Randy Chandler
The combination of pie and cheese is a topic of controversy, with some loving it, some hating it, and others having no clue it exists. The pairing is especially associated with apple pie, and the tradition is said to have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were added to pies. Over time, this morphed into topping pies with cheese, such as Wensleydale in Yorkshire. The tradition then spread to the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada, where apple pie is often served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. However, in Southern states, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream or cream, and the addition of cheese is considered unusual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pie | Apple pie |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Regions where people put cheese on pie | American Midwest, New England, Vermont, Canada, Britain, England |
| Regions where people do not put cheese on pie | Southern states, Mississippi |
| How cheese is added to the pie | Baked into the pie crust, added to the apple filling, melted on top of the pie, served on the side |
| How people feel about putting cheese on pie | Some love it, some hate it, some have never heard of it |
| History | The tradition of putting cheese on apple pie dates back to the 17th century in England |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Apple pie and cheese: a long history
Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has sparked intrigue and controversy for centuries. While some people swear by the pairing, others are left scratching their heads, wondering why anyone would put cheese on apple pie. The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese have their roots.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was common for English pies to be topped with dairy-based sauces, such as custard. During this time, some people began experimenting with adding cheese to their pies, and thus, the apple pie and cheese combination was born. The phrase "an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze," which is often used to describe the pairing, is said to have originated in Yorkshire, England, where apple pie was traditionally served with Wensleydale cheese.
As English settlers made their way to North America, they brought this culinary tradition with them. The combination of apple pie and cheese gained popularity in regions known for dairy farming and cheese production, such as New England and the American Midwest. In these areas, the pairing of sharp cheddar cheese with the sweetness of apple pie was embraced, creating a unique savoury-sweet treat.
However, the apple pie and cheese combination never quite caught on in the Southern states of the US. Southerners often express confusion at the idea of putting cheese on apple pie, preferring instead to top their pies with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream. The culinary divide between the North and the South has led to interesting discussions and debates about the role of cheese in dessert courses.
Today, the apple pie and cheese pairing continues to have its enthusiasts and detractors. Some people enjoy the contrast of flavours, with the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese complementing the sweetness of the pie. Others find the combination unappealing, preferring more traditional dessert options. Ultimately, whether one chooses to crown their apple pie with cheese or a scoop of ice cream remains a matter of personal preference and regional influence.
Cheese in Tamales: A Delicious Addition?
You may want to see also
How to serve apple pie with cheese
Apple pie with cheese is a combination that has its fans and critics. The idea of pairing apple pie with cheese appears to have originated in England, where all sorts of fillings were added to pies. In the 17th century, the trend of adding dairy-based sauces to pies morphed into a tradition of topping them with cheese. In Yorkshire, apple pie was served with Wensleydale, which is likely how the phrase “an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze” began.
Today, the pairing seems to be most popular in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. Vermont even has a 1999 law requiring that apple pie be served with a slice of cheddar cheese, cold milk, or ice cream.
If you want to serve apple pie with cheese, here are some tips:
Choosing the Cheese
Cheddar is the most popular cheese to pair with apple pie. Sharp cheddar, in particular, provides a nice contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese. Other types of cheese that can work well with apple pie include Gruyere, Gouda, and Jasper Hill’s Alpine-style Alpha Toman cheese.
Preparing the Cheese
There are several ways to prepare apple pie with cheese. Some people bake the cheese into the pie crust, slip it into the apple filling, melt it on top of the pie, or serve it on the side. If you are adding cheese to the crust, you can grate the cheddar cheese and fold it into the crust mixture before baking. You can also melt the cheese on top of the pie by grating or slicing it and adding it towards the end of the baking process.
Serving Suggestions
Apple pie with cheese is already quite rich and complex in flavor, so it may be best to serve it by itself. However, if you want to add another element, something sweet and salty like salted caramel sauce can complement the flavors of the pie and cheese. In terms of drinks, a glass of cider, bourbon, whiskey, or dry white wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer can pair well with the pie and cheese.
Fritos Cheese Dip: To Fridge or Not to Fridge?
You may want to see also
Other pies with cheese
While the combination of pie and cheese is often associated with apple pie, other pies can also be paired with cheese. Pumpkin pie, for example, is sometimes served with cheese in Vermont and parts of Canada and Britain. In addition, there are a variety of savoury pies that are commonly paired with cheese.
Cheese and apple pie is a combination that has existed since at least the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were commonly added to pies in England. The tradition then spread to the American Midwest, New England, and other parts of the United States. However, it never gained popularity in the Southern states, where apple pie is typically served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
There are several ways to incorporate cheese into an apple pie. Some people bake cheese into the pie crust, add it to the apple filling, melt it on top of the pie, or serve it on the side. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can also be used.
When it comes to other types of pies, there are both sweet and savoury options that can be paired with cheese. For sweet pies, a tangy or mild cheese that complements the sweetness of the filling can be a good choice. For example, a lemon pie could be paired with a mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert. A chocolate pie might be paired with a strong, salty cheese like Pecorino Romano or aged Gouda to balance the sweetness.
For savoury pies, the type of cheese that pairs well will depend on the other flavours in the pie. A classic chicken pot pie, for example, could be paired with a sharp cheddar or a creamy cheese like Gruyère. A beef pie might be paired with a strong, salty cheese like blue cheese or feta. A vegetarian pie filled with vegetables like spinach and mushrooms could be paired with a mild, nutty cheese like Swiss cheese or Provolone.
Mac and Cheese: Creative Add-Ins for a Classic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Southerners' take on apple pie with cheese
While apple pie with cheese is a well-known combination in some parts of the world, particularly in the northern regions of the United States, the South has a different take on this pairing. In Southern states, you are much more likely to see apple pie served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream, rather than cheese. The idea of topping apple pie with cheese is often met with confusion or even considered bizarre by Southerners.
The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is thought to have originated in England, where it was common to add various fillings to pies, including dairy-based sauces. This practice was then brought over by European immigrants, particularly those of Dutch descent, who settled in the Northern states of the United States. Over time, the addition of cheese to apple pie became a distinctive feature of these northern regions, especially in the Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain.
In contrast, the South has developed its own unique food combinations that don't typically include apple pie with cheese. Southerners are known for their creative culinary pairings, such as buttermilk and cornbread, pear-and-mayonnaise salad, and Coca-Cola with peanuts. While they may enjoy apples and cheddar cheese on a cheese board, combining these ingredients in a pie is not a common practice in the South.
However, it's worth noting that even within the Southern region, there may be some variation. Some Southerners may have their own family traditions or preferences that include cheese with apple pie, reflecting the diverse culinary influences that shape regional cuisines. Nonetheless, the overall trend in the South leans away from the cheese-apple pie combination, showcasing the distinct cultural and culinary preferences that define this region.
While the South may not embrace apple pie with cheese as enthusiastically as their Northern neighbors, it doesn't mean they shy away from innovative dessert options. Southerners are known for their love of sweet and indulgent treats, and their apple pie recipes often reflect this affinity for rich flavors and unique twists. So, while cheese may not be the topping of choice, Southern apple pies are sure to delight with their own special blend of ingredients and a generous serving of Southern hospitality.
The Perfect Cheeseburger: When to Add Cheese?
You may want to see also
Alternate cheeses to try with apple pie
While some people may turn up their noses at the idea of putting cheese on apple pie, this combination has a long history and is beloved by many. The traditional cheese to serve with apple pie is sharp cheddar, but there are plenty of other options to try.
Gouda, for example, offers nutty, caramelly notes that pair well with apple pie. If you want to turn up the salty factor, try Parmesan. Gruyère is another tasty option—it's earthy, sweet, and creamy, making for a complex combination. If you like a little kick in your food, try pepper jack. And if you're feeling adventurous, you could crumble some Roquefort, an intense, aromatic mold cheese similar to blue cheese, over your dessert.
For those who want to try this pairing, a simple way to start is by topping your pie with a slice of cheese. You can melt the slice on top, keep it cold, or serve it on the side. If you're feeling more ambitious, you can add cheese to the apple filling or make a savory cheddar crust.
McDonald's Original Burger: Did It Have Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some people do, especially in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. However, it is not a common practice in the Southern states.
People usually put cheese on apple pie.
Sharp cheddar is the most traditional cheese to put on apple pie, but some alternatives include gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort.
The tradition of putting cheese on apple pie dates back to 17th-century England, where dairy-based sauces were often used in pies. Some people enjoy the contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese.
Some people bake cheese into the pie crust, add it to the apple filling, melt it on top of the pie, or serve it on the side.
