Are you tired of bland, boring pie crusts? Do you dream of a crust that's not only flaky and buttery, but also boasts a delightful salty-cheesy punch? Then look no further! This salty cheesy pie crust recipe is about to become your new go-to for all your pie-making adventures. It's surprisingly easy to make, elevates any filling, and is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. This is homemade cooking at its finest, a delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Get ready to experience pie crust like never before!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ice water
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough.
Incorporate the fats:
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The colder the butter, the flakier your crust will be.
Add the cheese:
- Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The cheeses add flavor and a delightful savory element to the crust.
Bring it together:
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with a fork until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is okay.
Chill and roll:
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Bake your masterpiece:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. You can now add your favorite pie filling and bake according to the filling's instructions.
Tips for Perfect Pie Crust:
- Use cold ingredients: This is crucial for a flaky crust. Make sure your butter and water are very cold.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling allows the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld.
- Blind bake (optional): For fillings that don't require a lot of baking time, blind baking the crust (baking it with pie weights before adding the filling) prevents a soggy bottom.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of black pepper or your favorite herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Asiago, or Monterey Jack.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the pie filling. This information is for the crust only and is an estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This salty cheesy pie crust recipe is a game-changer. It's a quick dinner idea solution that adds a delightful twist to your favorite pies, transforming them from ordinary to extraordinary. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!