Cheddar Cheese Crust 🧀🥧
Overview:
Indulge in the savory delight of a homemade Cheddar Cheese Crust, perfect for pies or savory tarts. This recipe yields two buttery and cheesy crusts that are sure to elevate your baking game. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a flavorful crust that will leave everyone craving for more!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2 crusts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup solid shortening
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
Instructions:
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated cheddar cheese, and salt. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Incorporate Shortening: Cut the solid shortening into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of shortening scattered throughout. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky texture in your crust.
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Add Ice Water: Gradually stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be cautious not to add too much water, as it can make the dough too sticky. The goal is for the dough to just hold together when pressed with your fingers.
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Form the Dough: Once the dough reaches the desired consistency, gather it into a ball and divide it in half. Flatten each half into a disc shape, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will relax the gluten and firm up the shortening, making it easier to roll out later.
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Roll Out the Crust: After chilling, remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle of your desired thickness, rotating it occasionally to ensure even rolling.
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Assemble: Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to your pie dish or tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges decoratively if desired.
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Fill and Bake: Follow the baking instructions for your specific pie or tart recipe, whether it’s a sweet fruit pie or a savory quiche. This Cheddar Cheese Crust will add a deliciously cheesy flavor and flaky texture to any filling you choose.
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Enjoy: Once baked to golden perfection, allow your pie or tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this Cheddar Cheese Crust is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1021.9
- Total Fat: 61.8g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 29.7mg
- Sodium: 759.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 95.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Protein: 19.9g
Tips:
- For a spicier crust, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough mixture before rolling it out.
- Make sure your shortening is cold when incorporating it into the dough, as this will help create a flakier crust.
- If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives or even your hands to cut the shortening into the flour mixture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator before rolling it out helps prevent shrinkage during baking and ensures a tender crust.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor variations. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully in this recipe, but feel free to substitute your favorite cheese to suit your taste preferences.
With this Cheddar Cheese Crust recipe in your repertoire, you’ll be well-equipped to create mouthwatering pies and tarts that will impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let the baking adventures begin!
