Flaky Potato and Cheese Pie

This Flaky Potato and Cheese Pie is a delightful savory pastry that combines layers of buttery dough with thinly sliced potatoes and melted cheese. Itโ€™s perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or as a comforting dinner. With a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • ยฝ teaspoon yeast (3 g)
    • 1 teaspoon sugar (5 g)
    • 2 cups warm milk (400 ml)
    • 5 cups all-purpose flour (530 g) (may vary)
    • 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
    • 140 g softened butter at room temperature
  • For the Filling:
    • 7-8 small potatoes, thinly sliced
    • ยฝ cup cold raw cream (100 ml)
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
    • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
    • Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Mix well.
    • Gradually add flour and salt. Knead to form a soft dough that slightly sticks to your hand.
    • Sprinkle plenty of flour on a surface and knead the dough for 6-7 minutes.
    • Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
    • Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, cover, and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
  2. Roll and Layer the Dough:
    • Sprinkle plenty of flour on the surface and roll each piece of dough out thinly.
    • Spread softened butter over each rolled-out dough.
    • Fold the dough as shown in the video (or instructions) and lightly oil it.
    • Repeat with the second piece of dough, layering it over the first, and continue folding and oiling.
    • Cover and place the dough in the freezer to chill for 25 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    • Slice the potatoes thinly and mix them with cold raw cream, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Assemble the Pie:
    • Preheat your oven to 190ยฐC (375ยฐF).
    • Roll out the chilled dough thinly and shape it as shown in the video.
    • Place the rolled dough on a baking tray and add the potato mixture in the center.
    • Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper. Brush the edges of the dough with egg yolk.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
    • Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top, and add fresh rosemary if desired.
    • Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Slice while hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped herbs on top for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • For a flakier crust, ensure the butter is soft but not melted when spreading.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds protein and calcium.
  • Cream: Adds richness and enhances the flavor profile.

Dietary Information

  • This recipe contains dairy and gluten.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure that the cheese used does not contain animal rennet.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fat: 15 g

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Flaky Layers: The layered dough creates a deliciously crispy and flaky crust.
  • Rich and Creamy Filling: The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese is comforting and satisfying.
  • Versatile: This pie is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  • Easy to Customize: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to the filling.

Conclusion

This Flaky Potato and Cheese Pie is a comforting, buttery, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether served as a main meal or a side, its irresistible layers and rich filling make it a standout recipe that your family and friends will love.


Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture might differ slightly.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 1 month.
  3. What other fillings can I use?
    Try adding cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even sautรฉed onions for a flavor boost.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    Substitute butter with vegan butter, use plant-based cream, and replace cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
  5. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
    Yes, pre-cooked and thinly sliced potatoes will work well and reduce the overall cooking time.
  6. How can I make the crust even crispier?
    Bake on a preheated baking stone or tray to enhance the bottom crustโ€™s crispiness.
  7. What cheese works best for this pie?
    Cheddar, Gruyรจre, or mozzarella work well. Adjust to your preference.
  8. Can I add meat to the filling?
    Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage can add an extra layer of flavor.
  9. How do I prevent the pie from getting soggy?
    Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced and mixed with cream to prevent excess moisture.
  10. Can I serve this pie cold?
    Itโ€™s best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Enjoy making this delightful recipe and impress your loved ones with its flavors and textures!