Andy Montoya
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a beloved tradition in many parts of the world, especially in the American Midwest, New England, some places in Canada, and Britain. While some people may find the pairing unusual, others swear by the complementary contrast of sweet apple pie and sharp, salty cheese. The tradition of serving apple pie with cheese is believed to have originated in England during the 17th century, when cooks often dressed their pies with dairy-based sauces. Over time, this evolved into topping pies with cheese, specifically Wensleydale cheese, which was later replaced by cheddar due to its greater availability in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regions where apple pie with cheese is popular | The American Midwest, New England, parts of Canada, Britain, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the rest of the Midwestern farmlands |
| Origin | England, 17th century |
| Reason | To highlight the sweetness of the pie |
| How to serve | Melted on top, cold, on the side, baked into the pie crust, or added to the filling |
| Cheese alternatives | Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition may have originated in England
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese may have originated in England, where all sorts of fillings were added to pies. In the 17th century, it was common to add dairy-based sauces to pies, and this eventually evolved into topping them with cheese. For example, in Yorkshire, apple pie was served with Wensleydale cheese, which is likely how the phrase "an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze" came to be.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, English cooks often dressed their pies with sauces. It was also during this time that the English began serving Wensleydale cheese with apple pie. Eventually, this regional cheese variety was replaced with cheddar, which became more prominent once folks started migrating to the New England region, as cheddar was more readily available in the States than Wensleydale.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese may also be linked to the fact that a slice of leftover fruit pie was considered an acceptable breakfast or lunch if it was accompanied by cheese and a glass of milk.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may seem strange to some, it has a long history and is beloved by many, especially in the American Midwest, New England, parts of Canada, and Britain. Some proponents of this pairing reside in Northern England, where it is considered a pudding.
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It's a popular combination in the American Midwest
While apple pie is not an American invention, the tradition of eating it with cheese is popular in certain parts of the United States, especially the Midwest. The combination of apple pie and cheese likely originated in England in the 17th century, when cooks often dressed their pies with sauces. This tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping them with cheese instead. In Yorkshire, for example, apple pie was served with Wensleydale cheese, which was eventually replaced with cheddar when people migrated to the New England region, as cheddar was more readily available in the States.
The popularity of apple pie with cheese in the Midwest can be attributed to several factors. One theory suggests that it became popular in states with large dairy populations, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Midwestern farmlands. Another factor may be the contrast between the sweetness of the apple pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese, creating a sweet and salty combination that some people enjoy.
There are various 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. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort can also be used.
The practice of eating apple pie with cheese has sparked mixed reactions, with some people loving it and others finding it unappetizing. However, it remains a beloved tradition in the American Midwest, with some considering the dessert incomplete without the cheese topper.
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It's a good pairing of sweet and salty
The pairing of apple pie with cheese is a combination that dates back to the 17th century in England. The tradition of using dairy-based sauces in pies evolved into topping them with cheese. The salty and sharp flavour of the cheese complements the sweetness of the apple pie. This pairing is similar to the combination of salty pretzels with chocolate dip.
The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is especially popular in the American Midwest, New England, parts of Canada, and Britain. In the United States, the combination of apple pie and cheese likely originated in the Northern states, where dairy products are abundant. States like Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Midwestern farmlands with large dairy populations are known for this pairing.
The type of cheese typically served with apple pie is sharp cheddar, which has been a customary pairing since the 1800s. However, other cheeses can also be used, such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even Roquefort. These cheeses can be melted on top of the pie, baked into the pie crust, added to the apple filling, or simply served on the side.
The contrast between the sweet apple pie and the salty, sharp cheese creates a unique flavour profile that some people enjoy. The poet Eugene Field (1850-1895) once wrote, “But I, when I undress me / Each night, upon my knees / Will ask the Lord to bless me / With apple pie and cheese.”. This pairing may not be to everyone's taste, but for those who appreciate the combination of sweet and salty flavours, it can be a delightful treat.
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It's a way to add more dairy to your diet
Apple pie and cheese is a combination that has existed for a long time, dating back to the 17th century in England. The tradition of adding cheese to apple pie likely stemmed from the practice of using dairy-based sauces in pies, providing a way to incorporate more dairy into one's diet.
In the past, dairy-based sauces were commonly used to dress pies in England. Over time, this practice evolved into topping pies with cheese, specifically Wensleydale cheese, which was later replaced by cheddar due to its greater availability in the United States. This combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese then spread across the pond to regions like New England, the Midwest, and parts of Canada.
The pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese creates a delightful contrast between the sweetness of the pie and the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese. This combination is often compared to the popular pairing of chocolate-covered pretzels. The addition of cheese to apple pie provides a savoury element that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
While the tradition of eating apple pie with cheese has endured, it is mostly concentrated in certain regions, particularly the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. The popularity of this combination in these regions can be attributed to their strong dairy industries, further emphasising the connection between apple pie and the incorporation of more dairy into one's diet.
Today, there are various ways to enjoy 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 type of cheese used can also vary, with traditional choices being sharp cheddar or Wensleydale, while other options include Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Roquefort.
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It's a way to make leftover pie more of a meal
The combination of apple pie and cheese is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century. During this time, it was common for English cooks to dress their pies with sauces, including dairy-based ones. This tradition of adding dairy-based sauces to pies evolved into topping them with cheese, specifically Wensleydale cheese, which was later replaced with cheddar as it became more readily available.
The pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese is particularly popular in the American Midwest, New England, parts of Canada, and Britain. The tradition may have gained traction in these regions due to their large dairy populations. For example, states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Midwestern farmlands are known for their dairy production.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may seem unusual to some, it offers a unique blend of sweet and salty flavours. The sharpness and saltiness of the cheese complement the sweetness of the apple pie, creating a satisfying contrast.
Cheese can be incorporated into apple pie in various ways. It can be melted on top of the pie, baked into the pie crust, mixed into the apple filling, or simply served on the side. Some enthusiasts even recommend experimenting with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or Roquefort, each contributing its distinct flavour profile to the dessert.
For those who enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch, adding cheese to leftover apple pie can transform it into a more substantial and savoury meal. The protein and fat content of the cheese can enhance the pie's nutritional value, making it a more filling and satisfying option. This combination may be especially appealing to those who appreciate the interplay of sweet and salty flavours, offering a unique twist to the traditional apple pie.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of cheese and apple pie is thought to have originated in England in the 17th century. The tradition of adding dairy-based sauces to pies evolved into topping them with cheese.
While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort can also be used.
You can melt the cheese on top of the pie, keep it cold, or serve it on the side. Some people also add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust.
One theory suggests that it became popular in states with large dairy populations, such as Michigan and Wisconsin. Another theory suggests that it was due to the influence of English migrants in the New England region.
Opinions vary. Some people love the sweet and salty combination, while others find it unappetizing.
