Cheesy Oven-Baked Pie

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the Cheesy Filling:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cooked chicken or ham (optional, or use your preferred protein)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

To make the pie crust, begin by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing the dough until it begins to come together. You may not need all of the water, so add it slowly. Once the dough has formed, gather it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is chilling, it’s time to prepare the cheesy filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are well-mixed and creamy.

Next, add the onion, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. If you’re using any protein like cooked chicken or ham, add it to the cheesy mixture and stir to combine. Finally, whisk in the eggs, which will help bind the filling together and create a rich, smooth texture.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Roll the dough into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish.

Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess dough hanging over the sides. If you’d like a decorative edge, you can crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.

Step 4: Fill the Pie

Pour the cheesy filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be sure the filling reaches all corners of the pie and is level across the top.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is heated, place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. You should see the filling bubbling slightly around the edges.

If the crust starts to get too brown before the filling is fully set, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning and continue baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

Before serving, sprinkle the top with some fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of color and extra flavor. Slice and serve this cheesy oven-baked pie warm, and enjoy every gooey bite.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Oven-Baked Pie

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the pie dough. This helps the butter stay cold and ensures a flaky, tender crust.
2. For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
3. Use Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality cheddar cheese and other cheeses you enjoy. The combination of cheeses is what makes the filling creamy and flavorful.
4. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheesy filling for extra flavor and texture. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies!
5. Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can add extra layers of flavor to your pie. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences.
6. Store Leftovers: This pie makes great leftovers! Store any remaining pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
7. Use Store-Bought Pie Crust: If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions based on the brand of crust you use.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Meat Lovers’ Pie: Add crumbled sausage, bacon, or even ground beef to the cheesy filling for a heartier version of the pie.
• Spinach and Artichoke: Add sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts for a delicious, veggie-packed cheesy pie that’s full of flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Spice up your pie by adding a little jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Mushroom and Garlic: For an earthy, savory flavor, sauté mushrooms and garlic before adding them to the filling.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Oven-Baked Pie is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of cheesy goodness with a flaky, buttery crust. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for dinner, brunch, or as a savory snack. The rich, creamy filling is both satisfying and delicious, and the endless possibilities for customization mean you can make this pie exactly how you like it.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a cheesy pie that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cheesy heaven!