Frederic Melton
Apple pie is not an American invention. In the 14th century, farmers in England began wrapping apples into inedible containers known as coffins, a type of pie. The combination of apple pie and cheese can be traced back to England, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, such as custard. Some folks decided to try cheddar, and the rest was history. The tradition eventually spread to what is now considered New England (apple country) and the Upper Midwest (dairy country). Today, the tradition seems to hold strongest in New England and the Midwest, as well as parts of England and Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Region | New England, the Midwest, and parts of England and Canada |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Apple Type | Granny Smith, Fuji |
| History | Dates back to the 17th century in England |
| Other Names | "An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze." |
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What You'll Learn
- The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese dates back to 17th-century England
- It was brought to the US by English settlers in the 1700s
- Dairy-based sauces were originally used in pies, which later evolved into using cheese
- It is a common tradition in the Northeast and Midwest of the US
- Some people consider it blasphemous to put cheese on apple pie
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese dates back to 17th-century England
English settlers brought this unusual pairing with them to North America, where it caught on in regions with strong dairy industries and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the American Midwest. The combination of salty, sharp cheddar and sweet, caramelized apples proved irresistible to those in these regions, and it remains a beloved tradition to this day.
While the practice of eating apple pie with cheese is most prevalent in New England and the Midwest, it has also spread to other parts of the United States, including Pennsylvania. However, it never quite caught on in the South, where apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream.
The addition of cheese to apple pie remains a controversial topic, with some people loving the sweet-savory combination and others finding the very idea repulsive. For those willing to give it a try, it is recommended to start with a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese, draped over a warm slice of pie.
Today, while the tradition of apple pie with cheese may not be as common as it once was, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially in regions with a strong dairy and apple-growing heritage.
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It was brought to the US by English settlers in the 1700s
Apple pie is often served with whipped cream, ice cream, custard or cheddar cheese. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is popular in the American Midwest and New England, particularly in Vermont, where it is considered the state dish.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese was brought to the US by English settlers in the 1700s. The combination of apple pie and cheese dates back to the 17th century in England, where traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based toppings such as custard and, later, cheese. Cheddar is the most common variety of cheese used, but there are regional preferences, such as Wensleydale in Yorkshire.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese was likely brought to the colonies by English, Dutch, and Swedish settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. Apple pie recipes were first brought to the colonies by European settlers, and the dish quickly became popular. America's first cookbook, published in 1796, included two recipes for apple pie.
The combination of apple pie and cheese is considered a sweet and savoury combination that is enjoyed by many. Some people may find the idea of topping a sweet dessert with something savoury like cheese unappealing, but for others, it is a staple of their childhood and a traditional combination.
In some regions of the US, such as the South, it is more common to top apple pie with ice cream rather than cheese. However, in the North, it is considered a Yankee tradition to pair apple pie with cheese.
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Dairy-based sauces were originally used in pies, which later evolved into using cheese
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a beloved tradition in some parts of the world, especially in the United States and England. While some people may find the idea of cheese on apple pie unusual or even unappealing, this pairing has a long history that can be traced back to the 17th century in England.
During this time, traditional fruit pies in England were often served with dairy-based sauces or accoutrements such as custard. Eventually, some individuals decided to experiment with using cheese as a topping, and thus, a new culinary tradition was born. The practice of pairing pies with dairy-based sauces or cheese likely originated from the custom of serving cheese with fruit and nuts at the end of meals to aid digestion.
As for the type of cheese used, sharp cheddar is considered traditional and is the most common variety. However, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can also be paired with apple pie, offering different flavour profiles. In Yorkshire, England, for example, the regional cheese of Wensleydale is preferred over cheddar.
The tradition of topping apple pie with cheese was brought to North America by English settlers, particularly to regions where dairy farming flourished and cheese was most accessible. As a result, the combination of apple pie and cheese became popular in areas such as New England and the American Midwest, where dairy and apple production are also prevalent.
Today, the tradition of enjoying apple pie with cheese is most strongly associated with New England and the Midwest in the United States. While it may not be as common in other regions, particularly the South, there are still individuals who embrace this sweet and savoury combination. The contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese creates a unique flavour profile that has gained a dedicated following.
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It is a common tradition in the Northeast and Midwest of the US
Apple pie is not an American invention. In the 14th century, farmers in England began wrapping apples into inedible containers known as "coffins", a type of pie. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, such as custard. Some folks decided to try out cheddar, and the rest was history. English settlers brought the culinary tradition to North America, and it caught on in places where dairy farming flourished and cheese was most accessible—namely, New England and the American Midwest.
Today, the tradition seems to hold strongest in New England (a region that’s also known for both dairy and apple production) and the Midwest, as well as parts of England and Canada. Throughout the rest of the U.S.—particularly the South—it’s not so common. In the South, you will more than likely see ice cream atop a piece of apple pie rather than cheese.
The combination of firm, salty cheddar and caramelized apples is the perfect intersection of salty and sweet. It's right up there with chocolate-covered pretzels and french fries dipped in milkshakes. If you’re nervous about trying this combo, try it first by draping the thinnest slice possible over your slice of pie. Our favorite supermarket sharp cheddar—conveniently a New England staple—might be a good choice for first-timers.
In some parts of the world, cheese was often served with fruit and nuts at the end of meals to aid digestion, and you'll still find a cheese course popular in some countries' cuisines.
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Some people consider it blasphemous to put cheese on apple pie
The combination of apple pie and cheese is considered by some to be an iconic pairing, while others find the mere thought of it blasphemous. The tradition of this pairing is said to have originated in England in the 17th century, with some sources claiming it dates back to medieval times. It was then brought over to North America by English settlers in the 1700s, particularly to regions with dairy farming and cheese production such as New England and the Midwest.
The pairing of apple pie and cheese is seen as a harmonious combination of sweet and salty, with the sharp, salty cheddar complementing the sweet, gooey filling of the apple pie. However, not everyone is on board with this combination, especially in the Southern regions of the US where ice cream is the preferred topping for apple pie.
The addition of cheese to apple pie is often met with strong opinions, with some people finding it unappetizing and even shocking. The idea of combining a dessert with a savoury ingredient like cheese can seem unusual and may be off-putting to those who are accustomed to more traditional toppings such as ice cream or custard.
However, the tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese has a long history and is considered a beloved delicacy in certain regions, especially New England. It is a combination that some people passionately defend, arguing that the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese enhance the sweetness of the pie, creating a unique and delightful flavour profile.
Ultimately, whether one considers it blasphemous or brilliant, the pairing of apple pie and cheese has become a notable part of culinary culture, sparking interesting conversations and strong opinions among food enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of apple pie and cheese is popular in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US, particularly in New England.
The pairing of apple pie and cheese dates back to the 17th century in England. English settlers then brought the tradition to North America, specifically to New England and the Midwest, where dairy farming was common.
Sharp cheddar is the most traditional type of cheese used, but other options include gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort.
There are several ways to prepare apple pie with cheese. Some people bake the cheese into the pie crust, add it to the apple filling, melt it on top of the pie, or serve it on the side.
The combination of sweet and salty flavors is often cited as a reason for the pairing. Historically, cheese was also served with fruit to aid digestion.
