Indulge in the delicious combination of sweet apples and savory Cheddar cheese with this delightful Apple & Cheddar pie. This recipe serves 6 and features a buttery and flaky crust filled with a luscious apple and Cheddar cheese filling. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or a unique twist on a classic pie, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS:
- 150g/5oz plain flour, sifted
- 250g/9oz Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 150g/5oz vegetable shortening
- 75ml/3fl oz iced water
- 350g/12oz cooking apples, cored and chopped
- 100g/4oz granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Grease a 23cm/9in pie dish with butter.
- In a bowl, mix together the plain flour, grated Cheddar cheese, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the iced water over the mixture and toss the crumbs until a dough is formed. Press the dough firmly into a ball.
- Divide the pastry almost in half and roll out the larger half on a lightly floured surface to a 30cm/12in circle.
- Use the rolled-out pastry to line the greased pie dish, trimming the edges to 1cm/1/2in beyond the rim of the pie plate.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped cooking apples, granulated sugar, self-raising flour, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Arrange the apple mixture evenly in the pastry shell.
- Roll out the remaining pastry to a 30cm/12in circle and place it on top of the filling, trimming the crust to 2.5cm/1in beyond the rim of the pie dish. Flute the edges to form a rim.
- Combine the beaten egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash, then brush it over the top crust and rim of the pie.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is a golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.
YIELD:
- Serves 6.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure the vegetable shortening is cold before cutting it into the flour and cheese mixture to achieve a flaky and tender crust.
- The Cheddar cheese adds a savory element to the pie. Choose a sharp Cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Use a variety of cooking apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn apples.
- Rolling out the pastry to the specified sizes ensures a well-balanced pie with a proper filling-to-crust ratio.
- Brushing the top crust and rim with the egg wash creates a shiny and golden brown finish.
TIPS:
- Serve the Apple & Cheddar pie warm or at room temperature, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven for a delicious treat the next day.
- Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as Gouda or blue cheese, to add unique flavor profiles to your pie.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors with this Apple & Cheddar pie. The buttery and flaky crust, paired with the luscious apple and savory Cheddar cheese filling, creates a perfect balance of tastes and textures. Whether you serve it for dessert or as a special treat, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends.
The process of making the pie involves preparing the crust and filling separately, then combining them to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The key to a successful pie lies in using quality ingredients, from the sharp Cheddar cheese to the selection of the right cooking apples. The result is a pie with tender and aromatic apples enveloped in a golden, cheesy crust.
To enhance the presentation and taste, brush the top crust and rim with the egg wash before baking. This step adds a beautiful shine and golden color to the finished pie. Serve it warm or at room temperature, either on its own or with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
This Apple & Cheddar pie is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to special celebrations. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a unique dessert that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes it.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure to create this delicious Apple & Cheddar pie. The satisfaction of indulging in a homemade pie, filled with the perfect blend of ingredients, will be well worth the effort.
