Originating from the heartland of dairy, Wisconsin, this Sweet and Nutty Wisconsin Cheddar Pie combines the rich, savory flavors of aged cheddar with the delightful crunch of assorted nuts. What makes this recipe special is the unexpected sweet twist that balances perfectly with the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a complex flavor profile that tantalizes the palate. The pie's golden crust, baked to perfection, encases the meltingly soft cheese and nut filling, offering a satisfying textural contrast. Its aroma is as inviting as its appearance, promising a comforting and indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Serving Size
- Serves 8 people
Grocery Items Needed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- 1 1/2 cups aged Wisconsin cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans), roughly chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preparation
- Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling:
- In another bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, chopped nuts, brown sugar, nutmeg, and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add Filling:
- Sprinkle the cheese and nut mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- Mix Custard:
- Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cheese and nuts in the crust.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- For a deeper nut flavor, toast the nuts slightly before adding them to the pie.
- Substitute half of the cheddar with smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pie warm, ideally with a light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Allergens: Nuts, Dairy
We invite you to share this Sweet and Nutty Wisconsin Cheddar Pie with friends and family and encourage you to experiment with different nuts or cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!
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