Frederic Melton
Apple pie and cheese is a culinary combination that has sparked intrigue, delight, and controversy. While some people swear by this pairing, others are left scratching their heads. The unusual duo has a long history, with roots tracing back to England in the 17th century. So, why do they serve cheese with apple pie, and how did this tradition come to be?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Origin Date | 17th century |
| Origin Reason | Dairy-based sauces were common in pies |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Wensleydale, Colby, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, Roquefort |
| Region | American Midwest, New England, Canada, Britain |
| Serving Style | Melted on top, cold, on the side, added to apple filling, or as a savory cheddar crust |
| Serving Time | Breakfast |
| Complementary Drinks | Glass of milk |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition's origins in England
The tradition of serving cheese with apple pie appears to have originated in England. In the 14th century, English farmers began wrapping apples in inedible pastry "coffins", creating the prototype of what we now know as apple pie. In the 17th century, it became popular to top these pies with dairy-based sauces, such as custard. Eventually, this morphed into the tradition of topping apple pie with cheese, particularly in Yorkshire, where apple pie was served with Wensleydale cheese. This is likely how the phrase "an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze" originated.
English settlers brought this culinary tradition to North America, particularly to New England and the Midwest, where dairy farming flourished and cheese was most accessible. In these regions, the tradition of serving apple pie with cheese took hold and remains popular to this day. In Vermont, there is even a 1999 law requiring proprietors of apple pie to make a "good faith effort" to serve it with a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce.
While the exact origins of the tradition in England may be debated, with some attributing it to the early 17th century and others claiming it dates back to the Medieval period, it is clear that the combination of apple pie and cheese has a long and storied history. Today, the tradition is most strongly associated with New England and the Midwest, but it can also be found in parts of England and Canada, where it continues to be a beloved and controversial culinary pairing.
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The popularity of apple pie with cheese in the US
Apple pie and cheese is a food combination that has long been a topic of debate. While some people swear by it, others are left confused by the pairing. The combination is especially popular in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. Vermont even has a 1999 law mandating that apple pie be served with ice cream, cold milk, or "a slice of cheddar cheese weighing a minimum of 1/2 ounce".
In the US, cheese, specifically sharp cheddar, has been served with apple pie as early as the 1800s. The combination of the gooey, syrupy sweetness of the filling and the buttery, flaky crust of the apple pie is complemented by the salty, savory sharpness of the cheese. The cheese can be melted on top, kept cold, or served on the side. Some people even add cheese to the apple filling or make a savory cheddar crust. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, gruyère, and roquefort can also be used.
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The cheese varieties that are used
The tradition of serving cheese with apple pie is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, where pies were often topped with dairy-based sauces. Over time, this evolved into a preference for topping pies with cheese. While various cheese varieties can be paired with apple pie, sharp Cheddar is the most traditional and popular choice. In the United States, where the tradition was brought by English settlers, apple pie was often served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. This combination is especially prevalent in New England, the Midwest, and parts of Canada. In Yorkshire, England, apple pie was traditionally served with Wensleydale cheese, a local variety.
Other cheese varieties that can be paired with apple pie include:
- Longhorn Colby: This cheese variety is commonly offered alongside sharp cheddar in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
- Gouda: Gouda has nutty and caramelly notes that can complement the flavours of apple pie.
- Parmesan: Parmesan offers a nutty flavour with a salty twist.
- Gruyère: Gruyère is known for its earthy, sweet, and creamy characteristics, making it a complex and satisfying pairing with apple pie.
- Roquefort: An intense, aromatic blue cheese, Roquefort can be crumbled over apple pie for a unique flavour profile.
When serving apple pie with cheese, there are several ways to incorporate the cheese. The cheese can be melted on top of the pie, kept cold, or served on the side. It can also be added to the apple filling or used to make a savoury cheddar crust.
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How to serve the cheese with apple pie
The combination of apple pie and cheese is a polarising one, with some people loving it, and others not understanding why anyone would put cheese on apple pie. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese is thought to have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, and some people began to use cheddar cheese instead. This combination is still popular in the Northeast and Midwest of the US, as well as parts of Canada and Britain.
If you want to serve apple pie with cheese, there are a few different ways to do it. You can simply top the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, either melted on top, cold, or served on the side. You can also add cheese to the apple filling or make a savoury cheddar crust. If you want to get creative, you can try using different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Gruyère, Parmesan, or even Roquefort.
Apple pie with cheese is already quite flavourful, so you may want to serve it by itself. However, if you want to serve it with another ingredient, something sweet and salty like salted caramel sauce would pair well, especially if you're using a cheese like Gruyere or Gouda. If you're looking for a drink pairing, a stiff glass of bourbon or whiskey, a dry white wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer, or a glass of cider would all be good options.
If you want to bake an apple pie with cheese, there are a few recipes you can try. One recipe suggests combining flour, sugar, salt, butter, and cheddar cheese for the crust. Another recipe includes a step where you toss apples and lemon juice in a bowl, and then pour a mixture of flour, sugar, and cinnamon over the apples before transferring them to the pie crust.
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Why Southerners don't eat apple pie with cheese
While apple pie and cheese is a beloved combination for many, Southerners are not accustomed to it. The tradition of eating apple pie with cheese dates back to England in the 17th century, where pies were topped with dairy-based sauces or custard. Over time, this evolved into the practice of topping pies with cheese, particularly cheddar or Wensleydale in Yorkshire. This combination was then brought to North America by English settlers, gaining popularity in regions with dairy farming and easy access to cheese, such as New England and the Midwest.
However, Southerners have not widely adopted this tradition. While they may enjoy apples and cheddar cheese together on a cheese board, they typically do not combine these ingredients in a pie. When served apple pie with cheese, a Southerner is more likely to ask for ice cream instead. The preference for apple pie without cheese in the South may be due to regional culinary preferences and traditions that differ from those in the North.
It's worth noting that the combination of apple pie and cheese is a matter of personal taste. Some people enjoy the contrast of sweet and savory flavors, while others find the idea of pairing pie with cheese unusual or unappealing. The addition of cheese to apple pie can be a polarizing topic, with enthusiasts and skeptics on both sides.
Furthermore, the type of apple pie and cheese used can also influence the overall experience. Traditional recipes call for sharp cheddar cheese, but other varieties such as Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even Roquefort can be used to add different flavor notes to the dessert. The sweetness of the apples and the spices used in the pie filling also play a role in how well the pie pairs with cheese.
In conclusion, Southerners generally do not eat apple pie with cheese due to regional traditions and preferences. While the combination may be popular in other parts of the United States and has a long history dating back to England, it has not gained widespread acceptance in the South. This unique culinary pairing continues to spark curiosity and debate among dessert enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of cheese and apple pie is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century, when dairy-based sauces were commonly added to pies. Over time, this morphed into the tradition of topping pies with cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese is the most traditional and popular variety of cheese served with apple pie. However, there are regional preferences, such as Wensleydale in Yorkshire, England, and Colby in Pennsylvania, US.
The custom of serving cheese with apple pie is especially prevalent in the American Midwest, New England, and parts of Canada and Britain. It is also found in other regions with a strong dairy farming presence, such as Pennsylvania and New York City in the US.
