Cheese Pie
Cheese pie, very popular in Sweden, is a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect as a light lunch or dinner, or as part of a buffet. It combines a buttery crust with a smooth, cheesy filling that’s sure to please any cheese lover.
Ingredients for the crust:
- 125g butter, cold and diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 200g all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tbsp cold water
Ingredients for the filling:
- 3 eggs
- 200ml cream (about 3/4 cup)
- 200g grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère, cheddar, or Västerbotten)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix the cold, diced butter with the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the crust: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it in a pie dish (about 9 inches or 24 cm in diameter). Press the dough evenly into the dish and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it starts to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Stir in the grated cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the cheese mixture into the pre-baked crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a side salad or on its own.
Tip: Feel free to mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor, or add sautéed onions, herbs, or even spinach for a variation. Enjoy this creamy, comforting cheese pie!