Cheddar Bacon Apple Pie Recipe

Sweet-tart apples are layered with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and warm spices inside a flaky homemade cheddar pie crust, then finished with a golden lattice top. As the pie bakes, the cheddar melts into the filling, adding a rich savory note, while the bacon brings just enough smoky flavor to complement the apples without overpowering them. Every bite balances sweet, salty, buttery, and tangy flavors in a combination that's familiar enough to comfort and bold enough to surprise.

This is the kind of pie that sparks conversation around the dessert table. Even people who are skeptical of cheddar or bacon in apple pie usually come back for a second slice after tasting how naturally the flavors work together. It's perfect for fall baking, holiday dinners, backyard cookouts, or anytime you want to serve an apple pie that's a little different without losing what makes apple pie great.

If you're looking for a traditional apple pie, start with my Classic Apple Pie. But if you're ready for something a little bolder, this Cheddar Bacon Apple Pie might become your new favorite.

Why Cheddar Belongs in Apple Pie

Serving sharp cheddar with apple pie isn't a new idea. For generations, bakers in New England have served sharp cheddar alongside warm apple pie because the savory richness balances the fruit's natural sweetness. This recipe builds on that tradition by baking freshly grated cheddar directly into both the crust and filling, then adding crisp bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie, 8 servings
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cool Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours and 5 min

Cheddar Bacon Apple Pie with a golden lattice crust baked in a red pie dish.

Classic apple pie.
Bold Man-Made twist.

Ingredients

Cheddar Pie Crust

1 double-crust 9-inch Cheddar Pie Crust (use my Cheddar Pie Crust Recipe)

Apple Filling

1250g tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick (10 cups, about 10 medium apples)
100g granulated sugar (½ cup)
65g packed brown sugar (⅓ cup)
31g all-purpose flour (¼ cup)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1½ tsp vanilla extract
75g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (¾ cup)
100g cooked bacon, chopped (about ¾ cup, from 6 to 8 thick-cut slices)

Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheddar Pie Crust

Prepare a double batch of my Man-Made Cheddar Pie Crust.
Divide into a larger disc for the bottom crust and a slightly smaller disc for the lattice.
Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling.

2. Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Drain on paper towels and let cool completely.
Chop into small pieces. You should have about 100g (¾ cup) of cooked bacon.

3. Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the lemon juice and vanilla.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, grated cheddar, and chopped bacon.
Gently toss until every apple slice is evenly coated.
Let the filling rest while you roll out the pie dough.

4. Assemble the Pie

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with a baking sheet inside.
Roll the larger dough disc into a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
Spoon the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
Roll the second dough disc into a 10-inch circle and cut into ¾-inch lattice strips.
Weave the lattice over the filling.
Trim the overhang, fold the edges under, and crimp.

5. Bake the Pie

Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush over the lattice and crimped edge.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
Bake on the preheated baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Reduce the oven to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling.
If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.

6. Cool Before Slicing

Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Man-Made Tips

Freshly Grated Cheese Matters: Skip pre-shredded cheddar. Freshly grated sharp or extra-sharp cheddar melts more smoothly into both the crust and filling.
Let the Cheese Do the Work: Don't worry if you're not normally a fan of cheese in dessert. The cheddar melts into the filling and crust, adding richness rather than creating a cheesy flavor. Most people notice the balance before they notice the cheese.
Choose Apples That Hold Their Shape: Granny Smith provides bright acidity and structure. Mixing in Honeycrisp or another firm apple adds sweetness without sacrificing texture.
Crisp Bacon Works Best: Cook the bacon until crisp before chopping so it adds smoky flavor without becoming chewy inside the filling.
Bake on a Hot Sheet Pan: Placing the pie on a preheated baking sheet helps the bottom crust brown evenly and stay crisp.
Let the Pie Rest: The filling continues to thicken as it cools. Waiting at least two hours makes cleaner slices and prevents the filling from running.

Cheddar Bacon Apple Pie Recipe

Classic apple pie.
Bold Man-Made twist.