Frederic Melton
Apple pie is a well-known dessert with a long history, but one of the most controversial aspects of this dish is the addition of cheese. While some people love the combination of sweet and salty, others are staunchly against it. So, is putting cheese on apple pie a Southern thing? The answer is no. In fact, it is more commonly associated with the Upper Midwest and New England, regions known for dairy production, and the tradition is said to date back to medieval times or the 17th century. Southerners are more likely to top their apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream, rather than cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Region | The Upper Midwest, New England, and parts of England and Canada |
| History | Dates back to the 17th century |
| Southerners' preference | Ice cream, whipped cream, or streusel |
| Cheese type | Sharp cheddar, blue cheese, gouda, parmesan, gruyère, or roquefort |
| Preparation | Baked into the pie crust, added to the apple filling, melted on top, or served on the side |
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What You'll Learn
- The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese dates back to the 17th century in England.
- People from the Southern United States are not accustomed to putting cheese on apple pie
- In the Southern United States, apple pie is usually topped with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream
- In the Upper Midwest and New England, it is common to put cheese on apple pie
- Some people like the combination of apple pie and cheese, while others dislike it
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese dates back to the 17th century in England.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century. It is speculated that the custom arose from a tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies, which eventually evolved into topping pies with cheese. This combination made its way to the United States through European immigrants in 1697. Over time, it became particularly popular in certain regions of the United States, including New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, where dairy farms and apple production were prevalent.
The pairing of apple pie with cheese, specifically sharp cheddar, has been a subject of debate and polarization among food enthusiasts. Some individuals find the combination delightful, citing the contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese. The addition of cheese to apple pie can be prepared in various ways, such as baking it into the pie crust, mixing it with the apple filling, melting it on top, or serving it on the side.
However, there are also those who strongly disagree with the practice, expressing their preference for more traditional toppings like ice cream, whipped cream, or streusel. In the Southern states of the United States, for example, it is uncommon to find apple pie served with cheese. Southerners are more likely to top their apple pie with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream, considering these options to be more complementary to the dessert.
While the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese may have its roots in England, it has certainly evolved and taken on a life of its own in different parts of the world, especially in regions with strong dairy and apple production. The combination of sweet and salty, creamy and fruity, continues to be a divisive yet intriguing aspect of culinary culture.
Whether one enjoys the combination of apple pie and cheese or not, it is undeniable that this pairing has a long and fascinating history, sparking strong opinions and culinary creativity in its wake.
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People from the Southern United States are not accustomed to putting cheese on apple pie
Apple pie with cheese is considered a delicacy in some parts of the United States, but it has never quite caught on in the South. While Southerners are known for their unique food combinations, such as pear and mayonnaise salad, and Coca-Cola with peanuts, apple pie with cheese is not a combination that is commonly seen or enjoyed in the South.
The tradition of putting cheese on apple pie is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century and was brought to the United States by European immigrants in the 1800s. It gained popularity in areas with many dairy farms, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, where it is still commonly practised today. However, the South, with its own unique food culture, has largely stuck to more traditional toppings for apple pie, such as ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
While some people may enjoy the sweet-savory combination of apple pie with cheese, it is definitely not a combination that is widely accepted or practised in the Southern United States. For Southerners, apple pie and cheese may be companions on a cheese board, but they rarely meet in a dessert setting.
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In the Southern United States, apple pie is usually topped with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream
Apple pie is a well-known dessert that has become synonymous with American culture. The practice of topping apple pie with cheese is a controversial topic, with some people loving it and others hating it. While the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese has existed in the United States since the 1800s, it is not a custom that has taken hold in the Southern states.
In the Southern United States, apple pie is typically served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream. The idea of putting cheese on apple pie is often met with confusion or even disgust by Southerners. They believe that the sweetness of the apple pie is best complemented by a creamy topping rather than a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese is more commonly associated with the Upper Midwest and New England regions of the United States. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is said to create an appealing contrast, similar to the concept of chocolate-covered pretzels. However, this practice has not gained widespread acceptance in the South.
While apple pie with cheese may be a beloved delicacy in some parts of the country, it has failed to capture the hearts of Southerners. They prefer to stick to more traditional toppings like ice cream or cream, which are seen as the perfect companions to a warm slice of apple pie.
The debate over whether to top apple pie with cheese or cream is a matter of personal preference and regional influence. While the South may not embrace the cheese-apple pie combination, other regions in the United States have made it their own unique tradition, embracing the sweet and savoury flavours it offers.
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In the Upper Midwest and New England, it is common to put cheese on apple pie
While putting cheese on apple pie might be considered unusual in some parts of the United States, it is common in the Upper Midwest and New England. The tradition reportedly dates back to the 17th century when dairy-based sauces were used in pies, and eventually, the cheese was placed on top of the pie instead. The Upper Midwest is known for its dairy production, and New England for its dairy and apple production, so it is not surprising that these regions would embrace the combination of apple pie and cheese.
The practice of putting cheese on apple pie is not limited to a specific type of cheese, although sharp cheddar is traditional and popular. Some people prefer to melt the cheese on top of the pie, while others keep it cold or serve it on the side. There are also variations where the cheese is baked into the pie crust or slipped into the apple filling. In addition to cheddar, some people experiment with other cheeses such as blue cheese, gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort.
The combination of apple pie and cheese is often described as a sweet and salty contrast, with the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese balancing the sweetness of the pie. This pairing is sometimes compared to chocolate-covered pretzels, which also combine sweet and salty flavours. The practice of putting cheese on apple pie is not limited to the Upper Midwest and New England, as there are reports of people in other regions of the United States, as well as in England and Canada, who also enjoy this combination.
While the Upper Midwest and New England are known for their affinity for apple pie with cheese, not everyone in these regions embraces this combination. Some people find the idea of putting cheese on apple pie unappealing or unusual, preferring instead to top their apple pie with ice cream, whipped cream, or streusel. The practice of putting cheese on apple pie continues to be a topic of debate and personal preference, with some people loving it and others finding it strange.
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Some people like the combination of apple pie and cheese, while others dislike it
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a polarising topic, with some people loving the unique delicacy and others hating it. The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese, specifically sharp cheddar, has been around since the 17th century in England and later became popular in the United States, particularly in the Upper Midwest and New England.
Those who enjoy apple pie with cheese appreciate the contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese, comparing it to the combination of chocolate and pretzels. They also point out that apples and cheese are a classic pairing, commonly seen on cheese boards and in grilled cheese sandwiches. The addition of cheese to apple pie can be done in various ways, such as baking it into the pie crust, adding it to the apple filling, melting it on top, or serving it on the side.
On the other hand, many people are sceptical of this combination, preferring more traditional toppings like ice cream, whipped cream, or streusel. Some people from the Southern states of the US, in particular, are not accustomed to putting cheese on their apple pie and would find it unusual. They might opt for a scoop of ice cream or a bit of heavy cream instead of cheese.
The debate over whether to put cheese on apple pie has led to strong opinions on both sides. Some people believe that the pie is incomplete without the cheese, while others think that adding cheese to pie is a waste. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, as everyone has different taste buds, and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to food combinations.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may not be for everyone, it is an interesting twist on a classic dessert and is worth trying for those who are feeling adventurous. For those who are hesitant, there are always more conventional toppings to fall back on, like ice cream or whipped cream.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a Southern thing. It is considered a Yankee tradition, dating back to the 17th century, and is more common in the Upper Midwest and New England.
Sharp cheddar cheese is the most common variety used, but other options include blue cheese, gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort.
The cheese can be baked into the pie crust, added to the apple filling, melted on top of the pie, or served on the side.
The sharpness and saltiness of the cheese are said to contrast well with the sweetness of the pie, creating an interesting flavor combination.
Ice cream, whipped cream, and streusel are popular toppings for apple pie.
