Andy Montoya
Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has been around for a long time. It is a beloved tradition in some parts of the world, while others find it unusual. The pairing is said to have originated in England in the 17th century, where both cheddar cheese and apple pie are believed to have originated. Over time, the combination of apple pie and cheese has become iconic, with many considering it incomplete without a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese used | Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Region | New England, Pennsylvania, Midwest, England, Canada |
| History | Dates back to the 17th or 18th century |
| How to serve | Melted on top, cold, on the side, mixed into the filling, or in a savoury crust |
| Alternative toppings | Ice cream, whipped cream, heavy cream |
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What You'll Learn
The history of cheese on apple pie
Apple pie with cheese has a long history, with some claiming that the dessert is incomplete without a cheese topper. The combination of apple pie and cheese is beloved by many, while others are sceptical of this pairing.
The origin of this combination has been traced back to England in the 17th century, with some sources claiming it dates back to the 14th century. During this time, English farmers began wrapping apples in inedible containers called "coffins", which were a pie prototype. It is said that in England, a dairy-based sauce often topped pies, and some began to use cheddar cheese instead. Both apple pie and cheddar cheese are claimed to have originated in England separately. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese eventually spread to North America in the 1700s through European settlers, specifically to New England and the Upper Midwest, regions known for dairy and apple production.
Today, the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is most prominent in New England and the Midwest, as well as parts of England and Canada. In these regions, it is common to top a slice of apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, which can be melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side. Some also choose to add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may be beloved by some, it has not caught on in all regions, especially in the Southern states of the US. Here, apple pie is typically served with ice cream or cream, rather than cheese.
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Why Southerners don't eat apple pie with cheese
While apple pie with cheese is a well-known combination, it is not a tradition that is commonly followed in the Southern states. In fact, Southerners are often confused by the idea of putting cheese on apple pie and would much prefer to have ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream with their apple pie.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were commonly used in pies. Over time, this evolved into topping pies with cheese, specifically sharp cheddar cheese. This combination was then brought over to the United States by European settlers, and it gained popularity in the Northeast and Midwest regions, particularly in areas with many dairy farms, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.
However, the tradition never quite caught on in the Southern states. While Southerners are known for their unique food combinations, such as buttermilk and cornbread, pear and mayonnaise salad, and Coca-Cola with peanuts, they draw the line at putting cheese on their apple pie.
There are a few possible reasons why Southerners don't eat apple pie with cheese. One reason could be that the tradition of topping apple pie with cheese never became popular in the South, possibly due to regional preferences and influences. Additionally, the South is not known for its dairy production, which may have contributed to the lack of popularity of this combination.
Another reason could be that Southerners simply prefer their apple pie with ice cream or cream, which are seen as more traditional and familiar toppings. Finally, it's worth noting that apple pie itself has evolved over time, with sweeter apples being used in modern recipes, and the addition of cheese may not be as appealing as it once was.
So, while some Americans enjoy the sweet and savoury combination of apple pie with cheese, it is not a tradition that has gained widespread acceptance in the South, and Southerners are more likely to stick to their familiar and beloved toppings.
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How to serve apple pie with cheese
Apple pie with cheese is a beloved dessert, especially in the northern regions of the United States, such as New England, the Upper Midwest, and parts of England and Canada. The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries in England, where both dishes are said to have originated.
The most popular cheese to use is sharp cheddar, which provides a salty, savoury contrast to the sweet-tart apple pie. However, other cheeses can also be used, such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or Roquefort.
There are several ways to serve apple pie with cheese:
- The simplest way is to top the pie with a slice of cheese, either melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side.
- For a more subtle approach, cheese can be added to the apple filling or used to make a savoury crust.
- Alternatively, serve the apple pie with a sweet and salty accompaniment, such as salted caramel sauce, which pairs well with cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda.
Apple pie can be served hot or cold, depending on the season. A warm apple pie is perfect for cold evenings, while a cold slice can be refreshing during the summer months.
Here's a recipe for apple pie with cheddar cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the apple pie filling by tossing apples with lemon juice in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon, and pour this mixture over the apples, tossing to combine.
- Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust.
- For the topping, combine flour, sugar, salt, butter, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature and serve with sliced cheddar on the side.
So, the next time you're serving apple pie, why not give cheese a try? It might just become your new favourite combination!
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The best types of cheese to use
The combination of apple pie and cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, with the tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolving into topping them with cheese. This combination was brought to the United States by European settlers, with records of cheddar cheese being served with apple pie as early as the 1800s. Today, this tradition is most prevalent in New England, the Midwest, parts of England, and Canada.
When it comes to the type of cheese to use, sharp cheddar cheese is the most traditional and popular option. Its salty, savory sharpness is said to complement the sweet and syrupy filling of apple pie, creating a unique flavor combination. For those who want to stick to the classic but are feeling adventurous, there are different varieties of cheddar to explore, such as extra-sharp cheddar or complexly flavored artisan-style cheddar.
However, there are several other types of cheese that can be paired with apple pie for those looking for alternatives to cheddar. Gouda, for example, offers nutty and caramel-like notes that can enhance the flavor of the pie. Parmesan, another nutty option, brings an extra salty kick. Gruyère, a sweet and creamy cheese, creates a complex and satisfying combination. For those who enjoy blue cheese, Roquefort is an intense and aromatic mold cheese that can be crumbled over apple pie for an unexpected twist.
While the idea of combining apple pie with cheese may seem unusual to some, it has a long history and a dedicated following. The contrast between the sweet pie and the salty, savory cheese can create a delightful sensory experience. The key to finding the perfect cheese to accompany apple pie is to experiment with different varieties and find the combination that suits your taste preferences.
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How to make a savoury apple pie with cheese crust
Apple pie with a cheese crust is a unique and polarising food combination. The combination of cheese and apple pie is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, with some sources suggesting it dates back to medieval times. The tradition then spread to North America with English colonists in the 1700s.
Today, apple pie with a cheese crust is especially popular in regions of the US with prominent dairy industries, such as the Midwest and New England.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (313g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed (spooned and levelled)
- 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp Morton kosher salt
- 1/2 lb extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 0.5" pieces and chilled
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cut into 0.5" pieces and chilled
- 6 tbsp ice-cold water, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- Ice
- Apples (a combination of tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith and Gala)
- Butter
- Egg wash
- Turbinado sugar
Method:
- Pulse the flour, salt, and cheese in a food processor (or whisk to combine in a large bowl).
- Add the butter and shortening, pulsing or working the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with some pea-sized butter lumps.
- Drizzle the ice-cold water over the flour mixture and pulse or gently stir with a fork until incorporated.
- Squeeze a small handful of the dough; if it doesn't hold together, add more ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until it does.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch round. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add the apples in an even layer and dot with butter.
- Lightly brush the edges with egg wash.
- Roll out the next dough round, slightly smaller than the first.
- Cover the top of the apples with the second pie dough, pressing the edges to seal the crust.
- Trim the crust so that there is a 1-inch overhang. Tuck the crust underneath itself so that it is flush with the edge of the pie plate.
- Crimp the edges decoratively.
- Brush the pie with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Make 5 air slits in the centre of the pie.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature, at least 3 hours, before slicing.
Note: This recipe can be modified by adding cheese to the apple filling or using different types of cheese in the crust, such as a blend of white cheddar and regular sharp cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or Roquefort.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of apple pie and cheese, specifically sharp cheddar cheese, dates back to England in the 17th century, although some sources suggest it was first recorded in North America in the 1700s. The tradition likely evolved from the practice of using dairy-based sauces in pies.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is most prevalent in New England, the Midwest, parts of England, and Canada.
While sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, other options include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort.
