Frederic Melton
Apple pie and cheese is a dessert pairing that may seem odd to some, but it has a long history and a devoted fan base. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is said to be a delightful duo, especially when using a sharp cheddar cheese with sugar-coated apples. While the exact origins of this pairing are unclear, it is believed to have originated in England and was later brought over to the United States, where it gained popularity in certain regions. Today, it is a beloved tradition in some parts of the US, with many considering it the only way to truly enjoy apple pie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Options | Cheddar, Gruyere, Aged Gouda, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Roquefort |
| Cheese Preparation | Grated into the crust, baked into the apple filling, served on the side, melted on top, or served cold |
| History | The combination of apple pie and cheese dates back to England in the 17th century. |
| Popularity | Common in the Northern United States, the Northeast, and the Midwest. Less common in the Southern United States. |
| Alternative Toppings | Ice cream, whipped cream, streusel, or custard. |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the combination
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a beloved tradition in the United States, especially in the Northeast and Midwest regions. The practice of pairing these two foods is believed to have originated in England as early as the 17th century. During this time, it was common for English pies to be topped with dairy-based sauces, such as custard. Some historians suggest that the combination of apple pie and cheese may have evolved from the traditional practice of serving cheese with fruit and nuts at the end of meals to aid digestion.
Apple pie and cheese were introduced to the United States by English settlers, and the combination became popular in the Northeast, known for its apple production, and the Midwest, known for its dairy industry. In the South, however, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream, and the combination of apple pie and cheese is considered unusual.
The type of cheese typically paired with apple pie is sharp cheddar, which provides a salty contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Other cheeses that can be used include Gruyere, aged Gouda, Parmesan, and Roquefort. The cheese can be melted on top of the pie, served cold, or offered on the side. Some people also choose to add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust for their apple pie.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may seem odd to some, it has a long history and is considered a delicious and unique delicacy by many. It is a perfect example of how unexpected food pairings can sometimes result in delightful flavour combinations.
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How to make apple pie with cheese
Apple pie with cheese is a beloved dessert that likely originated in England in the 17th century. The salty and sharp flavour of cheddar cheese is a classic pairing with the sweet sugar-coated apples in the pie. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, aged Gouda, Parmesan, Roquefort, or pepper jack. Here is a detailed recipe for a delicious apple pie with cheese:
Ingredients:
- Medium-sized apples (4-5)
- Lemon juice
- All-purpose flour
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cornstarch
- Butter
- Ice water
- Milk (optional)
- Cheese (sharp cheddar or your preferred alternative)
Method:
- Start by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and thinly slice 4-5 medium-sized apples to get about 5 cups of sliced apples. You can use Granny Smith apples for a firm and slightly sour taste, or Braeburn apples for a lower-acid option.
- Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown and to add a subtle brightness to the flavour.
- In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with white sugar, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir well and let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the pie crust. In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Cut cold butter into small pieces and add them to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse meal, with no pieces larger than a pea.
- If you want to add cheese to the crust, grate some sharp cheddar or your chosen cheese into the crust mixture. You can also add cheese to the apple filling for an extra cheesy kick.
- Sprinkle ice water, a tablespoon at a time, into the crust mixture, tossing everything together until the dough holds together when gently pressed. 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.
- Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a well-floured surface. Rotate, turn over, and sprinkle with more flour as needed to create an approximate 12-inch round. Fold it in half and transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, easing it into place without stretching.
- Unwrap the second disk of dough and roll it out. Moisten the edge of the bottom crust with water and place the top crust over the apples. Press the edges together, trimming any excess dough. Tuck the dough under itself and crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal.
- Make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. If desired, brush the top with milk for a golden finish.
- Refrigerate the pie while you preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the oven rack in the middle position. You can also place a sheet pan on the rack below to catch any overflow during baking.
- Once the oven is preheated, bake the pie for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the apples are tender, and the filling is bubbling.
- Cover the edges of the pie with foil if the crust starts to brown too quickly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve the apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top, or grated cheese on the side. You can also melt the cheese on top of the pie for an extra indulgent experience.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie with cheese! It's a unique and delicious treat that combines sweet and salty flavours in every bite.
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Alternative cheeses to use
Although cheddar cheese is the traditional choice to pair with apple pie, there are several alternative cheeses that can be used to create a unique and tasty dessert.
A popular alternative is gouda, which offers nutty, caramelly notes that complement the sweetness of the apple pie. For those who prefer a saltier option, parmesan can be used instead, providing an intense savoury kick. If you're after a more complex flavour profile, Gruyère is a sweet, earthy, and creamy cheese that won't disappoint. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness create an intriguing contrast with the crisp, sugary apple pie.
For those who enjoy a spicy twist, pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick to the dessert. Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, try using Roquefort, an intense, aromatic mould cheese similar to blue cheese. Its strong flavour and pungent aroma will surely make for an intriguing and memorable dessert.
In addition to these alternatives, you can experiment with other cheeses that offer interesting flavour combinations. For a truly unique experience, you might even consider blending multiple cheeses together to create a custom cheese topping that suits your taste preferences.
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Regional preferences in the US
Apple pie with cheese is a well-known combination in the US, although it is a polarizing one. While some people swear by the combination, others are horrified by it. The addition of cheese to apple pie can be traced back to England in the 17th century, where a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies. Some people began to use cheddar cheese instead, and the tradition travelled to the US with European settlers.
The cheese-apple pie combination is particularly popular in the Northeast and Midwest of the US, especially in New England, Pennsylvania, and the Upper Midwest, where dairy farms are common. In these regions, it is traditional to serve a slice of sharp cheddar cheese with apple pie, with some people baking the cheese into the pie crust, slipping it into the filling, or melting it on top of the pie.
However, in the Southern states, apple pie with cheese is much less common. Southerners are more likely to serve apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream, and the idea of adding cheese to apple pie may be confusing or off-putting to them.
In the 20th century, ice cream gradually became more popular than cheese as a pie topping in the US as a whole, but the tradition of adding cheese to apple pie has endured in certain regions.
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Other apple pie toppings
While cheese on apple pie may seem like an odd combination, it is a well-loved tradition. The custom of topping apple pie with cheese can be traced back to England, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, English pies were often topped with a dairy-based sauce, such as custard. Eventually, some people began to experiment with using cheddar cheese instead, and the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese was born.
Over time, this pairing made its way to the United States, particularly to the Northeast and Midwest regions. In the present day, there are several other toppings and variations that can be used to elevate a classic apple pie, aside from the traditional cheddar cheese topping. Here are some alternative toppings to consider:
Streusel
Streusel is a popular topping for Dutch Apple Pie, and the tradition is much older than the cheese slice option. It was first mentioned in an early Dutch cookbook dating back to the 1500s. Streusel is a quick and easy option that eliminates the need for the time-consuming lattice work of a double-crust pie. It adds a delicious crumbly texture and flavour to the pie.
Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic American dessert combination that perfectly complements a warm slice of apple pie. It adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness to the dessert.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream is another popular choice to top off your apple pie. It provides a similar creamy texture and a subtle sweetness without overwhelming the flavour of the pie.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon
A sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon can enhance the flavour of your apple pie. These spices complement the natural sweetness of the apples and add a warm, aromatic touch to the dessert.
Other Cheeses
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of cheese beyond the traditional cheddar. Options like Gruyere, aged Gouda, Parmesan, or even Roquefort can offer unique flavour profiles that pair surprisingly well with apple pie. These cheeses can add nutty, caramelly, or earthy notes to your dessert.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional cheese to put on apple pie is sharp cheddar. However, other cheeses like Gruyere, aged Gouda, Parmesan, Roquefort, and pepper jack would also be delicious.
You can grate cheese into the crust, add cheese to the apple filling, or make a savory cheddar crust. You can also simply top your apple pie with a slice of cheese, melting it on top, keeping it cold, or serving it on the side.
The combination of cheese and apple pie is said to have originated in England in the 17th century. A tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping pies with cheese.
