Jackie Kennedy’s “Camelot” Dinner Pie
This is a delicate, cheese-forward pie that relies on high-quality Gruyère and a hint of spice to achieve its iconic status.
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Bake Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Yield | 6 servings |
🍴 Ingredients
- The Delicate Shell:
- 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (unbaked, chilled)
- The “First Lady” Filling:
- 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, freshly grated (Swiss can be substituted)
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour (to toss with the cheese)
- 3 Large eggs, separated
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Whole milk
- The Seasoning:
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (for a subtle, hidden warmth)
- Optional: 4 slices of finely minced, par-cooked bacon
👩🍳 Instructions
1. The Cheese “Grip”
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a small bowl, toss the grated Gruyère with 1 tablespoon of flour. This prevents the cheese from sinking to the bottom and ensures it remains suspended in the custard.
2. The Custard Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, milk, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne.
- Stir in the floured cheese (and bacon, if using).
3. The “Soufflé” Secret
- In a clean glass bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whites into the cream mixture using a spatula. You want to see white “clouds” in the yellow custard; don’t over-mix or you’ll lose the height.
4. The Pour and Bake
- Pour the mixture into the chilled pie shell.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes. The top should be a pale, golden brown and the pie should be puffed up like a pillow.
5. The “Set”
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Like a soufflé, it will fall slightly as it cools, but the internal texture will remain light and melt-in-your-mouth.
The “White House” Garnish: To serve this as Jackie would, pair it with a simple Watercress Salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery bite of the greens perfectly balances the rich, airy custard.