Kamil Perry
Apple pie and cheese is a classic dessert and cheese course combination that has been around for centuries. The pairing is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, with the tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolving into topping the pie with cheese instead. The salty, savoury cheese is said to balance the sweetness of the pie, and while the combination may seem odd to some, it is beloved by many. The most popular cheese to serve with apple pie is sharp cheddar, which can be melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side, but other cheeses such as gouda, gruyere, and parmesan can also be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, Roquefort |
| Cheese characteristics | Salty, sharp, nutty, sweet, creamy, aromatic |
| Apple type | Gala, Cortland |
| Temperature | Lukewarm or room temperature |
| Wine pairing | Dry white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer |
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What You'll Learn
History of the apple pie and cheese combination
Apple pie and cheese is a combination that was brought over from England to the United States many centuries ago. Apple pie, in particular, is believed to have originated in the 14th century in England and is now a standard part of cuisines in many countries where apples grow.
Apple pie is often served with whipped cream, ice cream, custard, or cheddar cheese. The cheese is typically served on the side, melted under a broiler, or mixed into the pie crust. In the American Midwest and New England, apple pie with cheddar cheese is especially popular. In Vermont, it is considered the state dish, and a state law passed in 1999 mandates that a "good faith effort" be made when serving pie in the state to offer it with cold milk, ice cream, and/or "a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce."
In the north of England, where the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese also persists, Cheddar or Wensleydale cheese is often used. The salty, sharp cheddar is often considered to be a good complement to the sweet-tart apple pie, creating a sweet and salty combo. Some people even bake the cheddar cheese right into the topping of the apple pie.
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Best types of cheese to serve with apple pie
Apple pie and cheese is a classic combination that has been around for centuries. While it may seem like an unusual pairing, the salty and savoury cheese is said to balance out the sweetness of the pie.
The most popular type of cheese to serve with apple pie is cheddar, specifically a sharp cheddar to contrast the sugar-coated apples. In fact, this pairing is so iconic that there is an urban myth in Wisconsin that it is illegal to serve apple pie without cheddar cheese! While you can simply top your pie with a slice of cheddar, you can also bake the cheese right into the topping or filling, or make a savoury cheddar crust.
If you're looking for alternatives to cheddar, gouda and gruyère are also recommended. Gouda has nutty, caramel-like notes, while gruyère is earthy, sweet and creamy, creating a complex combination. For an even saltier option, try parmesan, or crumble over some roquefort for an intense, aromatic flavour.
For a full meal, serve your apple pie and cheese with a glass of milk, or for an after-dinner treat, pair it with a glass of bourbon or whiskey, dry white wine, or cider.
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How to serve cheese with apple pie
Apple pie and cheese is a classic combination that has been around for centuries. The salty, savoury cheese is said to balance out the sweetness of the pie, creating a delightful duo. Here are some tips on how to serve cheese with apple pie:
Choosing the Cheese
The type of cheese you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste experience. Traditionally, sharp cheddar cheese is used, offering a salty and nutty flavour profile that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples. However, you can experiment with other varieties such as Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, or even Roquefort, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Cheese
There are a few ways you can choose to serve the cheese with your apple pie. You can simply place a slice of cheese on top of the pie, allowing it to melt slightly and create a buttery texture. Alternatively, you can serve the pie with a side of sliced cheese, keeping it cold or melting it separately. If you want to get creative, you can even incorporate cheese into the pie itself by adding it to the apple filling or using it in the pie crust.
Baking the Pie
When baking your apple pie, it's important to ensure that the filling is thick and bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the pie for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust to prevent overbrowning. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving.
Presentation and Pairings
In terms of presentation, you can place the slice of cheese directly on top of the pie or serve it on a small plate alongside the pie. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try creating a cheese board with a variety of cheeses and apple slices for a unique take on the classic combination. As for drink pairings, a glass of cider or dry white wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer can complement the flavours nicely.
Regional Variations
It's worth noting that the combination of apple pie and cheese is enjoyed differently in various regions. While some places stick to the traditional pairing of sharp cheddar, others may serve apple pie with ice cream or custard instead of cheese. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste preferences.
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Apple pie with cheese: a strange combination?
Apple pie and cheese is a combination that may seem odd to some, but it has a long history and a devoted fanbase. The pairing is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, where a tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping them with cheese instead. The tradition then made its way to the United States, where it has been enjoyed since at least the 1800s.
The salty, savoury sharpness of cheese is said to provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of apple pie. While any cheese will do, sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, perhaps due to its particularly strong flavour profile. The nuttiness of cheddar pairs well with the sweet-tart apples, and its orange hue makes for an attractive contrast. Other cheeses that work include gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and even roquefort.
Apple pie with cheese can be served in a few different ways. The cheese can be melted on top of the pie, kept cold, or served on the side. It can also be incorporated into the apple filling or used to make a savoury crust. Some people even bake the cheese right into the pie.
While apple pie with cheese may be enjoyed on its own, it can also be served with a sweet and salty pairing such as salted caramel sauce. As for drinks, dry white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer are recommended, or a glass of cider. A stiff glass of bourbon or whiskey could also complement the flavours of the pie.
The combination of apple pie and cheese may be surprising, but it is a classic for a reason. The balance of sweet and salty, fruity and savoury, creates a complex flavour profile that keeps people coming back for more. So, the next time you're enjoying a slice of apple pie, why not give cheese a chance? It might just become your new favourite pairing.
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Apple pie with cheddar cheese recipe
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a classic American dessert, and the salty, sharp flavour of cheddar is said to complement the sweetness of the apple pie perfectly. While some people serve apple pie with a slice of cheddar on the side, others prefer to bake the cheese into the pie. Here is a recipe for apple pie with cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed (spooned & levelled)
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Apples (a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, or Pink Lady apples)
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
Method:
First, make the pie crust by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces and add them to the dry ingredients, working with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal. You can also use a pastry cutter, food processor, or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to have pea-sized bits of flour-coated butter.
Next, pre-shred a block of cheddar cheese and add it to the pie crust mixture. Use a good quality, extra sharp cheddar for the best flavour. You can also add grated cheese to the top of the pie before baking.
Now, prepare the filling. Toss the apples with lemon juice in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of grated cheddar cheese. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss to combine.
Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared pie crust. Place the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edge with foil.
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving. Apple pie with cheddar cheese can be served on its own, or with a glass of cider, bourbon, or white wine. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice to serve with apple pie. It can be served on the side, baked into the pie, or melted on top.
Yes, gouda, gruyere, parmesan, and roquefort are all cheeses that can complement the flavours of apple pie.
Apple pie and cheese can be paired with a stiff glass of bourbon or whiskey, dry white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer, or a glass of cider.
Yes, apple pie and cheese is a traditional combination that likely originated in England in the 17th century. The combination was brought over to the US by English settlers, and it has been served together in the US as early as the 1800s.
