Cheese And Apple Pie: A Perfect Pairing?

Apple pie and cheese is a classic American dessert combination, especially in the Northern states of the US. The pairing is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, where pies were often topped with dairy-based sauces or custard. The tradition then spread to the US, particularly in New England and the Midwest, where dairy farming flourished. The pairing is still considered a delicacy in these regions, with many considering the dessert incomplete without a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.

Why apple pie and cheese?

Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has been around for centuries. The pairing is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, where traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based sauces such as custard and later on, cheese. In the 1800s, English settlers brought the culinary tradition to North America, and it caught on in regions with dairy farming like New England and the Midwest.

The combination of apple pie and cheese is likely to have persisted due to the complementary flavours of the two foods. The gooey, syrupy sweetness of the apple pie filling and the buttery, flaky crust are offset by the salty, savoury sharpness of the cheese. This dynamic duo of sweet and salty is also seen in other popular food combinations like chocolate-covered pretzels and french fries dipped in milkshakes.

Cheddar cheese is the most common variety paired with apple pie, but other types of cheese can also be used. In parts of Yorkshire, for example, Wensleydale cheese is preferred. There are several ways to incorporate cheese into apple pie, including baking it into the filling, making a cheddar pie crust, or simply topping the pie with a slice of cheese, either melted or cold.

While the combination of apple pie and cheese may be beloved by many, it is also polarising, with some people finding the idea of putting cheese on a dessert blasphemous. In the Southern United States, for instance, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream rather than cheese.

Where did the combination originate?

The combination of apple pie and cheese can be traced back to England in the 17th century, when traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based sauces such as custard and, later, cheese. In the 17th and 18th centuries, dairy-based sauces were often served on top of English pies, such as custard. It is believed that some people began to experiment with cheddar cheese during this time, and the tradition was born.

English settlers later brought the culinary tradition to North America, where it took hold in regions with dairy farming and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the American Midwest. The combination of apple pie and cheese has been a longstanding tradition in these areas, with some Midwestern traditions even calling for baking cheddar right into the pastry to create a savoury base for the sweet filling.

Today, the tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese is strongest in New England, the Midwest, parts of England, and Canada. While the combination may seem unusual to some, it is a longstanding tradition that offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours.

How to serve apple pie with cheese

Apple pie with cheese is a combination that has been around for centuries, but it might be new to some. The pairing of apple pie and cheese is said to have originated in England in the 17th century, where pies were often topped with dairy-based sauces, such as custard, and later, cheese. English settlers brought this tradition to North America, and it gained popularity in regions with dairy farming, such as New England and the Midwest.

Today, the tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is most prevalent in these regions, as well as parts of England and Canada. In these areas, it is common to see apple pie served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, either melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side. However, in other parts of the United States, particularly the South, it is less common to find cheese paired with apple pie.

If you're interested in trying this unique combination, here are some tips on how to serve apple pie with cheese:

• Choose the right cheese: Cheddar cheese, specifically sharp cheddar, is the most traditional and commonly used cheese for this pairing. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as aged Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even Roquefort.
• Top the pie with cheese: The simplest way to add cheese to your apple pie is to top a slice of pie with a slice of cheese. You can melt the cheese on top, keep it cold, or serve it on the side.
• Add cheese to the filling: For a more indulgent option, you can add shredded cheese to the apple pie filling. This will create a gooey, cheesy texture throughout the pie.
• Make a cheddar crust: Another option is to incorporate cheese into the pie crust. You can find recipes for cheddar pie crusts that will add a savoury twist to your apple pie.
• Experiment with different apples: The type of apple you use in your pie can also affect the overall flavour combination. Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji apples, to balance the sweetness of the cheese.

When serving apple pie with cheese, it is essential to use a block of cheese and shred or slice it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is often drier and can negatively affect the texture of the crust or filling.

So, the next time you're craving apple pie, why not give it a savoury twist and try serving it with cheese? It might just become your new favourite dessert!

Different types of cheese to pair with apple pie

Apple pie and cheese is a classic American combination that dates back to the 1800s. While the combination of apple pie and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese might seem odd, the salty, savoury cheese is said to be a lovely balance to the sweet pie.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is the most common type of cheese to pair with apple pie. Some recipes call for baking the cheddar into the filling, while others suggest making a savoury cheddar crust. You can also simply melt a slice of cheddar on top of your pie, keep it cold, or serve it on the side.

Gouda

Aged gouda is another cheese that is said to pair well with apple pie. Gouda has nutty, caramelly notes that complement the flavours of apple pie.

Parmesan

Parmesan is another nutty cheese that can be used in place of cheddar in an apple pie. Its strong salty flavour will add a savoury kick to your dessert.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a sweet, earthy, and creamy cheese that makes for a complex combination when paired with apple pie.

Roquefort

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using Roquefort, an intense, aromatic blue cheese, in your apple pie. Crumble it over your holiday dessert for a unique twist.

How to make an apple pie with cheese

Ingredients

• 2-2.5 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1-2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup of ice water
• 1 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 6-8 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/2-2/3 cup of granulated or dark brown sugar
• 1/4-1/3 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2-1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional)
• 1 egg white (optional)

Method

Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until they are coated. You can use a pastry cutter, food processor, or two forks to do this. Add ice water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough begins to clump. You can add more or less water as needed, but the dough should feel moist and slightly sticky.

Next, slowly mix in freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it tends to be drier. You can use a blend of white cheddar and regular sharp cheddar, or experiment with other types of cheese, such as gouda, parmesan, gruyère, or roquefort. Form the dough into a ball, then cut it in half and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days.

Now, it's time to make the filling. In a large bowl, mix the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and cheese together until they are thoroughly combined. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavour, but this is optional.

Roll out one of the chilled pie crusts on a floured surface. Turn the dough a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, tucking it in with your fingers to ensure it is smooth.

Spoon the filling into the crust, then roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. You can create a lattice or braided design on top, or simply lay the pie crust over the filling to make a double-crust pie. Remember to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Finally, brush the pie crust with an egg wash made by beating an egg with a tablespoon of milk. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Place the pie in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it cold while your oven preheats to 400°F (204°C).

Bake the pie for 25 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling.

Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours at room temperature before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken. Enjoy your delicious apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side!

Frequently asked questions