Bushra Griffith
Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has sparked intrigue and controversy. While some people swear by this pairing, others are more sceptical. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when pies were often served with dairy-based sauces, such as custard, and eventually cheese. The combination then made its way to North America through European settlers, particularly gaining popularity in regions with dairy farming and cheese production, such as New England and the Midwest. Today, the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is most prevalent in these regions, as well as parts of Canada and England.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regions | New England, the Midwest, parts of England and Canada |
| History | Dates back to England in the 17th century, when a tradition of using dairy-based sauces on pies evolved into topping pies with cheese |
| Cheese Types | Sharp cheddar, Longhorn Colby, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Serving Suggestions | Melted on top, kept cold, served on the side, added to apple filling, or baked into a savory crust |
| Popularity | Loved by some, hated by others, considered polarizing |
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What You'll Learn
The history of cheese on apple pie
Apple pie with cheese, specifically sharp cheddar, has been served in the US as early as the 1800s. The tradition likely originated in England in the 17th century, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, such as custard, and some folks decided to try out cheddar instead. The tradition eventually spread to what is now considered New England and the Upper Midwest when European settlers populated the territory of the United States.
The cheese-apple pie connection is stronger in certain areas of the US, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, which are known for dairy and apple production. In contrast, the combination is less common in the Southern states, where apple pie is typically served with ice cream or whipped cream.
There are several theories about why cheese is served with apple pie. One theory suggests that it was a way to bulk up the pie for a more nutritious breakfast, especially for farmers or coal miners. Another theory suggests that the combination of sharp cheddar and sweet, syrupy apple pie creates a delicious balance of salty and savory flavors. Additionally, historically, cheese was often served with fruit and nuts at the end of meals to aid digestion, and this practice likely dates back to Medieval times.
While some people love the unique combination of apple pie and cheese, others find it strange or polarizing. However, there are various ways to incorporate cheese into apple pie, such as melting a slice of cheddar on top, serving it cold on the side, adding cheese to the apple filling, or making a savory cheddar crust. Other types of cheese that can be used include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort.
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The best types of cheese to use
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is the most traditional and popular choice for apple pie. It is said to have originated in England in the 17th century, when a tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping them with cheese. Specifically, sharp cheddar is the most common variety used, with some preferring an extra-sharp cheddar to cut through the sweetness of the pie. Cheddar 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 crust.
Gouda
Gouda cheese offers nutty, caramelly notes that pair well with apple pie.
Parmesan
Parmesan is another nutty option that adds a salty kick.
Gruyère
Gruyère is an earthy, sweet, and creamy cheese that makes for a complex and satisfying combination with apple pie.
Roquefort
Roquefort is an intense, aromatic blue cheese that can be crumbled over apple pie for a unique and savoury dessert.
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How to serve cheese with apple pie
Apple pie with cheese is a beloved delicacy, especially in the northern United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese dates back to the 17th century in England, where both dishes originated. Dairy-based sauces were commonly used in English pies, and eventually, people began to top their pies with cheese, specifically sharp cheddar. The combination of salty, sharp cheddar and sweet apple pie is what makes this pairing so popular.
When serving apple pie with cheese, there are several ways to incorporate the cheese. The simplest method is to top the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar, either melted on top or served cold on the side. For a more subtle approach, you can start with a thinner slice of cheese or choose a milder variety of cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add cheese to the apple filling or create a savoury cheddar crust for a unique twist.
In terms of cheese selection, sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, but other varieties can also complement apple pie nicely. Gouda, for example, offers nutty and caramel-like notes that pair well with the sweetness of the pie. Parmesan provides a similar nuttiness but with a more pronounced salty flavour. Gruyère, on the other hand, contributes an earthy, sweet, and creamy dimension to the dessert. For those who enjoy bold flavours, Roquefort, a mould cheese similar to blue cheese, can be crumbled over the apple pie for a distinctive aroma and taste.
When preparing apple pie with cheese, it is recommended to use a block of cheese rather than pre-sliced or shredded cheese for the best results. Additionally, consider the quality of the cheese, as a higher-quality cheddar or alternative cheese can elevate the overall experience. While the combination of apple pie and cheese may seem unusual to some, it is a longstanding tradition that is worth exploring, especially in regions where it holds cultural significance.
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Why Southerners don't eat apple pie with cheese
Apple pie is a dessert that has been claimed by the USA as its own, but it actually originated in England in the 14th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies. Somehow, some folks decided to try out cheddar cheese instead, and the rest was history. This combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese eventually made its way to the United States in the 17th century, along with European immigrants.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese spread to what is now considered New England (apple country) and the Upper Midwest (dairy country). As a result, areas with lots of dairy farms, like New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, became hotspots for cheesy apple pie. Today, the tradition seems to hold strongest in New England and the Midwest, as well as parts of England and Canada.
However, in the South, you will more than likely see ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream atop a piece of apple pie rather than cheese. Southerners are known for their own interesting food combinations, but even they are surprised by the idea of putting cheese on apple pie. While they are not ones to turn down a dessert, they are not accustomed to this unique delicacy.
There are several reasons why Southerners might not be fond of putting cheese on their apple pie. Firstly, it could be because the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese never quite caught on in the Southern states. Secondly, it could be because the South is not a major dairy-producing region like New England and the Midwest. Finally, it could simply be because Southerners prefer their apple pie with ice cream or cream, which are more traditional and familiar toppings.
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How to make a savoury cheddar crust
Apple pie with a savoury cheddar crust is a unique and delicious combination. The salty, savoury, and sharp cheddar crust pairs incredibly well with the sweet apple filling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a savoury cheddar crust for your apple pie:
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Ice Water
Instructions:
Firstly, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl or the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and mix until it forms a fine, mealy texture or resembles crumbly sand. You can use a pastry cutter, food processor, or your hands for this step.
Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until combined. Slowly add ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough starts to clump together. You may not need to use all the water, so add it gradually.
Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a disc. Wrap the dough disc with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. This step will help the dough relax and make it easier to roll out.
Once the dough has chilled, you can roll it out to fit your pie dish. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch, depending on your preference. Transfer the dough to your pie dish and trim the edges if needed.
Now your savoury cheddar crust is ready to be filled with your choice of apple pie filling. You can use a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji, and add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavour.
Finally, bake your apple pie according to your recipe's instructions. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours in your apple pie with a savoury cheddar crust!
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Frequently asked questions
The most common cheese used on apple pie is cheddar, specifically sharp cheddar. However, other types of cheese can be used, such as Wensleydale, Roquefort, gouda, parmesan, or Gruyère.
The combination of apple pie and cheese likely originated in England in the 17th century. At the time, traditional fruit pies were often paired with dairy-based sauces or custard, and eventually, cheese was used as a topping instead. The tradition was then brought to North America by English settlers, particularly to regions with dairy farming and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the Midwest.
There are several ways to serve cheese with apple pie. Some people like to melt the cheese on top of the pie, while others prefer to keep it cold or serve it on the side. Cheese can also be baked into the pie crust or mixed into the apple filling.
