Bushra Griffith
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a topic of controversy in the United States. While some people enjoy the sweet-savory combination, others are less convinced. The practice is believed to have originated in England, with early settlers in North America in the 1700s combining the two, and it is particularly popular in states with large dairy populations, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Midwestern states. In Southern states, apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream, whipped cream, or heavy cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States that put cheese on pie | Michigan, Wisconsin, New England, Pennsylvania, and other Midwestern states |
| States that don't put cheese on pie | Southern states, including Mississippi |
| Theories for why some states put cheese on pie | Dairy states may have had more access to cheese; cheese may have been served as a substitute for custard |
| Types of cheese used | Cheddar, St. Andre Triple Crème |
| Types of pie served with cheese | Apple pie, fruit pie |
| How cheese is served with pie | Baked into the crust, slipped into the filling, melted on top, or served on the side |
| History | The tradition dates back to the 17th century and may have originated in England |
Explore related products
![Perfect Pan Pizza: Square Pies to Make at Home, from Roman, Sicilian, and Detroit, to Grandma Pies and Focaccia [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91MAVVZckwL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Apple pie with cheese is a Northern tradition
- Southerners prefer ice cream on apple pie
- The combination of apple pie and cheese may have originated in England or ancient Egypt or Greece
- The combination of apple pie and cheese is popular in dairy states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England
- The combination of apple pie and cheese is considered unusual by some
Apple pie with cheese is a Northern tradition
Apple pie with cheese is a tradition that is mostly followed in the northern states of the USA. While the exact origins of this tradition are unclear, there are several theories about how it came to be.
Some sources claim that the combination of apple pie and cheese was first recorded in the 1700s by early settlers in North America. It is believed that the tradition may have originated in England prior to the 1700s, as both cheddar cheese and apple pie can be traced back to England separately. In the 14th century, English farmers began wrapping apples in inedible pastry, creating a prototype of the apple pie. This concept was then brought to the United States by European immigrants in 1697.
Another theory suggests that the popularity of apple pie with cheese may be linked to the dairy industry in certain states. States with a strong dairy industry, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Midwestern farmlands, are more likely to have apple pie with cheese as a popular dessert option. This theory is supported by the fact that cheese has been a common side dish with pie in states with a high number of dairies, including New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is often associated with the contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the 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. However, this combination is not universally loved, and some people find the idea of putting cheese on apple pie strange or unappetizing.
While apple pie with cheese may be a tradition in some northern states, it has not gained the same popularity in the Southern states. Southerners typically prefer to top their apple pie with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream, rather than cheese. Overall, the combination of apple pie and cheese remains a divisive topic, with some people loving the sweet and savory combination, while others prefer more traditional toppings.
The Best Bun for a Philly Cheesesteak
You may want to see also
Southerners prefer ice cream on apple pie
While the combination of apple pie and cheese might be a delicacy in some parts of the United States, it is not a common practice in the Southern states. Southerners prefer their apple pie with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a bit of ice-cold heavy cream. The idea of topping apple pie with cheese is confusing to many Southerners, and the practice has never quite caught on in the South.
The preference for ice cream on apple pie in the South may be due to the region's cultural and culinary traditions, which differ from those in the North, where the combination of apple pie and cheese is more common. In the South, apples and cheddar cheese may be enjoyed together on a cheese board, but combining them in a pie is not typical.
The origin of the apple pie and cheese combination can be traced back to England, where both elements are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, and some began to experiment with using cheddar cheese instead. This practice eventually spread to what is now considered New England and the Upper Midwest in the United States. However, it never gained popularity in the Southern states, where other toppings, such as ice cream, were preferred.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese might be enjoyed by some, it is not a universal preference. Some people find the idea of putting cheese on apple pie unappealing, preferring the sweetness of ice cream or whipped cream to balance the tartness of the apples. Additionally, the process of baking an apple pie that pairs well with cheese requires attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients, which may be a factor in the preference for alternative toppings.
Overall, the preference for ice cream on apple pie in the South is a reflection of regional variations in culinary traditions and taste preferences. While the combination of apple pie and cheese might be popular in some regions, Southerners have developed their own unique traditions and toppings for this classic dessert.
Wine and Cheese Basket Essentials
You may want to see also
The combination of apple pie and cheese may have originated in England or ancient Egypt or Greece
Apple pie, often considered a comfort food, is a popular dessert in many English-speaking countries. The earliest apple pie recipes date back to the Middle Ages, with Dutch apple pie recipes originating in the 16th century. The first apple pie recipe in the United States was published in the late 18th century. Over time, apple pie has become a symbol of America, with phrases like "as American as apple pie" and "mom and apple pie" cementing its association with the country.
While the exact origins of the combination of apple pie and cheese are unclear, there are several theories suggesting its beginnings in England, ancient Egypt, or ancient Greece. Some sources indicate that the pairing may have originated in England, where apple pie was first invented. Historically, apple pie was a savoury dish, and cheese was commonly served with fruit and nuts at the end of a meal. Early apple pie recipes also included dried fruit and nuts, making the addition of cheese a natural combination. This theory is further supported by accounts of travellers to the United Kingdom, who noted that apple pies in England had minimal spices, allowing the plain apple flavour to shine.
Additionally, there is speculation that the pairing may have ancient roots. It is suggested that in ancient Egypt or Greece, cheese may have first been placed on top of bread, marking the earliest form of a pie. However, these claims are difficult to verify.
Today, the combination of apple pie and cheese is particularly popular in certain regions of the United States, such as the Midwest, New England, and Wisconsin, where much of the world's cheddar cheese is produced. In these areas, apple pie is often paired with sharp cheddar cheese, which complements the sweetness of the pie. The sharpness of the cheese is said to cut through the sweetness of the pie, creating a unique blend of salty and sweet flavours.
The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese varies across different states and regions, with some preferring ice cream, whipped cream, or custard as accompaniments. However, the inclusion of cheese in apple pie recipes and the cultural significance of apple pie in the United States cannot be overlooked, contributing to the enduring popularity of this dessert.
Cheese on Barbecue: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The combination of apple pie and cheese is popular in dairy states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a unique food pairing that has sparked mixed reactions across the United States. While some people enjoy the sweet-savory combination, others find the idea of putting cheese on apple pie unappetizing.
This unusual pairing of apple pie and cheese is particularly popular in certain dairy states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England, as well as other parts of the Midwest. The tradition of pairing pie with cheese may be rooted in the abundance of dairy farms in these regions, making cheese a readily available and common addition to various dishes.
Michigan, known for its apple pies laden with cinnamon and spices, has a unique twist on the classic apple pie. While some Michiganders may enjoy their apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream, others embrace the local custom of adding cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is often preferred over a whole slice, providing a subtle salty contrast to the sweet and spiced apple filling.
Wisconsin, another dairy state, also has its own take on apple pie. The apple pie recipe in Wisconsin incorporates nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice, resulting in a well-balanced dessert. Adding a slice of sharp cheddar cheese to this pie enhances the sweetness of the filling while providing a savory contrast.
New England, a region known for its apple production, has also embraced the combination of apple pie and cheese. The practice of pairing these two foods may have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese have their roots. Over time, this combination made its way to New England, where it has become a beloved tradition for many.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may be popular in certain dairy states, it is not limited to these regions. Personal preferences play a significant role, and individuals across the United States may enjoy this pairing regardless of their location. Ultimately, the decision to put cheese on apple pie remains a matter of personal taste and regional influence.
Best Cheeses for a Roast Beef Sandwich
You may want to see also
The combination of apple pie and cheese is considered unusual by some
The origin of the pairing can be traced back to England, the birthplace of cheddar cheese and the apple pie. In the 14th century, English farmers began wrapping apples in inedible containers known as "coffins," a pie prototype. However, it was only in 1697 that the concept of apple pie reached the United States through European immigrants. Over time, the dessert became so iconic in the US that a 1902 New York Times article criticised an English writer for complaining that eating apple pie more than twice a week was excessive.
Apple pie with cheese is particularly popular in the Midwest, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri, as well as in states with a strong dairy industry, such as New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 17th century and was likely influenced by the dairy-rich environment of these regions.
There are various ways to prepare apple pie with cheese. Some people bake 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 sharp and salty flavour of the cheese is said to contrast well with the sweetness of the pie, creating a sweet-savory combination similar to chocolate-covered pretzels. However, not everyone is a fan of this pairing, especially in the Southern states, where apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream, whipped cream, or heavy cream.
Lamb Burgers: To Cheese or Not to Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Putting cheese on apple pie is a practice that is commonly associated with the northern states, especially New England, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the rest of the Midwest.
The combination of apple pie and cheese is thought to have originated in England, the birthplace of cheddar cheese and the apple pie. It was brought to the United States by European immigrants in the 1700s.
There are several ways to prepare apple pie with cheese. Some people bake cheese into the pie crust, some slip it into the apple filling, some melt it on top of the pie, and others leave it on the side of the plate.
Cheddar cheese is the most common type of cheese used on apple pie.
The practice of putting cheese on apple pie is controversial. Some people enjoy the sweet and salty combination, while others find it unappealing.
