Cheese And Apple Pie: A Perfect Pairing

Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has sparked intrigue and controversy. The pairing has been described as an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England and dates back to the 17th century. It was then brought over to North America by English settlers, where it gained popularity in regions with dairy farming such as New England and the Midwest. The sharp, salty flavour of cheddar cheese is said to complement the sweetness of the apple pie filling, creating a unique blend of salty and sweet. While some people enjoy this combination, others find the idea of putting cheese on a dessert blasphemous.

The history of apple pie and cheese

Apple pie and cheese is a culinary combination that has sparked intrigue, delight, and controversy. While some people enjoy the pairing, others are sceptical or unaware of this tradition. The history of this pairing can be traced back to the evolution of pie recipes and cultural exchanges over time.

The Early Days of Apple Pie

Apple pie itself has a long history, with its origins in 14th-century England. English farmers began wrapping apples in inedible pastry casings known as "coffins," which served as an early form of pie. This concept eventually spread beyond England's shores.

Dairy Delights: The Cheese Connection

Over time, pie recipes evolved, and the addition of various fillings became commonplace. The crucial turning point for our cheesy tale occurred in the 17th century when pies were often served with dairy-based sauces or custard. This trend eventually led to the topping of pies with cheese, a practice that gained popularity in England.

A Match Made in Culinary Heaven?

The combination of apple pie and cheese may seem unusual to some, but it is a pairing that offers a delightful contrast of flavours. The salty, sharp, and savoury notes of cheese, especially cheddar, provide a delightful counterpoint to the sweet, syrupy, and buttery flavours of apple pie.

A Transatlantic Treat

English settlers played a pivotal role in introducing apple pie to North America, and the dessert soon became a symbol of American prosperity and cultural pride. The pairing of apple pie with cheese also gained a foothold in regions of the United States, particularly in areas with a strong dairy farming industry, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.

A Polarising Pairing

While the combination of apple pie and cheese has its enthusiasts, it has also sparked controversy. Some people find the idea of combining a dessert with something savoury like cheese unappetising. The pairing has become a topic of debate, with some considering it as polarising as pineapple on pizza.

A Tradition Endures

Despite the controversy, the tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese has endured, particularly in certain regions. In New England and the Midwest, it is not uncommon for apple pie to be served with a slice of cheddar cheese, melted on top, or even baked into the crust.

The best cheeses to pair with apple pie

Apple pie and cheese is a combination that goes back to the 17th century in England, when traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based sauces such as custard. Some people then decided to try adding cheese instead, and the rest was history. The tradition then spread to North America, where it caught on in places with many dairy farms, such as New England and the Midwest.

Today, the tradition seems to be strongest in New England and the Midwest, as well as parts of Canada and England. In these places, apple pie is often served with a slice of cheese on the side or melted on top. Some people even add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.

If you're thinking of trying this combination, here are some of the best cheeses to pair with apple pie:

Cheddar

Cheddar is the most common variety of cheese to pair with apple pie. A sharp, salty cheddar can cut through the sweetness of the pie, creating a delicious sweet and savoury combination.

Gouda

Gouda cheese offers nutty, caramel-like notes that can complement the flavours of apple pie.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is also nutty but provides a stronger salty flavour.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a sweet, earthy, and creamy cheese that can add complexity to the combination.

Roquefort

An intense, aromatic blue cheese like Roquefort could be worth crumbling over apple pie for those who want to experiment with stronger flavours.

How to serve apple pie and cheese

Apple pie and cheese is a classic combination that dates back to the 17th century in England. It eventually made its way to the United States, where it became popular in regions with dairy farming and cheese production, such as New England and the Midwest. While the pairing may be polarizing, with some loving it and others hating it, it is undoubtedly a unique and interesting way to enjoy apple pie. Here are some tips on how to serve apple pie and cheese:

Choose the Right Cheese

The type of cheese you choose can make or break this dessert. The most traditional cheese to pair with apple pie is sharp cheddar, which offers a salty, savory, and sharp contrast to the sweet and gooey filling of the pie. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even Roquefort. Each of these cheeses will bring a different flavour profile to the dish, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.

Decide on the Presentation

There are a few ways to present the cheese with your apple pie. You can simply top the pie with a slice of cheese, melt the cheese on top, or serve the cheese on the side. For a more integrated approach, you can add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust. If you want to get creative, try baking the cheese right into the pie, as suggested by a recipe from Cabot.

Consider Regional Preferences

Keep in mind that preferences for cheese on apple pie vary across regions. In the Southern United States, for example, you are more likely to find apple pie served with ice cream rather than cheese. In contrast, areas like New England and the Midwest are known for their affinity for pairing apple pie with cheddar cheese. So, consider your audience when deciding whether to serve apple pie with cheese.

Pair with the Right Beverage

To complete the dessert, consider pairing your apple pie and cheese with a complementary beverage. A cold glass of milk is a classic choice, especially in Vermont, where there is a law relating to the state pie (apple) that encourages serving it with milk or cheese. However, you can also offer tea or coffee, depending on your preference.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination. If you're new to the apple pie and cheese pairing, start with a small slice of cheese and see how you like it. You can always adjust the amount of cheese or try a different type of cheese to find your preferred ratio and flavour profile. Remember, the beauty of this combination is in its unique blend of sweet and savoury elements.

Regional preferences for apple pie toppings

While apple pie is delicious on its own, adding a slice of cheese can elevate it to a whole new level. The combination of sweet and salty flavours, as well as the contrast of textures, creates a unique and indulgent dessert experience.

New England and the Midwest

The regional preference for apple pie with cheese is strongest in New England and the Midwest, as well as parts of England and Canada. In these regions, apple pie is often served with a slice of sharp, salty cheddar cheese on top or baked right into the pastry. The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese dates back to the 17th century in England, where fruit pies were often served with dairy-based sauces or cheese. When English settlers brought this tradition to North America, it quickly took hold in areas with a strong dairy farming industry, such as New England and the Midwest.

New England

In New England, it is common to find apple pie served with a thick slice of extra-sharp cheddar cheese draped over the top. This combination of salty, firm cheddar with the sweet, caramelized apples is a beloved contrast of flavours that has become a staple in the region.

The Midwest

While Midwesterners also enjoy apple pie with cheddar cheese, they often bake the cheese right into the pastry, creating a savoury base for the sweet apple filling. This variation adds a creamy, buttery texture to the pie that perfectly complements the apples.

Other Cheeses

Although cheddar cheese is the most traditional pairing, other cheeses can also be used to create unique and delicious combinations. Gouda, for example, offers nutty, caramel notes, while Parmesan provides an extra salty kick. Gruyère, with its earthy, sweet and creamy flavours, makes for a complex and indulgent treat. Even Roquefort, a strong and aromatic blue cheese, can be crumbled over apple pie for a bold and unexpected twist.

So, the next time you're enjoying a slice of apple pie, why not experiment with a slice of cheese on the side? You may just discover your new favourite dessert combination!

The nutritional value of apple pie and cheese

Apple pie and cheese is a classic combination that dates back to the 1700s in England. While it may seem like an unusual pairing, the salty and savoury cheese is said to complement the sweet and syrupy apple pie filling. But what about the nutritional value of this combination?

Firstly, let's look at apple pie. A 136-gram serving of apple pie contains approximately 450 calories, with 24 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 55 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains 10 grams of saturated fat and no cholesterol. In terms of micronutrients, apple pie provides 1.9 mg of iron, but no calcium. The high amount of fat and saturated fat, as well as the presence of preservatives and additives, may be considered negative aspects of apple pie's nutritional profile.

Now, let's discuss the nutritional value of cheese. Cheese is a whole food, typically with minimal processing, and it offers a range of beneficial nutrients. These include calcium, fat, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the calcium in cheese can contribute to lowering blood pressure. However, it is important to note that cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, which may be of concern for individuals with high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues.

When apple pie is paired with cheese, the nutritional profile of the combination will depend on the type of cheese chosen. A slice of sharp cheddar, a traditional choice, will add additional fat, saturated fat, and sodium to the dessert. However, other cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan can be used to reduce the amount of fat while still providing a salty contrast to the sweet pie. For those conscious of their sodium intake, low-sodium cheeses can be paired with apple pie to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.

In conclusion, apple pie and cheese can be a delicious combination that offers a range of nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of the high-calorie content and the presence of saturated fat and sodium. As with all foods, moderation is key, and enjoying apple pie and cheese in small portions as part of a balanced diet can be a tasty way to incorporate some additional nutrients into your diet.

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