Preparing the Crust:
- Combine Flour and Salt: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Sprinkle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Fit: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, trim and crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
Preparing the Filling:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Cheese and Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Stir in the cheese and any optional additions until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cheese pie cool slightly before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Tips for Success:
- Blind Baking: For a crisper crust, you can blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake.
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. A mix of cheeses provides depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Customizing: The beauty of cheese pie is its versatility. Add cooked vegetables, meats, or herbs to the filling to create different flavor profiles.
Cheese Pie serves as a comforting meal or snack that’s both filling and flavorful. Its simplicity allows for endless variations, making it a perfect dish to experiment with and make your own. Whether served hot or cold, as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who appreciates the warm, melty goodness of cheese encased in a buttery, flaky crust.