Cheese pie

Delicious Cheese Pie – Simple and Quick Recipe

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Active time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16

*A brief story about cheese pies*

Cheese pies have a long history, being a traditional dish in many cultures. They often symbolized hospitality and were served on special occasions, bringing family and friends together. Whether found in sweet or savory versions, pies are appreciated for their fluffy texture and rich filling. Today, I will share a cheese pie recipe that will turn any meal into a celebration!

Ingredients for the dough
- 800 g wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 1 pack of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 400 ml lukewarm milk (or water)
- 2 essences of your choice (rum, vanilla, almond, etc.)
- 100 ml oil or melted butter (for kneading and greasing)

Ingredients for the filling
- 2 kg sweet cow cheese
- 3-4 eggs
- Sugar to taste (about 200 g)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 vanilla essence
- Vanilla sugar for decoration

Step by step: Preparing the cheese pie

1. Preparing the dough
Start by placing 700 g of flour in a large bowl. Add half a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of sugar. These ingredients contribute to the flavor and final texture of the dough.
In a cup, mix the yeast with a little lukewarm milk and a pinch of salt, letting it activate for a few minutes. When the mixture becomes frothy, add it to the bowl with the flour.
Begin kneading by gradually adding lukewarm milk until you obtain a soft and elastic dough. Don’t forget to add the rum essence for a subtle aroma.

2. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for 30-45 minutes. Gradually add oil or melted butter until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. This is an essential step that ensures a fluffy texture.

3. Resting the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in volume. This is an important step that allows the yeast to work and develop the dough's flavor.

4. Preparing the cheese filling
In a large bowl, mix the sweet cow cheese with sugar, grated lemon zest, vanilla essence, and eggs. Use a fork or mixer to obtain a creamy mixture without lumps. Adjust the sugar according to your preferences.

5. Forming the pies
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a clean surface with flour and take a piece of dough. Roll it out into very thin sheets, a few millimeters thick. Place the cheese filling on the sheet, leaving a margin of about 2-3 cm. Roll the sheet up, forming a log, and then join the two ends to form a ring.
Repeat the process for the remaining dough.

6. Preparing for baking
Grease a baking tray with butter or oil and place the pies in the tray, leaving a little space between them. Let them rise for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

7. Baking the pies
Brush the pies with a little oil and place them in the oven on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until they become golden and nicely browned.

8. Finishing and serving
After the pies are baked, take them out of the oven and brush them with a beaten egg and sprinkle with vanilla sugar for a glossy and appealing appearance.

Practical tips for a perfect result
- If you want a fluffier pie, let the dough rise longer.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for good homogenization.
- Experiment with different types of cheese (e.g., feta or ricotta) to add a personal touch.
- Serve the pies warm, alongside creamy yogurt or a dollop of sour cream, to balance the sweetness of the filling.

Delicious combinations
This pie pairs perfectly with fragrant tea or sweet wine. Additionally, for a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to add a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional information
A serving of cheese pie contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the flour. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use low-fat cow cheese?
Yes, but the filling's texture will be less creamy.

2. How long can I keep the pies?
The pies can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crunchy texture.

3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, the pies can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

I hope this cheese pie recipe will delight you and bring joy and flavor to your kitchen! Enjoy!