When it comes to classic American desserts, apple pie is the best! But have you ever considered taking this iconic dessert to the next level by adding a savory twist? Enter Cheddar Apple Pie – a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy apples, and sharp cheddar cheese.

The addition of sharp cheddar cheese to apple pie might sound unconventional, but it’s a culinary gem with a long history. This delightful twist on the traditional apple pie adds a layer of complexity and flavor that sets it apart from the rest.

Ingredients needed for Cheddar Apple Pie:

• 1 single layer pie crust
• 8 cups of apples, thinly sliced and (I store them in lemon/water mixture to prevent browning)
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

For the Stresuel:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 stick of butter, 8 tablespoons, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Supplies needed for Cheddar Apple Pie:

• Medium sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Pastry blender or food processor for crust
• Pie dish

How to make Cheddar Apple Pie Recipe:

Prepare the Crust:

• In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
• Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Apple Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, flour and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Roll Out the Crust:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place it in the pie plate leaving a bit of an overhang. Fold under and crimp the edges to make it look tidy. 

Assemble the Pie:

• Spoon the apple mixture into the bottom crust.

Make Cheddar Struesel Topping:

• In a bowl combine the flour & brown sugar and stir together. Stir in the salty cheddar, and the the butter, using your hands to work the butter into the dough, until small pea-sized crumbles form and the flour is worked in evenly.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping over the top of the pie. 

Bake and enjoy the Pie:

• Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the top of the filling and topping is golden brown.
• Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for a bit. Then, slice a piece, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enjoy your wedge of pie a la mode!

Can I do any of the work for this pie in advance?

YES. Make the crust in advance and you can even prepare some Apple Pie Filling in advance which will last in the fridge for up to a week.The crumb topping can also be made in advance, just kept in the fridge until you’re read to use. 

What type of apple is best to use for this pie?

I always love the tartness of granny smiths, but a mix of different apples is also great, Honeycrisp, Macintosh and Empire have also worked well

Did you know some people eat their apple pie with a cheddar topper? Yes! I have heard it’s tradition for some to place a wedge of sharp orange cheddar on the top of their apple pie and just eat the two together. This cheddar crumble is my own version of that, all combined into one perfect pie slice. Enjoy!