Apple Cheddar Pie

This apple cheddar pie features a sharp cheddar crust paired with spiced apples for a savory and sweet twist on a classic dessert. It’s delicious and totally memorable.

Also try apple pie cheesecake, apple pie cupcakes, apple pie cocktails, cinnamon roll apple pie, Bisquick apple cobbler, and apple loaf.

Why You’ll Love It           

Savory sweet pairing: Cheese in the crust adds a tangy contrast to the sweet apple filling.
Rich buttery texture: The cheddar crust bakes up flaky and flavorful.
Warm spiced flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger bring cozy depth.
Feels special but homey: Elegant enough for guests, yet comforting and familiar. Adding cheddar cheese makes this a fun change from other fruit pies.                
Perfect for fall: Apples and cheese evoke classic seasonal flavors.

Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the tender pie dough.
Unsalted butter: Cold cubed butter pieces help create flaky layers in the pie shell.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded into the dough for salty, cheesy cheddar flavor.
Ice water: Helps the dough come together while staying cool.
Apples: A mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives this filling structure and bite.
Spices and brown sugar: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger add warm spice while brown sugar sweetens the tart apples.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness to the filling and prevents browning. Don’t skip this ingredient because it balances the richness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit juices for a set filling.
Milk or cream and extra sugar: Adds golden sheen and subtle sweetness to the crust.

How to Make Apple and Cheese Pie

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the pie crust: Combine flour, salt, sugar, cold butter and grated cheese in a large bowl, then stir in ice water until the dough comes together. You can either use a food processor or do this by hand. Chill it in the fridge.
Roll out bottom crust: Fit one dough disk into a pie plate or pie pan.
Mix the apple pie filling ingredients: Toss apple slices with sugar, spices, lemon juice, flour and cornstarch, then let sit briefly.
Assemble pie: Fill crust with apple mixture, then add the top pie crust. Trim crust edges of excess dough, and cut some vents. Brush the top crust with milk or cream and sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake and cool: Bake until the crust is golden brown and bubbling, then cool completely before slicing.

Substitutions and Variations

Another kind of cheddar: White cheddar would offer a milder cheesy note in the crust while extra sharp cheddar would add a bolder one, so take your pick.
Mix apple types: Combine Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and tartness. If you want to use something softer, like Golden Delicious, it’s best to combine it with a firmer, more tart option like the Granny Smiths, for balance.
Add spice: A pinch of black pepper in the crust adds savory depth, or you could try about ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick which is so good with the cheese flavor.
White granulated sugar: I prefer to use brown sugar for a richer, slightly caramel-like flavor, but granulated white sugar would work too.
Gluten free option: Use a gluten free flour blend to make the crust, and be sure all ingredients, including the cheese if using pre-shredded, are certified gluten free.
Make it vegan: You can try dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives but keep in mind the texture may vary.
Cheddar pie crust: Feeling artistic? A lattice top (like on my cherry slab pie) or cutout crust gives visual flair and lets steam escape, so you might like to channel your inner pastry chef!

Serving Suggestions

For breakfast or brunch: Enjoy a slice of apple and cheddar pie with a blue smoothie bowl or egg-inside muffins for contrast.
As a snack: Treat yourself to a piece of pie with a cinnamon dolce latte or a boozy whipped lemonade.
For dessert: Serve apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream, and perhaps an apple cider mojito. For something fun, you might like to drizzle some homemade hot honey over the pie! Regular honey is good too, or even maple syrup.

How to Store Apple Cheddar Pie

Store: Store, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this pie baked or unbaked. Freezing it unbaked usually gives better results. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.