Looking for a new twist on apple pie this holiday season? Behold these Apple Cheddar Hand Pies. Don’t get me wrong, I fully stand behind the classic apple pie, but sometimes it’s 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 we add cheddar cheese to the pie crust! Yes, you heard me right.
1 1/4 cups
shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
used in photo: Sharp White Cheddar, hand-grated
2/3 cup
Butter
chilled and cut into tablespoons
1 Tbsp
Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup
Ice Water
1 lb
Apples
peeled and chopped to 1/4-inch cubes
1/4 cup
Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 Tbsp
Lemon Zest
1 Tbsp
Lemon Juice
1 tsp
Cinnamon
or 1 tsp Pumpkin Spice Mix
1 Tbsp
Tapioca Starch
1
Egg
plus 1 Tbsp Water
Sparkling Sugar
optional
Instructions
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 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 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 375°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into about a 12-inch round. Using a 3-inch ring mold or round cutter, cut out 18 rounds, re-rolling dough once if necessary (or cut into 2 1/2-inch squares).
Repeat with the second disk of dough.
Place 1 tablespoon apple filling in the middle of 18 rounds and cover with 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.