Imagine biting into a slice of pie that's not just another ordinary dessert, but a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Our Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust is about to revolutionize your understanding of classic American desserts. This isn't just a pie - it's a perfect harmony of sweet, tart apples and a uniquely savory cheese-infused crust that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your baking game and create a show-stopping dessert that combines tradition with unexpected deliciousness!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cheddar cheese crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
- Add the 1 cup of chilled, unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly incorporated into the flour and butter mixture.
- Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once combined, divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the 6 cups of sliced apples, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is chilling and the filling is resting.
- Once the dough has chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
- Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Remove the second disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out in the same manner as the first. Place it over the apple filling. You can either cut slits in the top crust for a lattice effect or simply cover the pie completely.
- Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp the edges to seal the pie. If desired, brush the top crust with a little melted butter and sprinkle some sugar on top for a sweet finish.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
- Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set up a bit more.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust!
Tips
- Cold is Key: Keep your butter and water ice-cold when making the crust. This ensures a flaky, tender texture that will make your pie crust absolutely irresistible.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Mix the crust ingredients just until they come together. Overworking can lead to a tough, dense crust instead of a light, flaky one.
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in your filling.
- Cheese Matters: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor in your crust. The aged, tangy notes will complement the sweet apple filling perfectly.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier.
- Serve with Flair: For an extra touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sharp cheddar cheese slice on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 75mg
