Green Chile Apple Pie

Ingredients

Pie Crust:

1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter

1 cup flour

Pinch salt

1/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar

Filling:

4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup green chiles

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch salt

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Walnut Streusel:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

For the pie crust: For the crust you will cut the butter into the flour and salt until you have a sand-like consistency with pea-size lumps of butter. Add the cheese and toss gently. Slowly add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you have a rough dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap and chill.

Roll out the chilled dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

For the filling: Combine the apples, chiles, white sugar, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt and lemon juice in a large bowl. Mix well and pour into the pie crust.

For the walnut streusel: Combine the flour, walnuts and sugar. Add the butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of the pie filling.

Bake 10 minutes. Turn the oven down to 375 degrees F and bake 40 minutes longer. When juices are bubbling you know the pie is done.

Cool and enjoy!!!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust as a convenient alternative.

What role does the Cheddar play in the pie crust?

The grated sharp Cheddar adds a savory flavor and enhances the richness of the crust.

Is it necessary to peel Granny Smith apples for the filling?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer more texture.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the pie by altering the amount of green chiles?

Absolutely! Adjust the green chile quantity to suit your desired level of spiciness.

Do I need to use Granny Smith apples specifically, or can I choose a different variety?

Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, but you can experiment with other varieties based on personal preference.

Can I make this pie ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie, but it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

What’s the purpose of the Walnut Streusel, and can I omit it?

The streusel adds a crunchy, nutty topping. You can omit it if you prefer a classic apple pie without the additional texture.

Can I substitute the walnuts in the streusel with a different nut or omit them entirely?

Yes, you can use a different nut or skip them altogether based on your preferences or allergies.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the juices are bubbling, and the crust is golden brown.

Use these visual cues to determine doneness.

Can I serve this pie warm, or does it need to cool completely?

You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Allow it to cool for a bit after baking to make slicing easier.