An apple pie without cheese is like a hug without a squeeze – something feels missing. Cheese adds a wonderful depth and creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet apples and flaky crust of apple pie. Just as a hug needs a little squeeze to feel warm and cozy, apple pie needs a gooey layer of cheese to feel complete.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of adding cheese to apple pie, the science behind why they go so well together, and recipes for apple pies with various types of cheese. Grab a fork and let’s dig in!
A Brief History of Cheese and Apple Pie
Apple pie and cheese have gone hand-in-hand since medieval times. Cookbooks from England in the 1300s have recipes combining apples and cheese in tarts. Food historians believe cheese was added to fruit pies to temper the sweetness of the filling. The savory cheese balances the sugar and gives the pie more complex flavors.
This classic pairing traveled to America with the first English settlers. Early American cookbooks in the 18th and 19th centuries feature apple pie recipes with cheddar or other cheeses mixed into the filling or melted on top.
Adding cheese to apple pie fell out of favor in the early 20th century. American pie making became standardized and focused on sweet fillings. Cheese was seen as an unusual addition. But the classic combination is making a comeback in recent years as bakers rediscover old pie recipes.
The Science Behind Apple Pie and Cheese
There’s some interesting food science behind why apple pie and cheese taste so good together.
First, cheese contributes extra fat and protein which generates more savory umami flavors. Umami balances against sugars and acids. The extra umami from cheese elevates the apple pie filling and keeps it from being one-note sweet.
Cheese also adds texture contrast. The apples are tender, the crust is flaky, and the cheese is gooey. This variety makes for more mouthfeel interest with each bite.
Finally, cheese acts as a flavor enhancer. Components in aged cheeses like parmesan interact with the apple filling to intensify the fruit flavors. The cheese brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.
Key Chemical Reactions
– Glutamates in cheese react with compounds in apples through the umami taste receptors. This amplifies the flavors.
– Fat carries flavor. High fat soft cheeses coat the mouth and lead to greater aroma release.
– Aged cheeses contain lactones that synergize with fruity esters to boost flavors.
– Proteins and sugars undergo the Maillard reaction during baking which produces complex, appealing aromas.
So the individual ingredients take the flavors up a notch when combined!
Popular Types of Cheese for Apple Pie
Now let’s explore some favorite cheeses to pair with apple pie. Which you choose will depend on the texture and flavors you prefer.
Cheddar
Buttery, slightly crumbly cheddar is a classic choice. It has moderate umami flavors that won’t overwhelm the pie filling. Aged cheddar will provide more enhancement of the apples’ sweetness.
Gruyère
For a nuttier flavor, gruyère is a great pick. It melts beautifully into the apples and adds earthy, caramel notes. Fruit and Gruyère is a standard pairing in French cuisine.
Brie
Soft and creamy brie makes the pie extra rich when baked on top. The buttery brie softens into the apples and gives a boost of lactone aroma compounds. Just avoid over-baking, as brie can become oily.
Blue Cheese
Looking for a twist? Blue cheese packs a punch of umami, flavor, and smooth texture when cooked. The spice and saltiness offset the sweet apples. A little blue cheese goes a long way in apple pie.
Mozzarella
For an easy cheese layer, fresh mozzarella is ideal. Low moisture mozzarella melts into stretchy deliciousness over the filling without making it soggy. Part-skim mozzarella has a bit more flavor than whole milk.
Parmesan
Grating aged parmesan or pecorino over an apple pie adds nutty umami right before serving. The cheese toasts and slightly crystallizes on the hot pie for delicious crunch. Keep some on hand to shake on for apple pie lovers.
Tips for Baking Apple Pie with Cheese
Now let’s get down to the baking basics! Here are some tips:
– Choose firm cheeses that can hold their shape when melted. Soft cheeses will make the pie soupy.
– Grate hard cheeses so they melt nicely into the apples.
– Add cheese cubes or shreds between the apple filling layers.
– For a two-crust pie, put cheese on the bottom crust before adding apples.
– To keep a soft cheese topping from getting oily, brush the pie crust with milk or egg wash before adding the cheese.
– Bake 10-15 minutes longer for pies with extra cheese.
– Allow thicker, taller pies to cool longer before serving so the cheese filling can set.
– Opt for part-skim or low moisture cheeses if making a very juicy apple filling.
– If cheese separates from the filling during baking, consider adding 1-2 tbsp flour or cornstarch to the apples next time.
– Get creative with combinations! Apples pair well with almost any cheese.
Classic Apple and Cheese Pie Recipes
Let’s look at some delicious recipes that highlight this dynamic flavor duo:
Classic Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese
This straightforward version features grated extra-sharp cheddar mixed into the apple filling. The flaky crust provides perfect contrast to the creamy cheese-enriched apples.
Ingredients
- Double pie crust
- 6-7 apples, peeled, cored, sliced
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2-3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until coated.
- Add cheddar and stir to evenly distribute.
- Pile apple mixture into bottom pie crust. Top with second crust and seal edges. Cut slits in top.
- Bake 40-50 minutes until crust is golden brown. Let cool at least 1 hour before serving.
Caramel Apple Pie with Goat Cheese
The tang of goat cheese beautifully offsets the caramelized apples in this gourmet pie. Pecans add extra crunch too.
Ingredients
- Double pie crust
- 5-6 apples, peeled, sliced
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
- 1⁄4 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 4 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In large skillet over medium heat, cook apples, brown sugar, and butter until apples are tender and caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp caramel sauce and lemon juice.
- To assemble pie, layer half the apple mixture, half the pecans, and half the goat cheese in bottom pie crust. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Top with second crust, seal edges, cut slits. Brush crust with 1 tbsp caramel.
- Bake 40-50 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool 1 hour before slicing.
Deep Dish Apple Pie with Brie and Cranberries
For an elegant presentation, bake the cheesy apple filling in a deep dish pie pan. Tangy cranberries and buttery brie complement each other beautifully.
Ingredients
- 9 inch deep dish pie crust
- 5-6 apples, peeled, sliced
- 1⁄2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
- 1⁄8 tsp allspice
- 4 oz brie, cut into cubes
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In large bowl, gently mix apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, and spices.
- Add brie cubes and fold gently to incorporate.
- Pile into deep dish pie crust.
- Bake 50-60 minutes until apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for 1 hour before slicing.
Creative Ideas for Apple and Cheese Pies
So far we’ve stuck to classic cheese choices for apple pie. But don’t be afraid to get inventive with other cheese varieties too!
Here are some fun flavor combinations to try:
- Apple pie with balsamic onions and gorgonzola
- Apple and pear pie with fontina
- Caramelized apple pie with mascarpone
- Apple cheddar pie with bacon
- Apple pie with edam cheese
- Green apple pie with camembert
- Spiced apple pie with queso fresco
The possibilities are endless! Apples pair well with most cheese flavors.
Feel free to mix sweet apples with savory soft cheeses, or tart apples with extremely creamy cheeses.
Just adjust any standard apple pie recipe to swap in your favorite cheese. Reduce the sugar slightly to balance stronger cheese flavors.
Enjoying Your Slice of Apple Cheese Pie
Apple and cheese pie deserves a slow savoring to appreciate the medley of textures and flavors in each bite. The crunch of the flaky pastry with the soft apples, tangy cheese, and warm spices is an experience for the senses.
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Top with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to balance the richness
- Pair apple cheddar pie with a hot cup of coffee or black tea
- For apple brie pie, serve with crisp white wine or hard cider
- Garnish slices with chopped roasted walnuts
- Drizzle on some honey or maple syrup
- Serve wedge slices on pretty dessert plates
Be sure to store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge. The flavors in apple cheese pie keep improving the next day!
Conclusion
Apple pie gets an extra layer of comfort when cheese joins the filling. Don’t deny your slice that cozy, craveworthy squeeze of dairy delight!
With practice you can master the perfect apple to cheese ratio and baking times. Cheddar, brie, blue, goat, and many other cheeses all pair splendidly with apples.
Next time you make or order apple pie, ask for a slice with cheese and savor the extra richness and depth of flavor in every forkful. Just like a hug needs a good squeeze, apple pie needs cheese to feel complete!