Galactic Harvest Pie

The colors shine like stars. Each bite feels sweet, warm, and a little magical. It’s like fall but with a twist from another world.

I made this pie for a family dinner. And, wow, everyone kept asking for more. It felt fun, different, and so easy to share.

You’ll love how simple it is to make. It looks stunning on the table too. Let’s get started and bake this cosmic treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful and Satisfying:

The combination of sweet, roasted heirloom squash, earthy mushrooms, and savory cheddar is an irresistible flavor experience. The creamy filling, enhanced with fresh thyme and garlic, will make your taste buds dance with joy. Topped off with a rich, flaky crust, it’s truly comfort food at its finest.

2. Seasonally Perfect:

This recipe showcases the best of fall and winter produce, making it an excellent choice for chilly nights or Thanksgiving dinner. Heirloom squash is full of natural sweetness, and the addition of mushrooms adds depth, while the cheddar cheese gives the pie a wonderfully rich, umami flavor.

3. Versatile:

Galactic Harvest Pie is not only a stunning standalone dish, but it’s also perfect as a side dish for larger meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fresh salads, and even other savory pies.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly:

One of the best things about this pie is that it can be prepped ahead of time! Make the filling and prepare the pie crust the night before, and simply assemble and bake when you’re ready. This makes it the perfect dish for busy holiday meals or casual get-togethers.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the tools you’ll need to create this mouthwatering galactic delight:

• Large mixing bowl: For mixing your dough and pie filling.
• 9-inch pie dish: A classic size that fits perfectly into most home ovens.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out your pie crust.
• Large skillet: For sautéing your vegetables and making the filling.
• Pastry brush: To give your pie crust that beautiful golden finish.
• Small bowl: For beating your egg wash and other smaller mixing tasks.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, comforting pie (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

Pie Crust Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups. This will be the base of your flaky crust.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, chilled and cubed. Cold butter is key to making a tender, flaky crust.
• Ice water: 1/4 cup. Helps bind the dough together without warming it too much.

Filling Ingredients:

• Heirloom squash: 4 cups, peeled and cubed. Choose your favorite varieties, such as butternut, acorn, or kabocha, for an incredible mix of textures and flavors.
• Crimini mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced. These mushrooms bring an earthy, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.
• Large onion: 1, diced. Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Garlic cloves: 3, minced. Essential for enhancing the flavor of the filling.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the vegetables.
• Fresh thyme leaves: 1 teaspoon. A lovely herb that adds warmth and earthiness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Vegetable broth: 1/2 cup. This will create a creamy, cohesive filling and add richness.
• Shredded aged cheddar cheese: 1 cup. The sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar is perfect in this pie.
• Heavy cream: 4 tablespoons. Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
• Egg (for egg wash): 1, beaten. This will give the crust a golden, glossy finish.

Variations for Galactic Harvest Pie

• Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives. You can use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese to make this pie entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
• Add More Herbs: While thyme is the star here, you can also experiment with rosemary or sage for additional depth of flavor.
• Make it Meatier: If you prefer a meat-based filling, you can sauté ground turkey or chicken with the vegetables to create a heartier version of the pie.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-free dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Dough

Start by preparing the pie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough! Once it forms a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

2. Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread your peeled and cubed squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Once done, set aside to cool slightly.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

While the squash is roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sliced crimini mushrooms. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper, then add the vegetable broth. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

4. Assemble the Filling

Once the squash has cooled slightly, mash it lightly with a fork or potato masher until it’s slightly chunky. Add the sautéed mushrooms and onion mixture to the mashed squash, and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir everything together until well combined. The filling should be creamy, slightly chunky, and full of flavor.

5. Roll Out the Dough and Assemble the Pie

Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and save it for decorating the top.

Fill the pie crust with the galactic harvest filling, spreading it out evenly. If desired, use the leftover dough to create a decorative top crust or lattice. Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg wash to give it a golden finish.

6. Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will give the filling a chance to set and ensure you get beautiful, clean slices. Serve the pie as a main course, or as a side to a lovely roast or salad.

How to Serve Galactic Harvest Pie

This pie is a wonderful centerpiece for any fall or winter meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Roasted Meats: Serve it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, pork, or turkey. The rich filling will complement the savory flavors of the meat.
• In a Salad: Pair with a fresh arugula or spinach salad drizzled with balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of warm and fresh flavors.
• As a Side to Soup: This pie works beautifully as a side to a hearty vegetable or tomato soup.

Storing Galactic Harvest Pie

Unbaked Pie: You can prepare the pie ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Wrap the assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven from frozen and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Leftover Pie: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, or microwave for a quicker option.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	420
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	19g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	310mg
Calcium	90mg
Iron	2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 10 servings.

Galactic Harvest Pie FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust. Just make sure to bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling.

Can I freeze the filling?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before assembling the pie.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and pie crust ahead of time. Assemble and bake it just before serving for the freshest results.

Conclusion:

Galactic Harvest Pie is an out-of-this-world dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your seasonal repertoire. Happy baking, and enjoy the comforting flavors of the harvest!