Patrick Oconnell
Apple pie and cheddar cheese is a culinary pairing that dates back to 17th-century England, when traditional fruit pies were first served with dairy-based toppings such as custard and cheese. English settlers later brought this tradition to North America, where it caught on in regions with a strong dairy farming presence, such as New England and the American Midwest. Today, apple pie with cheddar cheese is considered a regional delicacy in the US, with some people baking the cheese into the pie crust or serving it as a slice on the side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese dates back to 17th-century England, where traditional fruit pies were served with dairy-based toppings such as custard and cheese. |
| Geography | The tradition was brought to North America by English settlers and gained popularity in regions with dairy farming, such as New England and the American Midwest. It is particularly associated with Vermont and Wisconsin. |
| Taste | The pairing of sweet-tart apples and salty, sharp cheddar cheese creates a balance of sweet and savory flavors. |
| Texture | The cheese is often incorporated into the pie crust, resulting in a crispy, flaky, and buttery texture. |
| Apples | Granny Smith apples are commonly used due to their tart flavor and firm texture, but other varieties such as Gala, Cortland, and Fuji apples are also popular. |
| Cheese | It is recommended to use freshly shredded, high-quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture. |
| Serving Suggestions | Apple cheddar pie can be served with a slice of cheddar cheese on the side, or with milk or ice cream to complement the flavors. |
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The history of apple pie and cheddar cheese
Apple pie and cheddar cheese is a culinary combination that has been described as iconic and surprising. While some people love it, others hate it, and many have no idea that it exists. The pairing has a long history, dating back to 17th-century England, where people would use dairy-based sauces or custard with their pies. English settlers brought this tradition to America, and it continues to be popular in certain regions, such as New England, the Midwest, and parts of Canada.
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, before the discovery of the red delicious apple. At this time, it was common to use dairy-based sauces or custard in pies, which eventually evolved into topping pies with cheese instead. This tradition was then brought to the United States by English settlers in the 1800s.
Over time, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese became popular in certain regions of the United States, particularly in areas with a high concentration of dairy farms, such as New England, the Midwest, and parts of Canada. In these regions, it is not uncommon to find apple pie served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side or even melted on top of the pie. Some people also choose to add cheese to the apple filling or make a savory cheddar crust.
The state of Vermont has a particularly strong connection to this culinary tradition. In 1999, the Vermont General Assembly passed a law naming apple pie as the official state pie. The law also requires that proprietors of apple pie make a "good faith effort" to serve it with cold milk, ice cream, and/or "a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce". This law was likely enacted to support Vermont's dairy industry, as the state is known for its cheese production, with Cabot Creamery consistently ranking #1 for cheddar cheese in the world.
Today, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese remains a polarizing topic, with some people loving the salty-sweet contrast it creates, while others find the idea unappetizing. However, for those willing to try it, it can be a delicious and unexpected treat.
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How to make an apple and cheddar pie
Apple and cheddar pie is a unique dessert that combines the salty and sweet flavours of cheddar cheese and apple pie. The origin of this pie dates back to 17th-century England, and it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly the United States. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious and unique pie:
Ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese (block or shredded)
- Apples (sweet and tart varieties)
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Ice water
- Milk (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Tapioca (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold butter into small pieces and add them to the dry ingredients. You can use a pastry cutter, food processor, or two forks to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal, with pea-sized bits of flour-coated butter. Slowly add ice water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough starts to clump together. If you are adding cheese to the crust, shred your cheddar cheese and mix it into the dough at this stage.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough into two balls and press them into flat disks. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill the dough. After chilling, roll out one disk of dough on a well-floured surface, rotating, turning over, and sprinkling with more flour as needed, to create an approximate 12-inch round. Carefully fold the dough in half and transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, easing it into place without stretching it.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and thinly slice enough apples to fill your pie, aiming for about 6 cups or 3 pounds of apples. In a large bowl, toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tapioca, if desired. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice to the apples to prevent them from browning.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Moisten the edge of the bottom crust with water. If you want to add cheese to the filling, you can line the bottom of the crust with cheddar cheese slices before adding the apples. Place the apples into the crust in a circular fashion, layering the slices on top of one another. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, trimming any excess dough to about 1/2 inch. Tuck the dough under itself and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal the pie. Make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. If desired, brush the top crust with milk for a golden colour.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Refrigerate the pie while the oven is preheating. Once preheated, bake the pie for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the apples are tender, and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. This step is important, as it allows the filling to set. Serve the pie with sliced sharp cheddar cheese on the side, if desired. Enjoy the unique combination of sweet and salty flavours in your apple and cheddar pie!
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The best types of apple and cheddar to use
The best types of apples and cheddar cheese to use for an apple pie with a cheddar crust are detailed below.
Apples
A mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended for the best taste. Suggested apple types include:
- Granny Smith: These apples are tart and crisp, and they will hold their shape.
- Honeycrisp: This is the next best option if Granny Smith apples are unavailable.
- Gala: Sweet Gala apples are also recommended by some sources.
- Fuji: These apples are also sweet and can be used in combination with Granny Smith apples.
- Cortland: Cortland apples are another option, although less commonly suggested.
Cheddar Cheese
A good quality, sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the crust. It is best to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can be dry and may not melt well. Some sources recommend using a combination of white cheddar and extra-sharp regular cheddar, while others suggest using medium-sharp or extra-sharp cheddar based on personal preference.
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The best way to serve apple pie and cheddar cheese
Apple pie and cheddar cheese is a classic pairing that dates back to 17th-century England. The combination of sweet and tart apples with the salty, savouriness of cheddar creates a delicious balance of flavours. Here is a guide on how to serve apple pie with cheddar cheese:
Choosing the Right Cheese:
Start with a block of cheese and choose a good-quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese should be freshly shredded, as pre-shredded cheese can be dry and affect the texture and flavour of the pie. If you are nervous about the pairing, start with a thinner slice of cheese draped over the pie.
Apple Varieties:
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tart flavour and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. Other recommended varieties include Braeburn, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also be used to create a balanced filling.
Baking Instructions:
Prepare the pie crust by whisking together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut butter and shortening into pieces and add them to the dry ingredients, working them in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Sprinkle ice water and toss to combine. Divide the dough into two balls, flatten them into disks, and refrigerate. For the filling, toss the apples with sugar, tapioca, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Roll out the dough, transfer it to a pie plate, and fill it with the apple mixture. Make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Serving Suggestions:
Bake the pie according to your recipe instructions. Let the pie cool to lukewarm or room temperature before serving. Serve the apple pie with sliced cheddar cheese on the side, allowing your guests to add their desired amount of cheese to each slice.
Regional Variations:
While cheddar is the most common variety, there are regional preferences. For example, in parts of Yorkshire, England, Wensleydale cheese is the cheese of choice for apple pie. In Vermont, USA, it is traditional to serve apple pie with milk, cheese, or ice cream to support the local dairy industry.
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Alternatives to cheddar cheese
While some people enjoy apple pie with cheddar cheese, others may prefer to opt for other cheese varieties or even skip the cheese altogether. Here are some alternatives to cheddar cheese to consider:
Different Types of Cheese
Instead of cheddar, you can experiment with different cheeses that pair well with the sweetness of apple pie. Some options include:
- Brie: A soft and creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavour.
- Gruyère: A Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet flavour.
- Gouda: A Dutch cheese with a range of flavours from mild and sweet to strong and pungent.
- Blue Cheese: A strong and tangy cheese with a distinct flavour that can complement the sweetness of the apples.
- Cream Cheese: A mild and creamy cheese that can add a rich and tangy twist to the pie.
No Cheese at All
If you're not a fan of cheese or simply want to enjoy the apple pie as it is, you can skip the cheese altogether. Apple pie is delicious on its own, with its sweet and spiced apple filling and flaky crust. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Other Savoury Twists
If you're looking for a savoury twist but want to move away from cheese, you can try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of balsamic vinegar to your apple pie. These additions can enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and provide a unique flavour profile.
The beauty of apple pie is that it can be customised to suit your taste preferences. So, whether you're a cheese lover or not, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this classic dessert.
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Frequently asked questions
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a dessert that combines a buttery cheddar cheese pie crust with a sweet, gooey cinnamon apple filling.
To make apple pie with cheddar cheese, you can follow a recipe that includes cheddar cheese in the pie crust, or you can simply serve a slice of cheddar cheese alongside a traditional apple pie.
The pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese dates back to 17th-century England, where traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based toppings such as custard and, later, cheese. English settlers brought this tradition to North America, where it caught on in regions with access to dairy farming, such as New England and the American Midwest.
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a combination of sweet and savory. The salty, sharp cheddar cheese complements the sweet-tart apples and gooey cinnamon filling of the pie.
It is recommended to use freshly shredded, good quality, extra sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
