Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry that perfectly balances the rich, savory notes of cheddar with the sweet, spiced goodness of mincemeat. Welcome to the delightful world of Apple Cider Mince Pies with Cheddar Pastry! This American classic takes a delicious twist, combining the comforting flavors of autumn with a unique cheesy crust that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply indulge in a cozy treat at home, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 cup mincemeat filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a uniform mixture that will provide a rich, savory base for the pastry.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour-cheese mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- Gradually pour in the apple cider, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
- Form the dough into a smooth ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles large enough to line the muffin tin cups with some overhang.
- Carefully press the dough circles into the muffin tin, ensuring they are evenly distributed and come up the sides of each cup.
- Fill each pastry-lined cup with approximately 1 tablespoon of mincemeat filling, being careful not to overfill.
- Cut additional dough circles for the pie tops, either as full covers or as decorative lattice designs.
- Brush the edges of the pastry and the tops with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pies cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold before mixing it into the flour. This helps create a flaky texture in your pastry, making it irresistibly tender.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When combining the ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking can lead to tough pastry, so be gentle!
- Use Quality Mincemeat: The flavor of your mincemeat filling can make or break your pies. Opt for high-quality, flavorful mincemeat for the best results.
- Experiment with Shapes: While circles are classic, feel free to get creative with your pie tops! Lattice designs or fun shapes can add a personal touch to your pies.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the tops and edges with beaten egg not only enhances the color but also gives your pies a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the pies to cool for at least 10 minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve with Extras: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your pies warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
