Andy Montoya
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a popular dessert in some parts of the world, but it might seem like an unusual pairing to others. The tradition of serving apple pie with cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were commonly used on pies. Over time, this evolved into the practice of topping pies with cheese, particularly cheddar, which is the most common variety. This culinary tradition was then brought to North America by English settlers, and it gained popularity in regions with dairy farming and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the American Midwest. Today, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese remains a beloved delicacy in these regions, with some considering it a staple of their childhood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| First recorded | 17th century |
| Popular in | New England, the Midwest, parts of England and Canada |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Wensleydale, Colby, Longhorn Colby, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Serving style | Melted on top, cold, on the side, added to the apple filling, or as a savory cheddar crust |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The tradition of eating apple pie with cheddar cheese is popular in New England, the Midwest, and parts of England and Canada
- The pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century
- In the US, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese was first recorded in the early 1700s or as early as the 1800s
- The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is less common in the Southern US
- Some alternative cheeses to pair with apple pie include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheddar cheese is popular in New England, the Midwest, and parts of England and Canada
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese is a tradition that goes back to the 17th and 18th centuries in England. During this time, it was common to top English fruit pies with dairy-based sauces, such as custard, and eventually, cheese. In fact, there is a saying from Yorkshire, "An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze," that attests to the popularity of this combination.
English settlers brought this culinary tradition to North America, and it took root in regions with significant dairy farming and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the Midwest. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheddar cheese remains strong in these areas, as well as in parts of Canada. In New England, a region known for its dairy and apple production, apple pie is often served with a slice of sharp, salty cheddar cheese on the side or draped over the pie. This combination of sweet and salty, caramelized apples and firm cheese, is beloved by many, who consider it an iconic dessert.
However, the tradition is not as widely embraced in other parts of the United States, particularly in the South, where it is considered a peculiar combination. Some Southerners express confusion at the idea of topping apple pie with cheddar, preferring instead to pair their apple pie with ice cream.
The apple pie and cheddar cheese combination is also not universally loved in other parts of the world, such as Australia, where apple pies are typically served with custard, and cheese is not a common topping.
Cheddar Cheese and Cholesterol: What's the Sharp Truth?
You may want to see also
The pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century
This unique culinary tradition was then brought over to North America by English settlers, particularly gaining popularity in regions where dairy farming flourished, such as New England and the American Midwest. To this day, these areas remain hotspots for enjoying apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
The combination of the sweet, caramelized apples and the salty, sharp cheddar cheese creates a delightful interplay of flavours that many have come to love. While the practice of pairing apple pie with cheddar cheese may seem odd to some, it has a long history and is considered a beloved tradition by many, especially in certain regions of the United States and parts of England.
In fact, there is even a saying that reflects the popularity of this pairing: "An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze." This saying underscores the strong association between apple pie and cheddar cheese that has endured for centuries, with its origins believed to be rooted in 17th-century England.
Imitation Cheddar Cheese: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
In the US, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese was first recorded in the early 1700s or as early as the 1800s
Over time, the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese became particularly well-loved in certain parts of the US, including New England, Vermont, and the Midwest. In these regions, dairy farming and apple production flourished, making the pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese a natural choice. The sharp, salty flavour of cheddar cheese provided a delightful contrast to the sweet, gooey filling of apple pie, creating a unique flavour profile that became a staple for many families in these regions.
The specific type of cheddar cheese used could vary, with some preferring a thin slice of sharp cheddar, while others might opt for extra-sharp cheddar or a complexly flavoured artisan-style cheddar. The versatility of the dish allowed for different ways of serving the cheese, such as melting it on top of the pie, keeping it cold, or serving it on the side.
The tradition of enjoying apple pie with cheddar cheese also extended to other parts of the world, including Canada and England, although it may not be as widely practised in all regions of the US. In certain areas, such as the South, the combination may be less common and even considered unusual or polarising, similar to the debate around pineapple on pizza.
While the exact origins of the combination may be difficult to pinpoint, the enduring popularity of apple pie and cheddar cheese in certain regions of the US and beyond highlights its appeal as a unique and indulgent dessert or breakfast treat.
White Cheddar Cheese: Halal or Haram?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is less common in the Southern US
The combination of apple pie and cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when traditional fruit pies were first paired with dairy-based toppings such as custard and, later, cheese. Cheddar is the most common variety used, but there are regional preferences, such as Wensleydale in Yorkshire. The tradition was then brought over to North America by English settlers, and it caught on in places where dairy farming was prominent, such as New England and the American Midwest.
However, the tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is less common in the Southern US. While Southerners are known for their unique food combinations, such as buttermilk and cornbread or pear and mayonnaise salad, they don't typically pair apple pie with cheese. In the South, apples and cheddar may be enjoyed together on a cheese board, but combining them in a pie is less accepted. Those from the Southern US may express confusion or surprise at the idea of putting cheese on apple pie, and the region does not have a strong history of this culinary practice.
The preference for apple pie with cheese seems to be more prevalent in regions with a history of dairy farming and cheese production, such as New England and the Midwest, as these areas had greater access to cheese. The combination of salty, sharp cheddar with the sweet, syrupy filling of an apple pie and its buttery, flaky crust is considered a delicious contrast by those who enjoy it. However, this combination of flavours may be less appealing to those in the Southern US, where other toppings, such as ice cream, are preferred.
While the exact reasons for the regional differences in apple pie toppings are not definitively known, it is likely a combination of historical, cultural, and agricultural factors that have influenced the varying preferences across the United States. The availability of dairy products in certain regions, as well as the influence of European settlers, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, has played a role in shaping these culinary traditions.
Understanding Halal Status of Mild Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Some alternative cheeses to pair with apple pie include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort
Apple pie is a dessert that is often paired with cheese. While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, especially in the US, other cheeses can also be used. Some alternative cheeses to pair with apple pie include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort.
Gouda is a type of cheese that can be added to an apple pie. One such recipe is the Apple Sage Gouda Pie, which combines the savoury flavours of sage and gouda with the sweet apple essence of the pie. The gouda and sage flavours in this pie are subtle, allowing the sweetness of the apple to stand out.
Parmesan is another cheese that can be used in apple pie. A recipe for a Parmesan Cheddar Apple Pie combines the strong flavours of sharp cheddar and Parmesan with the sweetness of apples and the flakiness of the pie crust. The recipe calls for tearing large pieces of cheddar and sprinkling grated Parmesan over the apples before adding the second pie crust.
Gruyère is a type of Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, salty, and nutty flavour. It can be added to the pie crust to give the pie a subtle savouriness that balances the flavours of the apple filling. The high oven temperature causes the cheese to caramelize, and the crust develops a deep, golden brown colour.
Roquefort is a French cheese that can be paired with apple pie. A recipe for a thin apple tart from Brittany combines the sweetness of roasted peaches and gingerbread ice cream with the boldness of Roquefort cheese.
The Secret Spice Behind Cheddar's Orange Hue
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheddar cheese likely originated in England in the 17th century. At the time, it was common to top pies with a dairy-based sauce, such as custard, and eventually, people began topping pies with cheese instead.
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is popular in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, particularly in New England, Pennsylvania, and the American Midwest. These areas have a strong history of dairy farming, which may explain the popularity of this combination.
There are a few different ways to serve apple pie with cheddar cheese. You can top the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, melt the cheese on top, or serve the cheese on the side. Some people also add cheese to the apple filling or make a savory cheddar crust.
Combining apple pie with cheddar cheese creates an interesting contrast of sweet and salty flavors. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese can also help balance the sweetness of the apple pie filling.
Yes, while sharp cheddar is the most traditional choice, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can also be paired with apple pie. These cheeses offer different flavor profiles, such as nutty, salty, or earthy notes, that can complement the sweetness of the apples.
