as Cottage Pie. Regardless of the meat, the signature element was always the golden crown of mashed potatoes.

This hearty meal was especially popular in colder months, when the warm, oven-baked dish offered a satisfying way to combat the chill. Over time, it made its way from humble homes to pub menus and family tables across the British Isles. Today, Shepherd’s Pie and its mash-topped cousins remain firm favorites among Brits and comfort food lovers around the world.

What Makes a Proper Mash-Topped Pie?

At first glance, you might think a mash-topped pie is just a casserole. But true British pie aficionados know better. These dishes hold fast to the core characteristics that define them as pies: a savoury filling, a sealed top (just without pastry), and a comforting, cohesive bake that feels every bit as indulgent as its pastry-wrapped cousin.

What separates mash-topped pies from other baked dishes is the quality and composition of both the filling and the potato topping. At Brit Boy Street Food, our pies are inspired by classic British recipes and made with high-quality ingredients. Think:

Slow-braised steak simmered with dark brown ale and mushrooms for our Steak, Ale & Mushroom Pie
Tender chicken thighs cooked with sharp English cheddar and IPA in our Cheddar, Ale & Chicken Pie
Our signature Shepherd’s Pie, crafted with a perfect lamb-to-beef ratio and packed with peas, carrots, and sweet corn

Each one is crowned with a generous layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, golden and crispy on top, soft and buttery underneath.

Why No Crust?

The absence of pastry isn’t an oversight—it’s intentional, traditional, and incredibly flavourful. In fact, skipping the crust puts all the focus on the filling and mash, making every bite rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. It also allows for more flexibility with reheating, easier portioning, and a hearty presentation that feels rustic yet refined.

Plus, for modern diets, going crustless can offer a lighter alternative to traditional pastry-laden pies. With our pies, you still get that robust British flavor without the extra heaviness of a dough base.

Brit Boy Street Food’s Take on the Tradition

At Brit Boy Street Food, we’ve taken this classic pie format and given it a modern, chef-driven spin while staying true to its roots. All of our pies are made from scratch using whole ingredients and no artificial additives. That means no palm oils, shortening, or high-fructose corn syrup—just proper British recipes, bold flavors, and honest cooking.

Our pies are available for pickup in Kansas City and surrounding towns, and come flash-frozen so you can stock your freezer and enjoy them anytime. From our Full Monty 12-Pie Combo Pack to our Union Jack Pack sampler, we offer something for everyone—whether you’re new to British pies or a longtime fan.

Looking to feed a crowd? Our pies are also available in full-size (1 lb) portions or bite-sized catering options, perfect for events and parties.

The Shepherd’s Pie Legacy

Of all mash-topped pies, Shepherd’s Pie is perhaps the most enduring. It’s more than a meal; it’s a cultural touchstone. From school lunches to Sunday dinners, this dish has cemented itself as a staple of British identity. Its rich, savory filling and golden mash topping create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

When you serve a Shepherd’s Pie, you’re not just serving food—you’re serving a slice of tradition. And at Brit Boy Street Food, we honour that tradition with every pie we make.