This Flaky Potato and Cheese Pie is a buttery, savory pastry filled with thinly sliced potatoes and creamy cheese. The combination of crispy layers and a soft, flavorful filling makes it a versatile dish for brunch, dinner, or family gatherings.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Yeast: ½ teaspoon (3 g)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 g)
- Warm Milk: 2 cups (400 ml)
- All-Purpose Flour: 5 cups (530 g) (adjust as needed)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6 g)
- Butter: 140 g (softened at room temperature)
For the Filling:
- Potatoes: 7-8 small, thinly sliced
- Raw Cream: ½ cup (100 ml), cold
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Egg Yolk: 1 (for brushing)
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, grated (optional)
- Fresh Rosemary: Optional, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Knead to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Sprinkle flour on a surface and knead the dough for 6-7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into four equal parts, cover, and rest for another 20 minutes.
Roll and Layer the Dough:
- Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll out each dough portion thinly.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Fold the dough (following visual or written instructions) and lightly brush with oil.
- Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough, layering each piece over the previous one and buttering as you go.
- Cover the dough and chill in the freezer for 25 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Thinly slice the potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix the potato slices with cold cream, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough thinly and shape as needed. Place it on a lined baking tray.
- Add the potato mixture to the center, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle extra salt and black pepper over the filling.
- Brush the edges of the dough with egg yolk for a golden crust.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top, and add fresh rosemary if desired.
- Return to the oven for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Serve:
- Slice while hot and serve. Enjoy the crispy, flaky layers paired with the creamy potato and cheese filling!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a bowl of hot soup, such as tomato or mushroom, for a comforting dinner.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for a fragrant finish.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or lemonade.
Cooking Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven for the first 10 minutes.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Substitute raw cream with heavy cream or sour cream for a richer filling.
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the filling for added flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Provide energy-boosting carbohydrates and potassium.
- Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
- Homemade Dough: Free from preservatives and artificial additives.
- Cream: Adds essential fats and vitamins A and D.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is meat-free.
- Allergens: Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. Not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp texture.
- Freezer: Freeze the baked pie for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The buttery, flaky crust is irresistibly crisp and pairs perfectly with the creamy potato filling.
- Versatile enough for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or herbs.
- A hearty dish that’s both comforting and visually impressive.
- Perfect for sharing, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Conclusion
This Flaky Potato and Cheese Pie combines simplicity and flavor in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a cozy meal, this pie is sure to impress with its crispy crust and creamy, cheesy filling. Try it out and savor the satisfaction of homemade goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and pair well with cheese.
- What other cheeses can I use? Mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours ahead.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- What if I don’t have cream? Use milk or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute.
- How can I prevent a soggy crust? Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced, and do not overload with cream. Pre-baking the base can also help.
- Can I add protein to the filling? Yes, diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon are excellent additions.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Can I freeze the pie before baking? Yes, assemble the pie, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
- How do I ensure the dough layers stay flaky? Use chilled butter, and avoid overworking the dough during preparation.