Apple Pie with Cheese

We all know the joy of the classic American dessert combination of apple pie and vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect end to a meal, especially if the pie is still warm from the oven. But have you ever made a fresh slice of apple pie with cheese grated in? I know it may sound a little odd, but sometimes the best combinations are! Many say apple pie with cheese is the only way to go, so we just had to try it.

Why do people eat apple pie with cheddar cheese?

Apple pie has been an American classic for many centuries, though its flavor has sweetened considerably over time. Both apple pie and cheese were brought over from England many centuries ago, and they were taken seriously enough to stick around to this day. Some regions of the U.S. take their devotion to cheese especially seriously—an urban myth in Wisconsin says it’s illegal to serve a slice of apple pie without some cheddar cheese!

While this combo initially might seem a little strange, it’s not so uncommon if you think about it. Cheese and apples show up in all sorts of fan favorites, like grilled cheese with apples, fruit on charcuterie boards or the classic snack of cheese with a slice of raw apple. The savory cheese is a lovely balance to the sweet pie, pairing much more subtly than you may expect.

Ingredients for Apple Pie with Cheese

• Pie crust: We tried to make this apple pie recipe with cheddar cheese as easy as possible, which means using a premade crust. But ambitious bakers can whip up a homemade pie crust. You’ll need only one, though, since we finish the pie with a crumble topping.
• Apples: A medium-sized apple will typically yield 1-1/3 cups sliced apples, so you’ll need four apples to get 5 cups. If you’re unsure about the size of your apples, just buy five to be on the safe side. I love to use leftover apples for our fall simmer pot recipe.
• Lemon juice: A bit of lemon juice prevents the sliced apples from oxidizing and turning an unpleasant brown color. The juice also adds a subtle brightness among the heavy warming flavors.
• All-purpose flour: As the pie bakes, the apples will break down and release a lot of their juices. Toss in 3 tablespoons flour so those juices thicken into a caramelly sauce. Without the flour, you’ll be left with sweet apple soup.
• Sugar: Our apple pie and cheddar cheese recipe is sweetened with granulated sugar in the filling and brown sugar in the topping.
• Butter: Melt 1/3 cup butter to make the crumbly streusel topping.
• Cheese: This is the main event! Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. We recommend freshly shredded instead of pre-shredded cheddar cheese because pre-shredded has anti-caking agents like cellulose that can affect the texture of the topping and the flavor of the pie.

Directions

Step 1: Lay out the pie crust

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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Press the premade pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, crimping the edges as desired.

Step 2: Make the filling

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Toss the apples and lemon juice in a bowl until well combined. In another small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the apples and gently toss to combine.

Transfer the apple pie filling mixture to the prepared pie crust.

Editor’s Tip: It’s OK if there is a mound of apples in the crust. The apples cook down and shrink during baking.

Step 3: Add the cheese topping

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For the topping, in a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.

Step 4: Bake the pie

Pop the apple pie with cheddar cheese into the oven and bake it for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°, and continue baking until the crust is browned and the apple filling is bubbly, another 30 to 35 minutes.

Carefully take the apple pie out of the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing.

Editor’s Tip: I like to place a sheet pan on the rack underneath the apple pie rack to catch anything that may bubble over and out of the pan. It’s a lot easier to clean a sheet pan than the bottom of an oven!

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Recipe Variations

• Try another cheese: Apple pie with cheddar cheese is a wonderful duo, but other cheeses like Gruyere and aged Gouda would be just as delicious. If you like spicy, pepper jack would add a good kick.
• Grate cheese into the crust: Want to fit more cheese into the apple pie? Some folks bake cheese into the apple filling or make a cheddar pie crust. Try it out!

How to Store Apple Pie with Cheese

Let your apple pie with cheese completely cool to room temperature, then wrap the pie in its pan with storage wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze apple pie with cheese?

Yes, you can freeze apple pie with cheese. It is possible to freeze your pie baked or unbaked, although unbaked is best. Place your pie, uncovered, in the freezer until it’s frozen solid, two to three hours. Then, wrap the pie in a few layers of storage wrap or close the pie in a resealable bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Once you’re ready to eat the pie, take it out of the freezer. If the pie is already baked, let it thaw while you preheat the oven to 350°. You need to only refresh it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. If the pie is unbaked, thaw it completely, then bake it according to this recipe’s directions.

Apple Pie with Cheese Tips

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What apples are best for apple pie with cheese?

The best apples for apple pie with cheese are the same as the best apples for making apple pie. Look for apples with a firm texture that will hold up well during baking and a tart flavor to carry the distinct “apple” flavor through to the end. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cameo and Pink Lady are some of the best options.

Can I just melt a slice of cheese over a slice of classic apple pie?

Absolutely! That way, you can try the apple pie with cheese on just one slice. Bake a classic apple pie, let it cool, cut a slice and lay a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Heat the apple pie and cheese slice in the microwave just until the cheese melts, and then dive in.

What else should I serve alongside apple pie with cheese?

Apple pie with cheese is already so full of complex flavors that it may be best to serve it by itself. However, if we had to choose another accompanying ingredient, it would be something sweet and salty, like salted caramel sauce (especially if you’re using Gruyere or Gouda cheese).

If after-dinner drinks or wine pairings are what you’re after, pour a stiff glass of bourbon or whiskey, break out any dry white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer, or serve a slice of pie with a glass of cider.