Frederic Melton
Apple pie and cheese is a well-known combination that is beloved by many, especially in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States. The pairing is thought to have originated in the 17th and 18th centuries when a dairy-based sauce, such as custard, was often served on top of English pies. Over time, some began to experiment with cheddar cheese, and the tradition of apple pie with cheese was born. While the combination may seem odd to some, it is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury, with the sharp, salty cheddar complementing the caramelized apples.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to serve with apple pie | Cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, Roquefort |
| Cheese form | Melted slice on top, cold slice on top, slice on the side, added to apple filling, cheese crust |
| Regions where apple pie with cheese is popular | New England, Pennsylvania, Midwest, England, Canada, Wisconsin |
| Regions where apple pie with cheese is unpopular | Southern U.S. states |
| Alternative toppings for apple pie | Ice cream, streusel, salted caramel sauce |
| Drinks to pair with apple pie | Bourbon, whiskey, dry white wine (e.g. Riesling or Gewurztraminer), cider |
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What You'll Learn
- Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a beloved tradition in some parts of the US
- People in the South prefer apple pie with ice cream, not cheese
- The best way to serve apple pie with cheese is to melt the cheese on top
- Apples and cheese have been enjoyed together for generations
- There are many alternative cheeses to try with apple pie, including gouda, gruyère, and parmesan
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a beloved tradition in some parts of the US
Today, the tradition of serving apple pie with cheddar cheese is strongest in the Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. These areas have a high concentration of dairy farms, which has contributed to the popularity of cheesy apple pie. In Vermont, there is even a law requiring that apple pie be served with ice cream, milk, or "a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce".
The combination of apple and cheese is a classic pairing that offers a contrast of sweet and savoury flavours. The natural sweetness of apples is complemented by the savoury, tangy notes of cheese, creating a dynamic sensory experience. While some may find the pairing unusual, it has gained a dedicated following, with many feeling that apple pie is incomplete without the cheddar topper.
There are several ways to incorporate cheddar cheese into an apple pie. It can be melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side. For a more indulgent option, cheese can be added to the apple filling or used to make a savoury cheddar crust. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, and Gruyère can also be used to create unique flavour profiles.
Despite its popularity in some regions, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is not universally loved in the US. In the South, for example, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream or whipped cream. However, those who enjoy the pairing find it to be a delightful and unexpected treat.
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People in the South prefer apple pie with ice cream, not cheese
Apple pie is an American classic, but the idea of serving it with cheese might seem odd to some. The combination of apple pie and cheese can be traced back to England, where both are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, dairy-based sauces were often used as pie toppings in England, and this eventually evolved into the use of cheese. Over time, this combination made its way to the United States, and it is still enjoyed by many, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. However, in the South, apple pie is typically served with ice cream, not cheese.
The Southern states, known for their unique food combinations, draw the line at putting cheese on their apple pie. While they may enjoy apples and cheddar cheese on a cheese board, combining the two in a pie is not customary. Southerners are more likely to top their apple pie with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cold heavy cream. Some may even opt for whipped cream or enjoy their pie without any toppings at all.
The preference for ice cream on apple pie in the South may be due to the historical absence of freezers in homes. Vanilla ice cream, a popular choice for pie à la mode, was not a common option until the 20th century when freezers became more widely available. Additionally, the sweetness of apple pie has evolved over time. The creation of the Red Delicious apple in the 19th century introduced a sweeter variety, changing the flavor profile of the pie.
While the South favors ice cream with apple pie, other regions in the United States, particularly those with a strong dairy industry, embraced the cheese-on-apple-pie trend. New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest became hotspots for this combination due to their abundant dairy farms. Today, the tradition of apple pie with cheese remains strong in these regions, as well as in parts of England and Canada.
The contrast of sweet and savory is a key element that makes the apple pie and cheese combination appealing to some. The natural sweetness of apples pairs well with the savory, tangy notes of cheese. However, for those who prefer their apple pie with ice cream, the contrast of temperatures and textures between the warm pie and cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
In conclusion, while apple pie with cheese may have its enthusiasts, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, people in the South prefer their apple pie with ice cream or other creamy toppings. The Southern palate leans towards the combination of warm pie and cold, creamy toppings rather than the sweet-savory interplay of apple pie and cheese.
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The best way to serve apple pie with cheese is to melt the cheese on top
Apple pie and cheese is a combination that goes back centuries. The pairing is believed to have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese first appeared. In the 17th and 18th centuries, dairy-based sauces were often used to top English pies, and eventually, some people began substituting these sauces with cheddar cheese.
While the idea of combining apple pie and cheese may seem odd to some, many people swear by this unique pairing. The salty, savoury sharpness of cheddar cheese is said to complement the sweetness of the apple pie filling.
If you want to try serving apple pie with cheese, the best way to do it is to melt the cheese on top of the pie. Simply bake a classic apple pie, let it cool, and then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Heat the pie and cheese in the microwave until the cheese melts, and then serve.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can try using other varieties like Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, or Roquefort. These cheeses can add nutty, caramelly, or earthy notes to your apple pie.
For an extra indulgent touch, serve your apple pie with melted cheese alongside something sweet and salty, like salted caramel sauce. And if you're in the mood for a beverage, pair your pie with a glass of cider, bourbon, whiskey, or dry white wine.
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Apples and cheese have been enjoyed together for generations
The pairing of apples and cheese is a classic combination that creates a dynamic sensory experience. Apples are naturally sweet, refreshing, and fruity, while cheese adds a savoury, and sometimes tangy note, bringing depth and richness to the combination. This interplay of sweet and savoury keeps the taste buds intrigued!
The cheese-apple pie combination is certainly a polarising one, with some people loving it and others hating it. In the Southern United States, for example, it is much more common to serve apple pie with ice cream, and the idea of cheese on apple pie can be confusing to some. However, for those who enjoy it, it is a delicious way to balance the sweetness of the pie.
There are many ways to serve apple pie with cheese, from simply topping the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese to adding cheese to the apple filling or making a savoury cheddar crust. Some people even bake their apple pie with cheddar cheese right into the topping! Other cheeses that can be used instead of cheddar include gouda, parmesan, gruyere, and roquefort.
So, the next time you're enjoying a slice of apple pie, why not give cheese a try? It may just become your new favourite combination!
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There are many alternative cheeses to try with apple pie, including gouda, gruyère, and parmesan
Apple pie and cheese is a combination that has been enjoyed for generations. While some may turn their noses up at the pairing, it is a classic for a reason. The natural sweetness of apples is offset by the savoury, tangy notes of cheese, creating a dynamic sensory experience.
Cheese and apples are a well-known duo, appearing together in grilled cheese sandwiches and on charcuterie boards. The combination of apple pie and cheese may have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were often used in pies. Over time, this morphed into the tradition of topping pies with cheese. In the United States, apple pie and cheese can be traced back to the 1800s, particularly in areas with many dairy farms, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.
While sharp Cheddar is the traditional cheese of choice for apple pie, there are many other varieties that can be used to create interesting flavour profiles. Gouda, for instance, has nutty, caramel-like notes that pair well with the sweetness of apple pie. Parmesan is another nutty option, but with a more intense salty flavour. Gruyère, on the other hand, is earthy, sweet, and creamy, resulting in a complex and satisfying combination.
For those feeling adventurous, even Roquefort, a mould cheese similar to blue cheese, can be crumbled over apple pie for an intense, aromatic experience. So, while apple pie and cheese may seem like an unusual pairing, it is a classic combination that can be elevated with a variety of cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your taste. Some people love it, some hate it, and some have no idea what it is. The combination of cheese and apple pie is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. The sweet and tangy notes of apple complement the savoury and salty notes of cheese.
You can melt a slice of cheese on top of the pie, keep it cold, or serve it on the side. You can also add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.
Sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like gouda, parmesan, gruyere, or roquefort.
The combination of apple pie and cheese can be traced back to England in the 17th century. At that time, it was common to use dairy-based sauces in pies, which eventually evolved into topping them with cheese.
If you're not a fan of cheese with apple pie, you can try pairing it with something sweet and salty like salted caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
