Big Apple Pie
A hearty apple pie with a cheesy, flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, perfect for comforting dessert or afternoon tea with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure 1 1/4 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt into a bowl.
- Cut in 1/2 cup margarine with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Toss in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Stir in ice water; mix lightly.
- Form dough into a ball on a floured board; roll dough to fit a 12-inch pizza pan.
- Transfer dough to the pan; form a 1/2 inch rim.
- Combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Sprinkle half of the mixture over the pastry.
- Cut 1/4 cup margarine into the remaining mixture until crumbly; set aside.
- Arrange 6 cups sliced, peeled apples in overlapping circles on pastry.
- Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons lemon juice and the crumb mixture.
- Bake at 425°F for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, the shredded Cheddar cheese adds a delightful twist, but it can be omitted for a dairy-free option. Adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the apple mixture enhances sweetness and depth. Ensure your apples are tart for contrast, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. This pie pairs beautifully with Butter Baked Taters for a cozy meal. To elevate the presentation, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. Enjoy it as a delightful dessert after a hearty dinner or as a sweet brunch addition.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Big Apple Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Apple Pie contains roughly 790 calories, with 17g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (355% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and iron (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cheddar?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or a mild mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese complements the sweetness of the apples and doesn't overpower the dish.
What apples are best for this pie?
For the best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Gala brings sweetness. This combination ensures a balanced flavor and a great texture after baking.
How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Additionally, ensure your apples are not overly juicy by patting them dry with paper towels before layering them in the pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).