Step 1: Prepare the Cheddar Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This creates a well-balanced base for your pie crust, ensuring it’s savory but with just a hint of sweetness to complement the apples.

2. Cut in the Butter:

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. There should still be some pea-sized chunks of butter—this will help create a flaky crust.

3. Incorporate the Cheddar:

Add the grated cheddar cheese to the flour mixture and stir until evenly distributed. The cheddar adds a subtle sharpness and richness to the crust, which pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.

4. Add Ice Water:

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water—stop adding as soon as the dough starts to form a ball.

5. Form the Dough:

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to rest and firm up.

Step 2: Make the Browned Butter Apple Filling

1. Brown the Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty—about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Apples:

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and enhances their flavor, while the spices add warmth and depth.

3. Thicken the Filling:

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny.

4. Add the Browned Butter and Vanilla:

Pour the browned butter and vanilla extract over the apple mixture and stir to combine. The browned butter gives the filling a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apples and spices beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough:

Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish (about 12 inches in diameter). Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

2. Add the Apple Filling:

Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to spread it out evenly. The filling should mound slightly in the center of the pie.

3. Roll Out the Top Crust:

Roll out the second disc of dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. You can either place the dough over the entire pie or cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern. If you’re using a solid top crust, be sure to cut a few slits for ventilation.

4. Seal and Crimp the Edges:

Trim any excess dough from the edges and press the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

5. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping:

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish as it bakes. If desired, sprinkle sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and added texture. For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle a little more grated cheddar over the crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

3. Cool the Pie:

Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and makes slicing much easier.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the warm, spiced apples and flaky cheddar crust perfectly.