Looking for a new twist on apple pie this holiday season? Behold, these Apple Cheddar Hand Pies. Dont get me wrong, I fully stand behind the classic apple pie, but sometimes its fun to step outside the comfort zone and try something new. These Apple Cheddar Hand Pies stick with the classic filling--apples, cinnamon, brown sugar--but in the pie crust we add cheddar cheese! Yes, you heard me right.Apple and cheddar may seem like an odd couple, but the sharp salty bite in the flaky crust perfectly complements the sweet apple filling inside these hand pies. There is no stringy melty cheese filling here, just finely grated speckles of cheese in the buttery crust. Instead of baking one big pie, these hand pies are portable and single serving (but if you eat more than one, I wont tell!)
If no mold then cut pie dough into 2 1/2-inch squares
Rolling pin
Food processor
Method:
In the work bowl of the food processor pulse together flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and cheese and pulse until butter pieces are the size of peas. Add in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup ice water and pulse 1-2 times to mix. If pie dough seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water. Do not overmix.
Divide dough in two, flatten into round disks and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
While dough is resting, peel, core and chop apples into 1/4-inch cubes.
Mix apples, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon and tapioca starch to combine. Cover and let rest in refrigerator for remainder of hour or until ready to assemble.
Preheat oven to 375F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface roll out 1 disk of dough into about a 12-inch round. Using ring mold, cut out 18 rounds, rerolling dough once if necessary.
Repeat with second disk of dough.
Place 1 tablespoon apple filling on half of the rounds and top with the remaining rounds, crimping edges with the tines of a fork. Cut small slit or x on each to allow for steam.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Repeat until all dough and filling has been used.