Andy Montoya
Apple pie is a dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. While the exact origin of apple pie with cheddar cheese is unclear, it is believed to have emerged in England in the 17th century, with records suggesting that early settlers in North America also enjoyed this combination as early as the 1700s. The tradition of pairing dairy-based sauces with pies may have led to the creation of this unique dish. Today, it remains a beloved tradition in certain regions, particularly in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Likely England |
| Time of origin | As early as the 1700s |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar |
| Type of pie | Apple pie |
| Popularity | Concentrated in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Apple pie with cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century
- The combination of apple pie and cheese was likely a result of the English tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies
- In the United States, apple pie with cheddar cheese was first recorded in the 1800s, brought over by early settlers
- The dish is particularly popular in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont
- Apple pie with cheddar cheese can be prepared in various ways, such as baking cheese into the pie crust, adding it to the apple filling, melting it on top, or serving it on the side
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century
Apple pie was likely brought to North America by early English settlers in the 1700s, and the combination of apple pie with cheddar cheese may have been born around the same time. Apple pie with cheddar cheese is particularly popular in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont. The tradition is also strong in parts of England and Canada.
The addition of cheese to apple pie has been a source of controversy, with some people loving it and others hating it. Traditionalists may top their apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous serving of custard. However, freezers were not common in homes until the 20th century, making ice cream a less accessible option for most families.
Sharp cheddar cheese, with its salty and savoury sharpness, provides a delicious contrast to the gooey, syrupy sweetness of the apple pie filling and the buttery, flaky crust. While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, other cheeses such as Wensleydale, Roquefort, Gouda, Parmesan, or Gruyère can also be used.
The combination of apple pie and cheese has even appeared in literature, with poet Eugene Field writing, "But I, when I undress me / Each night, upon my knees / Will ask the Lord to bless me / With apple pie and cheese."
Understanding Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded Texture and Taste
You may want to see also
The combination of apple pie and cheese was likely a result of the English tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies
Apple pie is a popular dessert in English-speaking countries, often served hot or cold, with ice cream, double cream, or custard. The earliest known apple pie recipes date back to the Middle Ages, with a simple Dutch recipe from 1514 requiring a standard pie crust, soft apple slices, and more dough on top.
Apple pie is also popular in the United States, where it has become a symbol of American prosperity and national pride. In the United States, apple pie is often served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, a tradition that likely originated in England in the 17th century. Early settlers in North America in the 1700s may have first combined apple pie with cheddar cheese, but the practice of serving pie with cheese probably originated in England before this time, as both apple pie and cheddar cheese originated separately in England.
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is particularly popular in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont. The combination is also enjoyed in parts of England, Canada, and Australia.
Cheese Conundrum: Colby vs Cheddar Post-Cholecystectomy
You may want to see also
In the United States, apple pie with cheddar cheese was first recorded in the 1800s, brought over by early settlers
Apple pie with cheddar cheese has a long history, and while it may not have originated in the United States, it was first recorded in the country in the 1800s, brought over by early settlers. The tradition of pairing apple pie with a slice of cheddar is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, where a custom of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping them with cheese. In the United States, apple pie with cheddar cheese was particularly popular in areas with many dairy farms, such as New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest. Vermont, where apple pie with cheddar is considered the state dish, even has a 1999 law requiring pie makers to serve apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese weighing at least half an ounce.
Apple pie, with or without cheese, has long been considered a symbol of American prosperity and national pride. The dish was first eaten in Europe long before the European colonisation of the Americas, but it has become so associated with the United States that the phrase "as American as apple pie" is used to describe something as "typically American".
Apple pie was likely first made by wrapping apples in inedible pastry casings known as "coffins", a method that dates back to the 14th century in England. Recipes for Dutch apple pie also go back to the Middle Ages, with an early Dutch-language cookbook from 1514 documenting a simple recipe for "apple pies".
Today, apple pie is often served à la mode, topped with ice cream, but the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese persists, with many considering the dessert incomplete without a cheddar topper.
Best Places to Buy Canadian Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The dish is particularly popular in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is especially popular in the American Midwest and New England, where it is considered the state dish of Vermont. The combination of apple pie and cheese is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, with the tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolving into topping them with cheese. Early settlers in North America in the 1700s may have brought this tradition with them, and it is recorded that apple pie with cheddar was served in the US as early as the 1800s.
The dish is particularly popular in the American Midwest and New England, where dairy farms are common. Vermont, a state in the American Northeast, even passed a law in 1999 requiring that apple pie be served with "a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce". In addition to Vermont, other states in the Midwest and New England, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, are known for their love of apple pie with cheddar cheese.
The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is often cited as the reason for the dish's popularity. The syrupy sweetness of the apple pie filling and the flaky, buttery crust are complemented by the salty, sharp flavour of cheddar cheese. The cheese can be served melted on top of the pie, baked into the crust, or simply served as a slice on the side.
While some people love the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese, others find it unappealing. The dish has been described as iconic and unexpectedly delicious, but it is also polarising, with some people expressing their dislike for the combination or even being unaware of its existence.
Cheese Choice Conundrum: Swiss vs. Cheddar for Baked Potato Bar
You may want to see also
Apple pie with cheddar cheese can be prepared in various ways, such as baking cheese into the pie crust, adding it to the apple filling, melting it on top, or serving it on the side
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a popular dessert in the American Midwest and New England, especially in Vermont, where it is considered the state dish. It is also enjoyed in the north of England, where it is served with Cheddar or Wensleydale cheese. This unique dessert combines a buttery, flaky cheddar cheese pie crust with a sweet, gooey cinnamon apple filling. The addition of cheese to apple pie creates a delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours.
There are several ways to prepare apple pie with cheddar cheese, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert:
Baking Cheese into the Pie Crust
One popular method is to incorporate grated cheddar cheese directly into the pie crust. This technique involves mixing shredded cheddar cheese into the pie dough, creating a flaky and savoury crust. The cheese adds a subtle salty flavour to the crust, complementing the sweetness of the apple filling. This method typically calls for a sharp cheddar cheese, but a blend of white cheddar and regular sharp cheddar can also be used for a unique flavour profile.
Adding Cheese to the Apple Filling
Another way to include cheddar cheese in an apple pie is to add it to the apple filling. This approach involves sprinkling grated cheddar cheese over the apple slices before baking. The cheese melts slightly during baking, creating a gooey texture and adding a savoury note to the filling. This method allows for a more pronounced cheese flavour in each bite, as the cheese is distributed throughout the filling.
Melting Cheese on Top
A simpler way to enjoy apple pie with cheddar cheese is to melt shredded cheddar cheese on top of the baked pie. This method involves sprinkling shredded cheese over the warm pie, allowing it to melt slightly, and then serving it immediately. This creates a visually appealing dish with a gooey, savoury topping. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty contrast to the sweet apple filling.
Serving Cheese on the Side
For those who prefer a more traditional apple pie, serving sliced cheddar cheese on the side is a popular option. This allows each diner to customise their slice by adding as much or as little cheese as they like. This method is ideal for those who want to enjoy the pie as it is and then add a savoury element with a side of sharp cheddar. This approach is also commonly used when serving apple pie with ice cream, providing a salty contrast to the sweet dessert.
Swiss vs Cheddar: Which Cheese Has More Salt?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is believed that the combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese was first created in England in the 17th century. Early settlers in North America in the 1700s also recorded making apple pie with cheddar cheese.
There are several ways to make apple pie with cheddar 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.
Apple pie with cheddar cheese is popular in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and England.
