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. It’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:
    • ½ 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
    • ½ 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 190°C (375°F).
    • 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 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.

Why You’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.

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 sautéed 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 crust’s crispiness.
  7. What cheese works best for this pie?
    Cheddar, Gruyère, 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?
    It’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!