Apple Pie Bread

After stumbling upon the Dessert First show on Food Network, I couldn’t resist trying out a dessert dedicated to indulgence. Enter the Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie, a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

The combination of a flaky, buttery crust with the savory kick from grated extra sharp cheddar cheese perfectly complements the sweet and tangy apple filling. This pie comes together quickly and easily, making it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast or special occasion. Prepare to be blown away by the heavenly flavors and comforting aroma of this irresistible dessert.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled & cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 5+ tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• 1/4 stick unsalted butter, chilled & diced

Instructions:

To assemble the crust:

1. In a food processor bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse for 5 seconds until briefly combined.
2. Add the cold butter and pulse until a fine meal forms.
3. Add the grated cheddar cheese and pulse a few times to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add 5 tablespoons of ice water. Using a fork, mix gently until clumps form. Add more water by the tablespoon as needed.
5. Gather the dough into a ball and divide it in half. Shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic, and store in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

To make the filling:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and sugar until there are no lumps.
3. Add the sliced apples, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Toss to combine.

To assemble the pie:

1. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out one of the dough disks into a 13-inch round. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish. Brush the edge and overhang with water.
2. Add the apple filling to the bottom of the dough-lined pie dish. Distribute the diced butter evenly over the filling.
3. Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch round and place it on top of the filling.
4. Press the edges together to seal and cut any overhang to 1/2 inch. Crimp the edges decoratively with two fingers.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 slits in the top crust.
6. Place the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove the pie from the oven and carefully cover the edge of the pie crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, return the pie to the oven, and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 1 hour before serving.

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of this Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie, and let its comforting aroma transport you to dessert paradise.