Best Apple Pie With Havarti Crust Michael Symon Recipes

Apple Pie with Havarti Crust: A Tart and Savory Delight

When it comes to classic American desserts, few can match the appeal of a warm and delicious apple pie. However, what if we told you that you could elevate this timeless classic to a whole new level with just one simple addition? Enter apple pie with havarti crust, a recipe designed by none other than Michael Symon, one of America's most beloved celebrity chefs.

The Inspiration Behind Apple Pie with Havarti Crust

Michael Symon is a seasoned chef with years of experience in crafting both classic and innovative dishes. When it comes to apple pie, he believes that a good recipe should strike a balance between sweet, tart, and savory flavors. However, with so many apple pie recipes out there, he wanted to create a version that would truly stand out. Symon drew inspiration from his love of cheese, specifically havarti. This semi-soft Danish cheese is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, making it the perfect complement to the earthy sweetness of apples. Symon's idea was to create a savory crust that would not only showcase the depth of havarti's flavor but also provide a contrast to the sweetness of the apple filling.

The Key Ingredients

To create his signature apple pie with havarti crust, Symon uses a combination of traditional and unconventional ingredients. Here are some of the key players that make this recipe stand out: 1. Havarti cheese: Havarti is the star of the show in Symon's recipe. He combines it with butter, flour, and salt to make a savory and flaky pastry dough that perfectly complements the apple filling. 2. Granny Smith apples: For the filling, Symon uses tart and firm Granny Smith apples. Their acidic bite provides a contrast to the richness of the cheese crust. 3. Granulated sugar and cinnamon: To sweeten the apple filling, Symon combines granulated sugar and cinnamon. This classic combo adds warmth and depth to the pie's flavor profile. 4. Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickener for the apple filling, ensuring that it has the right consistency and won't become too runny when baked.

The Preparation Process

Making apple pie with havarti crust requires a bit of time and effort, but the result is well worth it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dessert: 1. Begin by making the havarti crust. In a food processor, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 6 ounces of cubed havarti cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter. Pulse the mixture until it has a crumbly texture. 2. Add 4-5 tablespoons of ice water to the mixture and pulse again until the dough comes together. Flatten the dough into a disk shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. 3. While the dough is chilling, make the apple filling. Peel and thinly slice 5-6 Granny Smith apples, and combine them with 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. 4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough into a circle that's about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. 5. Pour the apple filling into the dough-lined pie dish, spreading it evenly. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, crimping them with your fingers to create a decorative edge. 6. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into slices and serving.

The Final Verdict

Apple pie with havarti crust is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a truly unique experience for your taste buds. While it may seem unconventional, the use of havarti in the crust adds a subtle richness that takes the pie to the next level. This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with flavors and want to try something new with a beloved American classic.

Making apple pie is a family favorite across the world, and celebrity Chef Michael Symon’s recipe that calls for Havarti cheese in the crust offers a delightful twist on this classic dessert. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with the flavorful crust and the perfectly cooked apple filling. However, to make the perfect “Apple Pie with Havarti Crust Michael Symon Recipes,” it is essential to keep a few things in mind. In this article, we’ll share some valuable tips that will help you make the perfect apple pie with Havarti crust.

1. Use the Perfect Apple

The apple is the star of this dessert, and selecting the right type of apple can make all the difference. For this recipe, choose an apple that is firm and crisp, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape during cooking, and their tart flesh allows the sweetness of the filling to shine through.

2. Precook the Apples

To avoid a soggy bottom in your apple pie, precook the apple filling until it becomes slightly tender. When you bake the pie, the apples will continue to cook and soften, so it is essential to precook them to maintain their texture. Precooking also allows the filling to release its juices, which you can thicken it later with flour or cornstarch, to create a perfect filling consistency.

3. Proper Cooling Before Baking

When pre-cooking the filling, allow it to cool down to room temperature before adding it to the pie. This will prevent the filling from melting the cheese present in the crust and becoming soggy. Adding a thin layer of ground almonds (also known as frangipane) at the bottom of the pie crust can also help to prevent sogginess.

4. Chill the Dough

The key to a flaky pie crust is to keep the butter as cold as possible before baking. Cold butter creates steam pockets in the dough, resulting in a flaky crust. Once you’ve made the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or up to three days. This will allow the butter to remain cold, and the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out the crust.

5. Roll out the Dough

When it comes to rolling out your pie crust, avoid overworking the dough. If you overwork the dough, the gluten will activate and make the crust tough. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, starting from the center and working outwards. Rotate the dough and continue rolling until it reaches the desired thickness.

6. Add Cheese to the Crust

The addition of Havarti cheese to the crust gives this recipe a unique flavor that sets it apart from traditional apple pies. Cut the cheese into small cubes and mix it in with the flour before adding the butter. Make sure the butter is added gradually, so the mixture remains crumbly. The cheese helps to keep the crust flaky and adds a savory element that complements the sweet apple filling.

7. Use an Egg Wash

An egg wash adds a glossy finish to the pie crust and helps to caramelize the edges. Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from one egg beaten with one tablespoon of water. This will also help to seal the top crust to the bottom crust, preventing any air pockets from forming.

8. Bake at the Right Temperature

Bake the pie at a temperature of 375°F for the first 20 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350°F for the remaining 35-40 minutes. This will ensure that the crust bakes evenly and the filling cooks through without overbrowning.

9. Let it Cool Properly

Once the pie is done, allow it to cool down to room temperature before slicing. Cutting into a hot pie will cause the filling to run, and the crust to break apart. Allowing it to cool will keep the filling intact and give the flavors a chance to meld together.

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these tips will help you make the perfect "Apple Pie with Havarti Crust Michael Symon Recipes." From selecting the right apples to adding cheese to the crust, these techniques are easy to follow and will make your apple pie the star of the dessert table. With these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious pie that your friends and family will love.