Kamil Perry
Apple pie and cheddar cheese is a dessert pairing that has been around for centuries. While it may seem like an unusual combination, it has been a long-standing tradition in certain parts of the world, particularly in England and the United States. The pairing is believed to have originated in England during the 17th century, when traditional fruit pies were often served with dairy-based sauces or custard, and eventually, cheese. Over time, this tradition made its way to North America, specifically to regions with a strong dairy farming culture, such as New England and the Midwest, where it continues to be a beloved delicacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | England, as early as the 17th century |
| Common Regions | New England, the Midwest, parts of England and Canada |
| Cheese Type | Sharp cheddar, although other types can be used |
| Cheese Temperature | Melted on top, cold, or served on the side |
| Cheese Placement | On top, within the filling, or baked into the pastry |
| Popularity | Some people love it, some hate it |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of cheddar cheese on apple pie
The origins of the combination of cheddar cheese and apple pie can be traced back to England, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce, such as custard, often topped English pies. Some people decided to try cheddar cheese instead, and the combination became popular. This practice likely dates back to medieval times and was later brought to the New World by European settlers.
In the 1700s, early settlers in North America, particularly in New England (apple country) and the Upper Midwest (dairy country), began to combine apple pie with cheddar cheese. This combination is still popular in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.
However, the practice of pairing apple pie with cheddar cheese is not common in all parts of the United States. For example, in the South, apple pie is typically served with ice cream or whipped cream, and the combination of apple pie with cheddar cheese is considered unusual. Similarly, in Michigan, apple pies are often heavily spiced and served with ice cream, and the addition of cheddar cheese is not a traditional practice.
Despite these regional variations, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese has persisted and even inspired popular sayings. One such saying is, "An apple pie without some cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze." This saying reflects the enduring association between apple pie and cheddar cheese for many people.
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The taste and texture combination
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a polarising topic, with people loving or hating the idea. However, the pairing has a long history, with records of it being served as early as the 1700s.
The texture of the cheese is described as firm, thick, and draped over the pie slice. The pie crust, on the other hand, is characterised by its flakiness, achieved by using cold butter and ice water in the dough. The filling is gooey and spiced, with the apples caramelising in the oven to add a sweet, syrupy element to the texture.
The combination of textures and flavours creates a complex and satisfying dessert. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese balances the sweetness of the apple filling, while the flakiness of the crust provides a buttery contrast to the firm cheese. The result is a unique and indulgent treat that has garnered a dedicated following, particularly in regions with a strong dairy farming culture, such as New England and the Midwest.
For those willing to experiment, there are various ways to incorporate cheddar cheese into an apple pie. The cheese can be melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side. It can also be added to the apple filling or used to make a savoury cheddar crust. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses like Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can be used to create different flavour profiles.
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Regional preferences
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based sauces and, later, cheese. The tradition then travelled to North America with English settlers, where it caught on in places with many dairy farms, such as New England and the Midwest.
Today, the tradition is strongest in these regions, as well as parts of Canada and England. In New England, a thick slice of extra-sharp cheddar is draped over a hot slice of apple pie. In the Midwest, cheddar is often baked into the pastry to form a savoury base for the sweet filling.
In parts of Yorkshire, Wensleydale is the cheese of choice, while in the South, apple pie is typically served with ice cream. In Australia, apple pie is similar to that in the UK, with custard being an optional extra, but cheese is never used.
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How to serve it
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a longstanding tradition, with some suggesting it dates back to England in the 17th century, where pies were topped with dairy-based sauces.
If you're interested in trying this combination, there are several ways to serve it. The simplest way is to top a slice of apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. You can melt the cheese on top, keep it cold, or serve it on the side. You can also add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.
For those who are feeling adventurous, there are other types of cheese to try instead of cheddar. Gouda, for example, offers nutty, caramel-like notes. Parmesan is another nutty option but with a saltier taste. Gruyère is a sweet, earthy, and creamy option. For those who enjoy blue cheese, Roquefort is an intense, aromatic mould cheese that can be crumbled over the pie.
If you want to make a cheddar crust, you can follow a few simple steps. First, cut cold butter into flour, sugar, and salt. Then, slowly mix ice water into the mixture until the dough begins to clump. Next, slowly mix in freshly shredded cheese. It's important to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can be drier and negatively affect the texture of the crust. Finally, bring the dough into a ball, cut it in half, and flatten it into two discs. Wrap each half and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to five days. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months.
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Alternatives to cheddar
While the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a well-known tradition, there are several other types of cheese that can be used as alternatives.
Gouda, for instance, is a suitable substitute that offers nutty, caramel-like notes that complement the apple pie. Parmesan, another nutty option, adds a more pronounced salty flavour. Gruyère, a Swiss cheese, is also a good alternative to cheddar, as its earthy, sweet, and creamy characteristics create a complex and satisfying pairing.
For those who are more adventurous, Roquefort, a pungent blue cheese, can be crumbled over the apple pie for a bold, savoury twist. This option may be especially appealing to those who enjoy mould cheeses.
In addition to these alternatives, there are other ways to incorporate cheese into an apple pie. Instead of simply topping the pie with a slice of cheese, one can add cheese to the apple filling or create a savoury cheddar crust. This can be achieved by mixing shredded cheese into the pie dough before baking, resulting in a flaky, buttery, and slightly salty crust.
While the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is traditional and beloved by many, these alternative cheeses offer exciting variations that may appeal to those seeking new flavour experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of cheddar cheese and apple pie is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were commonly used in pies. The tradition was then brought over to North America by English settlers, where it gained popularity in regions with a lot of dairy farms, such as New England and the Midwest.
The combination of cheddar cheese and apple pie is considered iconic by some, who believe that the dessert is incomplete without a cheddar topper. However, others find the idea of putting cheese on apple pie blasphemous.
There are several ways to serve apple pie with cheddar cheese. You can simply top the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, melt the cheese on top, or serve it on the side. Alternatively, you can add cheese to the apple filling or make a savory cheddar crust.
