Cheese And Apple Pie: A Tasty Combination?

The combination of apple pie and cheese is a surprisingly controversial topic. While some people swear by the pairing, others are less convinced. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, when pies were often topped with dairy-based sauces. Over time, this evolved into the addition of a slice of cheese on top of the pie. The tradition then spread to the US, particularly in areas with lots of dairy farms, like New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest. Today, the combination is mostly found in these regions, as well as parts of England and Canada.

The history of cheese on apple pie

The idea of putting cheese on apple pie is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, when English settlers topped their pies with dairy-based sauces. This trend eventually morphed into adding cheese to the pastry, with the first recorded mention of the combination of apple pie and cheese appearing in the late 1800s.

The tradition was brought to North America by European immigrants in the 1700s, and it caught on in regions with dairy farming, such as New England and the Midwest, where cheddar cheese was most accessible. In these regions, apple pie was considered a symbol of prosperity, and many felt it was incomplete without a slice of cheddar cheese.

The combination of sharp, salty cheese and sweet, gooey apple pie may seem odd to some, but it offers a unique blend of salty and sweet flavours. While some prefer to melt the cheese on top of the pie, others enjoy it cold or on the side. Although cheddar is the most common variety used, other types of cheese can also be used, such as gouda, parmesan, or gruyère.

The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese has been polarising, with some considering it a delicious treat and others finding it unappetising. However, it remains a beloved custom in certain regions, with Vermont even passing a law in 1999 requiring apple pie to be served with ice cream, milk, or a slice of cheddar cheese.

Why cheddar is the most common cheese for apple pie

While apple pie is often served with vanilla ice cream, it can also be served with a slice of cheese. This combination is loved by some and hated by others. The cheese is usually added as a slice on top, melted on top, or baked into the filling or crust.

Cheddar is the most common cheese to pair with apple pie. This combination is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, when pies were often topped with a dairy-based sauce. Over time, this evolved into topping pies with a slice of cheese. The tradition then spread to the US, particularly New England and the Midwest, in the 1800s.

Cheddar pairs well with apple pie as the salty, savoury cheese balances the gooey, syrupy sweetness of the pie. The sharpness of the cheddar also provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples.

Some recipes call for cheddar to be added to the apple pie filling or crust for an extra savoury kick. However, it is more common to serve a slice of cheddar on the side or melted on top of the pie. This allows the diner to control how much cheese they want with each bite of pie.

How to make apple pie with cheese

Apple pie with cheese is a dessert that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, where pies were often topped with a dairy-based sauce, such as custard. Over time, this evolved into the practice of topping pies with a slice of cheese, particularly sharp cheddar. The tradition then spread to the United States, especially in areas with a strong dairy and apple production, such as New England and the Midwest.

Today, I will be walking you through the steps to make this unique and delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Salt
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 5-6 tablespoons ice water
• 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced cooking apples (such as Gala or Cortland)
• 2 tablespoons instant tapioca
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced

Optional Ingredients for Filling:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
• Cut the butter and shortening into pieces and add them to the dry ingredients. Work the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles a coarse meal, with no pieces larger than a pea.
• Sprinkle ice water on top, one tablespoon at a time, tossing the mixture together as you go. Stop adding water once the dough holds together when gently pressed.
• Divide the dough into two balls and flatten them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 5 days.
• For the filling, toss the apples, sugar (if using), tapioca, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a separate bowl.
• Unwrap one disc of dough and roll it out on a well-floured surface into an approximately 12-inch round. Rotate, turn over, and sprinkle with more flour as needed. Fold the dough in half and transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, easing it into place without stretching.
• Spoon the apple mixture into the pie plate. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into pieces and place them on top of the apples.
• Roll out the second disc of dough. Moisten the edge of the bottom crust with water and place the top crust over the apples.
• Press the edges of the dough together, trimming any excess to about 1/2 inch. 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.
• Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat your oven to 425°F. Refrigerate the pie while the oven is preheating.
• Once the oven is ready, bake the pie for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the 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 edge with foil if it starts browning too quickly.
• Allow the pie to cool to lukewarm or room temperature. Serve with sliced sharp cheddar on the side.

Tips:

• For a more complex flavour profile, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even Roquefort.
• If you want to enhance the cheesiness of your pie, you can add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.
• If you prefer a mushier apple pie filling, you can cook the apples with the spices before adding them to the pie.
• To ensure the pie holds its shape, chill the entire pie in the refrigerator or freezer while the oven is preheating.

The best types of apple for apple and cheese pie

While there are many types of apples that can be used for apple pie, some are better suited for baking than others. The best apples for baking will soften in the oven until tender, yet keep their shape and maintain some textural bite, rather than becoming a mushy mess.

Granny Smith apples are one of the most popular choices for apple pie. They are firm and crunchy and hold up well under long bake times. They are also widely available year-round, making them a reliable choice for bakers.

Braeburn apples are another great option for apple pie. They have a concentrated taste and bake up juicy but not mushy, providing extra crispness with minimal graininess. Braeburns also don't release much liquid during cooking, so they won't make your pie filling runny or soggy.

Pink Lady apples offer a good balance of sweet, tart, and tannic notes. They hold their firm structure in the oven and have the bonus of an appealing rosy hue. They are also slower to oxidize, so you won't have to worry about them browning too quickly as you prep.

Honeycrisp apples are a versatile choice that can be used for both snacking and baking. They have a juicy and crunchy texture, with a superior sweetness that takes on more complexity when baked. However, they can be a bit expensive, so you may want to opt for a cheaper alternative like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious.

Golden Delicious apples are another classic choice for apple pie. They have a subtler flavour than some other varieties, but they intensify into a sweet, tart, and honeyed flavour when baked. Just be sure to use them when they're fresh, as they can become too mealy if they've been off the tree for too long.

When making an apple and cheese pie, it's important to consider the flavour and texture of the cheese as well as the apples. Sharp cheddar is a traditional and popular choice, especially in the Northern United States and parts of England and Canada. Other options include gouda, which offers nutty, caramelly notes; parmesan, which is also nutty but very salty; and gruyère, which is earthy, sweet, and creamy.

How to serve apple and cheese pie

Apple and cheese pie is a dessert that has been enjoyed for many centuries. The combination of apple pie and cheese was originally brought over from England, and it has stuck around to this day.

The Cheese

When serving apple and cheese pie, the type of cheese you use is important. The most common cheese to pair with apple pie is cheddar cheese, specifically a sharp cheddar. This is because the salty, savoury, sharpness of the cheddar provides a great contrast to the sweet, gooey, syrupy apple pie filling. However, there are plenty of other cheeses that you can experiment with. Some alternatives include gouda, parmesan, gruyère, or even roquefort.

How to Serve the Cheese

There are a few different ways you can serve the cheese with your apple pie. The easiest way is to simply top your pie with a slice of cheese. You can choose to melt the cheese on top, keep it cold, or serve it on the side. If you want to be more adventurous, you can add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.

The Apple Pie

When making your apple pie, it is recommended to use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith apples and Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. This will give your pie a balance of flavours. You can also add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to enhance the flavour of the filling.

Serving Tips

It is important to note that you should not serve your apple and cheese pie with ice cream or whipped cream, as this will be too rich and may overwhelm the flavours of the pie and cheese. Instead, consider serving your pie with a glass of milk or a cup of tea or coffee.

A Versatile Dessert

Apple and cheese pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in different ways. You can make it as a traditional double-crust pie or get creative with a lattice pie crust or a braided pie crust. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and find the combination that you like best.

So, the next time you are looking for a unique and delicious dessert, why not try your hand at making an apple and cheese pie? It is sure to be a conversation starter at your next dinner party!

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