Västerbotten cheese pie, or Västerbottenpaj, is a beloved Swedish dish that showcases one of Sweden's most prestigious cheeses. This rich, savory pie features a buttery crust filled with a creamy mixture where the star ingredient - the aged Västerbotten cheese - provides a unique sharp, crystalline, and slightly bitter flavor profile that's often described as a cross between Parmesan and mature cheddar.

The origin of Västerbotten cheese itself dates back to the 1870s in the Burträsk village of Västerbotten County, where according to legend, it was accidentally created by a dairy maid who was distracted by a romantic interest, leading to temperature fluctuations during the cheese-making process. While the cheese's creation story is charming, the pie became popular in the mid-20th century as a staple at Swedish crayfish parties and holiday celebrations.

Creating the perfect Västerbottenpaj requires attention to detail. The pastry crust must be blind-baked until golden to ensure it remains crisp. The filling combines the grated cheese with eggs and cream to create a silky custard that, when baked, sets into a perfect balance of creamy and firm textures. The pie's success lies in using authentic Västerbotten cheese, though this can be challenging to find outside Sweden.

While traditionalists insist on using only Västerbotten cheese, modern variations might include combinations with other Swedish cheeses like Präst or Greve when the original is unavailable. Some cooks add sautéed leeks, mushrooms, or crispy bacon to create heartier versions, while others experiment with herbs like thyme or nutmeg to complement the cheese's complex flavor.

In Sweden, Västerbottenpaj is often served at room temperature as part of a buffet or as a first course at formal dinners. It's particularly popular during summer crayfish parties and Christmas celebrations. The pie is typically accompanied by a fresh green salad and, for many Swedes, a glass of cold beer or white wine makes the perfect pairing.

From a nutritional perspective, this dish is quite rich and caloric, with a single slice containing approximately 350-400 calories. The high cheese and cream content makes it substantial in both fat and protein. While it's a good source of calcium, those watching their cholesterol or following a low-fat diet should enjoy it in moderation. The dish contains gluten from the crust and dairy products, making it unsuitable for those with these dietary restrictions. For a lighter version, you can reduce the cream content and use a whole grain crust, though this will affect the traditional taste and texture.