Apple Cheddar Pie is a cozy, golden pie where sweet spiced apples meet a savory, buttery cheddar crust. This delightful dessert balances the sweetness of apples with the rich and slightly tangy flavor of cheddar cheese, creating a unique experience that will captivate your taste buds. If you’re looking for a new dessert to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade treat, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cheddar Pie
This Apple Cheddar Pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- It combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a unique dish.
- The cheddar crust adds a delightful crunch and richness.
- It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts.
- This pie is vegetarian-friendly, appealing to a broad range of diets.
- It’s easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- Leftovers (if there are any) are just as tasty the next day!
- Explore variations, such as Apple Cheddar Tart or Cheddar Infused Apple Pie.
- It’s a classic American dessert that showcases the best of seasonal apples.
Ingredients for Apple Cheddar Pie
Gather these items:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar (for lightly sweetening the dough)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (fine sea salt preferred)
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (very cold and cut into cubes)
- 2/3 cup ice water (measured after chilling with ice)
- 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best melting)
- 1 large egg (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with the egg wash)
- 2 teaspoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top optional)
- 10 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced about 1/4-inch thick)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening the filling)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the juices)
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for warm spice flavor)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground allspice (for subtle depth)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cloves (for aroma)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for warmth)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated to mix into filling)
How to Make Apple Cheddar Pie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then scatter the cold butter cubes over the top and cut them in until the mixture looks crumbly with some pea-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in the icy water a little at a time, stirring gently after each addition, just until the dough starts clumping together and feels slightly tacky.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly work it into a cohesive mass without overmixing.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball, divide it in half, flatten each into a thick disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, spices, and the remaining cheddar until everything is evenly coated, then set aside.
- Step 6: On a floured surface, roll one chilled dough disc into a wide circle and carefully fit it into the pie dish, smoothing it gently into the corners.
- Step 7: Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the prepared crust, spreading it out so the filling sits level.
- Step 8: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, either as a full top crust or a decorative design, then seal and shape the edges as desired.
- Step 9: Brush the crust with the egg and milk mixture and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using, then place the pie in the refrigerator while the oven heats.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), set the pie on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes until the crust begins to set.
- Step 11: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35–40 minutes, shielding the edges if they darken too quickly.
- Step 12: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least three hours so the filling can properly set before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Cheddar Pie
Keep these in mind:
- Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
- Chill the dough for at least two hours; this helps with handling.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
- Consider adding a pinch of lemon juice to enhance apple flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cheddar Pie
When serving your pie, consider these ideas:
- Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Enjoy it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cheddar Pie
To store your pie, keep it covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This method preserves the crust’s crispness and enhances the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cheddar Pie
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cheddar Pie?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth and ensure your cheddar is freshly grated to enhance melting properties. The combination of sweet and savory will create a delightful experience.
Can I make Apple Cheddar Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cheddar Pie?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your butter is cold and your dough isn’t overworked, which can lead to a tough crust. Also, allow the pie to cool properly before slicing to ensure the filling sets nicely.
Variations of Apple Cheddar Pie You Can Try
Here are some exciting variations:
- Gluten-free Apple Cheddar Pie: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.
- Sweet and Savory Apple Pie: Add bacon bits to the filling for an unexpected twist.
- Cheddar-Crusted Apple Pie: Incorporate cheddar into the pie crust for extra flavor.
- Apple and Cheese Pie: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda for a unique taste.
For more delicious recipes, check out Gingerbread Tiramisu or Cranberry Custard Pie.
For additional tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice and recipes.
Print
Delicious Apple Cheddar Pie Recipe for Comforting Moments
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, golden pie where sweet spiced apples meet a savory, buttery cheddar crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar (for lightly sweetening the dough)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (fine sea salt preferred)
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (very cold and cut into cubes)
- 2/3 cup ice water (measured after chilling with ice)
- 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best melting)
- 1 large egg (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with the egg wash)
- 2 teaspoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top optional)
- 10 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced about 1/4-inch thick)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening the filling)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the juices)
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for warm spice flavor)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground allspice (for subtle depth)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cloves (for aroma)
- 1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for warmth)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated to mix into filling)
Instructions
- Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then scatter the cold butter cubes over the top and cut them in until the mixture looks crumbly with some pea-sized pieces.
- Slowly drizzle in the icy water a little at a time, stirring gently after each addition, just until the dough starts clumping together and feels slightly tacky.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly work it into a cohesive mass without overmixing.
- Shape the dough into a ball, divide it in half, flatten each into a thick disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, spices, and the remaining cheddar until everything is evenly coated, then set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll one chilled dough disc into a wide circle and carefully fit it into the pie dish, smoothing it gently into the corners.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the prepared crust, spreading it out so the filling sits level.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, either as a full top crust or a decorative design, then seal and shape the edges as desired.
- Brush the crust with the egg and milk mixture and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using, then place the pie in the refrigerator while the oven heats.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), set the pie on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes until the crust begins to set.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35–40 minutes, shielding the edges if they darken too quickly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least three hours so the filling can properly set before slicing.
Notes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg