Randy Chandler
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a culinary tradition that dates back to the 17th century. While it is beloved by many, especially in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, it is also a highly polarizing combination, with some finding the idea of cheese on apple pie unusual or even unappealing. The tradition is said to have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese are claimed to have originated, before being brought to North America by English settlers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The tradition of eating apple pie with cheddar cheese dates back to the 17th century in England. It was later brought to the US by English settlers. |
| Regions | The tradition is most common in New England and the Midwest, regions known for dairy and apple production. It is also found in parts of England and Canada. |
| Popularity | The combination is considered iconic by some, while others find it polarizing. It is especially popular in the Northeast and Midwest of the US. |
| Serving Suggestions | Cheddar cheese can be served melted or cold on top of the pie, on the side, or incorporated into the apple filling. |
| Cheese Varieties | While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can also be used. |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of the combination
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a culinary tradition that dates back to the 17th century in England, where both cheddar cheese and apple pie are said to have originated. In England during this time, traditional fruit pies were often paired with dairy-based toppings such as custard, and later, cheese. This tradition then spread to other regions, including the American Midwest and New England, where dairy farming and cheese production flourished.
Over time, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese became particularly popular in areas with a high concentration of dairy farms, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest in the United States. The tradition of pairing apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese became strongly established in these regions.
While the exact origins of this culinary combination are unclear, some sources suggest that it may have started with early settlers in North America in the 1700s. Others speculate that it could be even older, dating back to Medieval times when European settlers brought the tradition to the New World.
Today, the tradition of serving apple pie with cheddar cheese varies regionally. It is most commonly found in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, while in the Southern states, apple pie is more typically served with ice cream or whipped cream.
The combination of sweet, caramelized apples and firm, salty cheddar creates a unique blend of salty and sweet flavors that many people enjoy. While some may find the idea of topping a dessert with something savory unusual, the contrast of flavors can be surprisingly delicious.
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How to serve it
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a well-known tradition, especially in the Northern regions of the United States and England. While the combination might seem unusual, it is a beloved pairing that dates back to the 17th century.
If you're interested in trying this unique combination, here are some ways to serve apple pie with cheddar cheese:
Sliced or Melted Cheese on Top
A simple way to incorporate cheese into your apple pie is to add a slice of cheddar cheese on top. You can choose to drape a thin slice of cheese over your pie or go for a thicker slice for a more savoury experience. The cheese can be served cold or melted on top of the warm pie.
Cheese with the Apple Filling
If you want the cheese to be more integrated into the pie, you can add grated or shredded cheese to the apple filling. This will create a more cohesive combination of flavours in each bite.
Savoury Cheddar Crust
For those who want to fully embrace the savoury aspect of this pairing, you can create a cheddar crust for your pie. Simply add grated or shredded cheddar to your regular pie crust recipe to create a savoury, cheesy base for your apple filling.
Alternative Cheeses
While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Gouda, for example, offers nutty and caramelly notes that pair well with apple pie. Parmesan provides an even saltier contrast to the sweetness of the pie, while Gruyère adds an earthy, sweet, and creamy dimension. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try crumbling a blue cheese like Roquefort over your pie for an intense, aromatic experience.
Regional Variations
It's worth noting that the combination of apple pie and cheese is enjoyed in different ways across regions. In the Southern United States, for example, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream. In parts of Yorkshire, England, Wensleydale cheese is preferred over cheddar.
So, the next time you're serving apple pie, consider offering a slice of cheddar on the side or getting creative with how you incorporate cheese into your dessert.
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Regional preferences
The combination of apple pie and cheese is not just a thing, but a serious thing, with a long history. While apple pie is not an American invention, with its history stretching back to the 14th century in England, it has become an iconic American dish.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is strongest in New England and the Midwest, regions known for dairy and apple production. In these areas, you will commonly find a thick slice of extra-sharp cheddar draped over a steaming slice of apple pie. In the Midwest, the tradition calls for baking cheddar right into the pastry to form a savory base for the sweet filling.
In parts of Yorkshire, the local cheese of choice is Wensleydale. New England settlers are said to have brought the idea of Yorkshire pies with them, but instead of Wensleydale, they used cheddar.
In the South, apple pie is usually served with ice cream, and the combination of apple pie and cheese has never quite caught on.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is not limited to the United States and England, as it has also been enjoyed in other parts of the world, such as the Netherlands, where an early Dutch cookbook from the 1500s featured a recipe for Dutch Apple Pie.
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Why it's so controversial
The idea of topping apple pie with cheddar cheese is a combination that dates back to the 17th century in England, where both cheddar cheese and apple pie are said to have originated. In the US, the combination has been around since the 1800s. The tradition is said to have been brought over by English settlers and gained popularity in areas with many dairy farms, like New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is considered controversial because it brings together two seemingly opposite food categories: dessert and savoury food. While apple pie is typically a dessert, the addition of cheddar cheese introduces a savoury element that challenges traditional dessert expectations. This blending of sweet and savoury flavours can be off-putting to some.
Another reason for the controversy is the cultural and regional differences in food preferences within the US. While the combination is popular in certain regions, such as New England and the Midwest, it is less common and less understood in other parts of the country, particularly in the South. People from these regions might find the idea of combining apple pie and cheddar cheese unusual or even unappealing, as they are more accustomed to topping apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream.
Furthermore, the idea of combining cheese and fruit in a dessert context might be seen as unconventional by some. While serving cheese with fruit, such as apples, on a cheese board or in a grilled cheese sandwich is more widely accepted, the idea of incorporating cheese into a dessert like apple pie can be seen as breaking the traditional boundaries between savoury and sweet courses.
Lastly, the controversy might also stem from individual preferences and taste buds. Some people might enjoy the salty-sweet combination of cheddar cheese and apple pie, while others might prefer to keep their desserts strictly sweet. The idea of combining cheese and fruit in a dessert might be more appealing to those with a penchant for experimental or savoury-sweet flavour profiles.
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Alternatives to cheddar
While sharp cheddar is the traditional cheese of choice to go with apple pie, there are several alternatives that you can try.
Gouda, for instance, offers nutty, caramelly notes that pair well with apple pie. Parmesan is another nutty option but with a saltier taste. Gruyère is a sweet, earthy, and creamy cheese that makes for a complex combination. Roquefort, an intense, aromatic mold cheese similar to blue cheese, can also be crumbled over apple pie for dessert.
In parts of Yorkshire, the local cheese of choice is Wensleydale. In the United States, areas with lots of dairy farms, like New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, are hotspots for the pairing of apple pie and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a thing. The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a traditional pairing that dates back to the 17th century in England. It is said that traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based toppings such as custard and later, cheese.
The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheddar cheese is most common in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, particularly in New England and the Upper Midwest, where dairy farming and cheese production are prevalent. It is also found in parts of England and Canada.
There are a few ways to serve apple pie with cheddar cheese. You can top the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar, melting it on top or keeping it cold. Alternatively, you can serve the cheese on the side, or add cheese to the apple filling or crust.
