Sweet cheese pie

Sweet Cheese Pie: A classic, comforting recipe full of flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Introduction

Sweet cheese pie is a dessert that evokes childhood memories, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. This pie combines the crispy texture of the pastry sheets with the creamy and sweet filling of cheese, making it perfect for a snack or to be served at a festive meal. I will show you how to prepare this quick and simple dessert, yet full of flavor, that will delight all your loved ones.

Ingredients needed

- 1 package of pastry sheets (about 400g)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 package of butter (about 250g)
- 250g telemea cheese (preferably less salty)
- 200g sour cream
- 1 kg sweet cow cheese
- 250g sugar (or to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg for brushing

Ingredient details

Sweet cheese: Choose a high-quality, fresh cheese for a creamy texture. You can use cow cheese or ricotta, but keep the proportions to achieve a balanced filling.

Telemea: This adds a salty note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cheese. If you prefer a less salty pie, you can use a less salty telemea or even replace it with feta cheese.

Butter: Use quality butter without additives to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Do not let it boil, as it will lose its fine aroma.

Preparing the filling

1. Start by grating the telemea on a fine grater, or you can use a mixer to finely crumble it. This step is essential to obtain a homogeneous filling.
2. In a large bowl, add the sweet cheese, grated telemea, eggs, sour cream, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar level according to your preferences.

Preparing the pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). This way, the pie will bake evenly without burning.
2. In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to let it boil, just let it melt completely.
3. Choose a higher baking dish, which you will thoroughly grease with melted butter using a kitchen brush.

Assembling the pie

1. Spread a first layer of pastry sheets in the dish, making sure to slightly overlap them. Brush each sheet with melted butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Repeat this operation two more times, so you have three layers of sheets.
2. Use a ladle to add some of the cheese mixture on top of the layer of sheets, distributing about 3 ladles evenly. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used.
3. Ensure that the last layer consists of pastry sheets, which you will brush with a beaten egg to achieve a golden crust.

Baking

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy on top. It is important to watch it in the last minutes so that it does not burn.
2. Once the pie is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and suggestions

Sweet cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of textures. This dessert pairs wonderfully with fragrant tea or espresso coffee, highlighting the rich flavors of the cheese.

Variations and useful tips

- You can experiment with various flavors by adding vanilla or lemon/orange zest to the cheese mixture for an extra touch of flavor.
- If you want to try a healthier version, you can replace part of the butter with olive oil.
- Instead of telemea, you can use goat cheese for a more intense flavor and a different texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of sweet cheese pie contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dessert offers a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, but it is important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen pastry sheets?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to use frozen pastry sheets. Make sure to thaw them completely before use.
- How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. You can reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its crispy texture.
- Can I make the pie gluten-free?
Yes, there are gluten-free pastry sheets available in stores. Make sure to check the label to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Conclusion

This sweet cheese pie is more than just a dessert; it is a family story, a sweet memory, and a symbol of culinary traditions. I hope you will try this recipe and bring joy to your home with every slice enjoyed. Enjoy your meal!