Apple pie is considered an iconic American dessert, with its origins tracing back to the early colonial days. While the classic version is often served plain or with ice cream, some regions of the U.S. have put their own spin on this classic treat by adding a slice of cheddar cheese on top. This cheesy apple pie combination has especially become associated with the South. But is cheese on apple pie truly a southern tradition, or is this notion just a generalization? Let’s take a deeper look at the history and prevalence of cheese on apple pie across different parts of the U.S.
The History of Cheese and Apple Pie in America
Apple pies and cheese have both been present in America since colonial times, but when and where did they start to be combined together? Here is a brief overview:
- Apple pies originated from early English and Dutch settlers in the 1600s. Apples were one of the fruits easily grown in the colonies.
- Cheesemaking also dates back to the early colonies, with English, Dutch, and German settlers all bringing cheesemaking traditions. Cheddar and apple pairings emerged in colonial America.
- The first published recipes for cheddar apple pie emerged in the early 1800s. For example, in 1826 the cookbook “The Virginia Housewife” by Mary Randolph included a recipe for apple pie with cheddar mixed into the filling.
- In the late 1800s into the early 1900s, adding cheddar or other cheese on top of apple pie started to become more common. Recipes were published in cookbooks and newspapers across different parts of the country.
- The pairing gained wider awareness when President Roosevelt served cheddar apple pie at a White House state dinner in 1903.
So while apple pies originated in the early colonial states like Pennsylvania and Virginia, the habit of topping them with cheese emerged in the 19th century throughout America. So despite its strong southern associations now, cheese apple pie has origins across many regions.
Prevalence of Cheese on Apple Pie Today
These days, cheese on apple pie is most strongly associated with the South and Midwest. Here is some data on where cheese apple pie is popular today:
| Region | Popularity of Cheese on Apple Pie |
|---|---|
| South | Very common, considered a traditional southern dessert. Especially popular in states like Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida. |
| Midwest | Also fairly common, although not as ubiquitous as in the South. Most popular in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana. |
| Northeast | Less common and seen as an unusual pie topping here. Certain areas like upstate New York and Pennsylvania have some popularity. |
| West Coast | Rare, cheese on apple pie is not part of regional food traditions. |
This data shows that cheese apple pie is most strongly ingrained into the food cultures and traditions of the South and parts of the Midwest. While not exclusive to these areas, cheese on apple pie is certainly most closely tied to southern foodways out of all U.S. regions today.
Reasons Behind the Popularity in the South
So why did cheese on apple pie catch on and become so beloved specifically in the South? Here are some of the top reasons behind its regional popularity:
- The South has a strong dairy production history, especially when it comes to cheddar cheese. Southern cooks had easy access to quality cheddar to put on pies.
- Cheddar melts well and complements the flavors of a sweet apple pie filling, appealing to southern culinary tastes.
- The South has always embraced fruit pies and comfort foods. Cheese apple pie brings these two traditions together.
- Cheese enhances the flavor of apples and gives the pie more protein. This addition would help make a little bit of pie filling go farther to feed more people.
- Cheese apple pie gained favor at potlucks and church socials. The communal nature of these events helped popularize it.
- Once it caught on, cheese apple pie became ingrained into southern food memories and nostalgia around classic southern foods.
The combination of the South’s fruit pie customs, access to excellent cheddar cheese, and the community-centered way it was often eaten helped cheese apple pie become an iconic regional dessert.
Classic Southern Cheese Pairings
While any cheese can be used, authentic southern-style cheese apple pies are typically topped with specific types of cheese. Here are some of the most traditional and popular cheese choices:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is by far the most traditional and popular cheese for apple pie in the South. Mild to medium-sharp cheddars are favored, with their buttery flavor complementing the apples nicely. White cheddar in particular gives a nice color contrast with the pie filling.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a slightly tangy, semi-soft cheese that melts smoothly. It is a common choice for cheese apple pies in Texas and throughout the southern states.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is less common but still used, lending its distinctive nutty flavor and smooth melting texture to the pie.
Pepper Jack Cheese
For those who like some heat, pepper jack is sometimes used to give the apple pie a kick of spice. The peppers are a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Gruyère
Gruyère is an extra creamy Swiss cheese that is another option for those who want something bolder than mild cheddar. It melts beautifully.
Making Perfect Cheese Apple Pie
Want to try your hand at making this classic southern specialty? Here are some top tips:
- Use pie apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the optimal texture.
- Mix some cornstarch into the filling to help thicken it.
- Brush the top crust with milk or egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the cheese so it won’t get too melty.
- Grate or slice the cheese thinly so it melts nicely and evenly.
- Return the pie to the oven for 5-10 minutes after adding cheese to melt it.
- Let the pie cool for about 15 minutes more before slicing for perfect cheese coverage in each piece.
With the right techniques and ingredients, you can achieve the ideal balance of tender, flaky crust, sweet and spiced apples, and gooey melted cheese in each forkful.
Fun Variations
While the classic apple and cheddar version is tough to beat, some fun regional twists on cheese apple pie include:
- Caramel apple pecan cheese pie – popular in Georgia and Alabama
- Brown sugar cream cheese apple pie – found in Mississippi and Louisiana
- Apple cranberry gouda pie – made with fall fruits in Virginia
- Spicy apple pepper jack pie – with a kick of jalapeños in Texas
Feel free to get creative with different fillings and cheese choices!
Enjoying Cheese Apple Pie Today
While cheese on apple pie may have originally been a regional southern tradition, today it can be found across America:
- Many southern restaurants serve it proudly as a signature dessert.
- National chains like Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s, Shoney’s, and more offer it on menus.
- Online recipes have helped it spread beyond its southern roots.
- Other regions are starting to experiment more with the novel flavor combination.
So feel free to enjoy cheese on your apple pie no matter where you live! Just know that when you do so, you’re tasting a little bit of quintessential southern culinary history with every bite.
Conclusion
Cheese apple pie is most definitely closely associated with the American South today. But tracing its origins shows that it developed across different parts of the U.S. in the 1800s before becoming a signature southern tradition in the 1900s. While cheese on apple pie is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the country now, it remains an iconic part of southern food heritage. With its irresistible flavor and rustic roots, cheese apple pie will always feel a little bit like a taste of the South, no matter where you eat it.