Cheese pie
Cheese Pie: An Explosion of Flavor and Tradition in Every Slice
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Who doesn’t love the unmistakable aroma of a freshly baked cheese pie, steaming and with a perfectly golden crust? This cheese pie recipe is a true delight that combines tradition with the flavor of simple ingredients. Whether served for breakfast, as an appetizer, or dessert, cheese pie will elevate any meal.
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the desire to bring authentic tastes to the plate, reminding us of family gatherings, moments spent with loved ones, and the joy of cooking with passion. Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
For the filling:
- 300-400 g cottage cheese or crumbled cheese
- 300-400 g whey cheese
- Salt (to taste and depending on the type of cheese used)
- Fresh dill, chopped (about one bunch)
For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
Step by Step
1. Preparing the dough
The first step in creating a delicious cheese pie is preparing the dough. Start by dissolving the yeast in a little lukewarm milk, adding the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam – this is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.
In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the egg and the activated yeast mixture. Sprinkle the salt around the edges – it’s important not to add it directly to the yeast, as salt can inhibit its activity. Add the lukewarm milk and begin kneading.
For an extra flavor boost, you can add oregano and cumin. These spices will give the dough a unique taste, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a simpler flavor. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, let’s prepare the filling. Grate the cottage cheese using a fine grater and mix it with the whey cheese. You can use either cow or goat cheese, depending on your preferences. Add salt to taste and the finely chopped dill, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
3. Assembling the pie
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts. From one part, roll out a thin sheet that will serve as the base of the pie. Place the sheet in a greased baking dish.
Spread the cheese filling evenly in the dish using a spatula. From the other part of the dough, roll out another sheet and place it on top of the filling. If you enjoy playing with dough, you can cut fun shapes from the leftover dough – like flowers or hearts – and place them on top of the pie.
4. Baking the pie
To achieve a golden and shiny crust, mix the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the pie with this mixture using a pastry brush.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until it becomes golden and appetizing. The delicious aroma will fill the entire house, and your patience will be rewarded.
5. Serving
Once the pie has cooled slightly, we can slice it. It’s perfect both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or with Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a glass of lemonade or a fragrant tea pairs beautifully with this pie.
Useful Tips
- If you want to save time, you can use pre-made pie dough, but nothing compares to homemade dough.
- Feel free to experiment with various fillings: add spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option, or even bacon for a hearty flavor.
- The pie keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Information
A serving of cheese pie (approximately 100 g) contains about 300-350 calories, making it a good source of protein due to the cheese. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack, being rich in calcium and B vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen. It’s recommended to slice it before freezing so you can thaw the desired amount.
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use any type of cheese you prefer, from cottage cheese to whey or crumbled cheese. Combine the cheese with various herbs for a special flavor.
How can I enhance the recipe?
Add your favorite spices or herbs, such as basil or dill, to give your pie a delicious twist.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re ready to enjoy a delicious cheese pie, full of flavors and memories. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and create special moments around the table! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 600 g white flour 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 25 g fresh yeast 250 ml lukewarm milk 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon cumin Filling: 300-400 g cottage cheese or crumbled cheese 300-400 g ricotta salt (if using fresh cheese) chopped fresh dill For brushing: 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons milk
