This Cheddar crust apple pie is made with extra-sharp Cheddar baked into the crust for a surprising savoriness that's the perfect contrast to sweetness of the Golden Delicious apple pie filling. Compliment worthy to the nth degree.

Since I was a kid, I've always loved the combination of apple and Cheddar cheese. And, apparently, I'm not the only one. A Connecticut neighbor can't wait for the temperature to cool so he can cut slices of "New York Cheddar so sharp you can cut your tongue on it" and place them atop his wife's hot-out-of-the-oven apple pie. I've gone one better. Instead of merely slapping on a slice of cheese, I grate the Cheddar and incorporate it into the crust. That way the Cheddar bakes and bubbles to a golden brown, lending a distinct and savory robustness to the pie.–David Leite

How to Divide Pie Dough for a Two-Crust Pie

We're about to let you in on a pie crust trick that Grandma should've taught you. (Actually, maybe she did.) When you're about to divvy the mound of party dough in half—one portion for the top crust, one for the bottom crust—make the portions slightly unequal. Without delving into geometry or algebra or calculus, suffice it to say, you need a little more surface area for that bottom crust since it has to go up the sides and fold under the top crust. You're welcome.

Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

An apple pie with Cheddar crust in a red pie pan cut into to show the Golden Delicious apples inside

This Cheddar crust apple pie is made with extra-sharp Cheddar baked into the crust for a surprising savoriness that's the perfect contrast to sweetness of the Golden Delicious apple pie filling. Compliment worthy to the nth degree.

Prep 40 mins

Cook 3 hrs

Total 3 hrs 40 mins

For the Cheddar crust

  • 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour plus more for the work surface
  • 1/4 cup cake flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter frozen solid, then slightly thawed
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening frozen solid, then slightly thawed
  • 1 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar mixed with 1/3 cup ice water

For the apple pie filling

  • 6 to 7 large Golden Delicious apples
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus more for sprinkling (or substitute coarse turbinado sugar for sprinkling)
  • 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water for glaze

Make the Cheddar crust

  • In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the flours and salt. Cut the butter and lard into small pieces, add them to the bowl, and process for 5 seconds. Add the Cheddar and pulse once or twice to mix.

  • With the motor running, pour in enough of the vinegar mixture in a slow, steady stream for the dough to form a ball. Process for 10 to 15 seconds.

  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. If it appears too dry, work in 1 to 2 more teaspoons water. Shape the dough into a 6-inch disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight) before rolling it out.

Make the apple pie filling

  • Peel and core the apples and then cut them into slices 1/16 inch thick. Immediately toss the apple slices in a large bowl with the lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the apple slices and gently toss to evenly coat the apples.

Assemble the apple pie

  • Crank the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

  • Divide the dough into 2 unequal pieces, one slightly larger than the other. (The slightly larger piece is for the bottom crust. For more information, see the note above the recipe.) On a lightly floured work surface, roll the larger piece into a round about 13 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough round to a 9-inch pie plate and fill with the apple slices. Using your hands, shape the apples into a firmly packed mound slightly higher in the center than at the sides. Dot the apples with butter. Trim the edges of the bottom crust to a 1 1/2-inch overhang.

  • Roll out the remaining dough into a 11- to 12-inch round and carefully arrange it over the apple pie filling. Trim the edges of the top crust to a 1 1/2-inch overhang. Fold the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust, press together, and flute decoratively using your thumb and forefinger. Cut three 1 3/4-inch slashes in center of top crust to allow air to escape.

Bake the apple pie

  • Place the pie on the rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking about 40 minutes more, until the pastry is golden brown and the juices are bubbling. No more than 10 minutes before the end of baking, brush the Cheddar crust with the egg glaze and sprinkle with sugar.

  • Cool the pie on a wire rack until slightly warm or room temperature before slicing and serving.

Serving: 1 slice Calories: 510 kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 70 g (23%) Protein: 8 g (16%) Fat: 23 g (35%) Saturated Fat: 13 g (81%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g Trans Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 76 mg (25%) Sodium: 319 mg (14%) Potassium: 241 mg (7%) Fiber: 5 g (21%) Sugar: 43 g (48%) Vitamin A: 707 IU (14%) Vitamin C: 9 mg (11%) Calcium: 127 mg (13%) Iron: 2 mg (11%)

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Originally published November 10, 2018

Recipe © 2014 David Leite. Photos © 2014 David Leite. All rights reserved. All materials used with permission.

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