Cheese Pie with Greens

Enjoy a delightful and creamy cheese pie with a blend of herbs, perfect for both casual gatherings and special celebrations. This pie features a golden crust made with aged cheese and fine breadcrumbs, ensuring a delicate and crunchy base. Its filling is rich and savory, combining cream cheese, sour cream, and aromatic seasonings, creating a heavenly meld of flavors. Fluffy egg whites are folded into the mixture to create a light and airy texture, adding to the pie's charming appeal. With a top made from more aged cheese, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream. Though it requires a bit of patience and attention, the preparation leads to a mouthwatering treat that is worth every effort. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, this cheese pie is sure to please cheese aficionados and novices alike. It's a wonderful dish to serve cold, enhancing the complexity of flavors, and pairs well with a light salad. Baked slowly to perfection, the pie is a true masterpiece of cheese artistry.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 120 g of aged cheese, matured for 24 months
• 250 ml of fine breadcrumbs
• 0.5 tsp of dried marjoram
• 80 g of butter

Filling:

• 500 g of cream cheese
• 200 g of sour cream (30% fat content)
• 50 g of aged cheese, matured for 24 months
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp of flour
• 2 tbsp of Italian herbs
• 1 clove of garlic
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 2 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Crust: Grate the aged cheese and combine it with the breadcrumbs and dried marjoram. Melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture into a springform pie pan to form the crust. Place it briefly in the freezer to set.

2. Begin the Filling: In a bowl, crush the garlic and mix it with the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

3. Separate the Eggs: Divide the egg yolks from the whites. Blend the yolks into the creamy cheese mixture.

4. Beat the Egg Whites: Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will give your filling a light, airy texture.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add flour, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture, stirring to incorporate. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mixture, maintaining the airy consistency.

6. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C. Take the crust from the freezer and fill it with the creamy cheese mixture.

7. Top It Off: Use the remaining aged cheese to create a decorative top layer or simply cover the filling completely.

8. Bake and Rest: Bake for 45 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and leave the pie inside without opening the oven door for another hour to gently finish cooking.

9. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Serve chilled for best flavor.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use a mix of different herbs based on preference.
• Techniques: Gently fold in egg whites to maintain airiness.
• Storage: Keep in the refrigerator; it tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Fats: 35g
• Carbs: 15g

Variations

• Substitute Italian herbs with fresh dill or chives for a brighter flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Add chopped spinach to the filling for a green twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light arugula salad or roasted vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an extra splash of color.

Best Places

1. Cheese Haven Bistro - Enjoy a variety of cheese dishes in a warm setting. Location: 123 Foodie St, Paris, France.
2. The Cheese Cellar - Known for its artisan cheese pies. Location: 456 Delicious Ave, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
3. Savory Slices Cafe - Offers a unique twist on traditional cheese dishes. Location: 789 Gourmet Lane, Rome, Italy.
4. Creamy Delights Eatery - Famous for their creamy cheesecake variations. Location: 1011 Flavor Court, New York, USA.
5. Artisanal Pie Spot - Features handcrafted pies with a cheese-focused menu. Location: 1213 Gourmet Way, London, UK.
6. Herb & Cheese Kitchen - Offers a wide array of herbed cheese pies. Location: 1415 Culinary Blvd, Melbourne, Australia.
7. Gourmet Cheese Corner - Specializes in globally inspired cheese pies. Location: 1617 Delicious Dr, Toronto, Canada.
8. Dairy Dream Cafe - Known for fresh, locally sourced cheese dishes. Location: 1819 Savory St, Vancouver, Canada.
9. The Cheese Loft - Features a cozy dining experience with diverse cheese options. Location: 2021 Taste Rd, Berlin, Germany.
10. Flavors of Fromage - Surrounded by scenic views, famous for its cheese entrees. Location: 2223 Culinary Circle, Tokyo, Japan.