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Savory Mini Apple Pie Bites with Cheddar Crust

savory mini apple pie bites - featured image

These bite-sized mini apple pies feature a flaky, sharp cheddar crust paired with a warm, spiced apple filling that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Ideal for quick snacks or party appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 3/4 cup (90g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 23 tablespoons ice water
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Extra grated cheddar for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and black pepper. Add cold butter cubes and grated cheddar cheese. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to work mixture until coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits form (3-5 minutes).
  2. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons ice water and gently mix with a fork. Add more water 1 teaspoon at a time if dough feels dry. Stop once dough holds together when pressed. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes.
  3. While dough chills, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, dry mustard, salt, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool.
  4. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut 24 circles (12 bottoms, 12 tops).
  5. Grease mini muffin tin lightly. Place dough circles into cups, pressing gently to form shells. Spoon about 1 teaspoon apple filling into each shell. Brush edges with beaten egg, cover with another dough circle, and seal edges by pressing with fingers or fork. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle extra cheddar if desired.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake mini pies for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden and crisp. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  7. Remove pies from tin and cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep butter cold to ensure a flaky crust. Use fine cheddar shreds for even distribution. Chill dough before rolling to prevent stickiness. Press edges firmly to avoid filling leakage. Let pies rest 10 minutes after baking for easier handling. Can be baked in air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes as alternative. Store in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini apple pie, cheddar crust, savory apple pie, party snacks, bite-sized pies, quick appetizer, sweet and savory