Cheese-Topped Apple Pie

Don’t be misled by this unusual combination! Pairing apple pie with cheese is a delightful experience that’s definitely worth tasting, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more.

Everyone is familiar with the delightful pairing of apple pie and vanilla ice cream, a quintessential American dessert that makes for a wonderful conclusion to any meal—especially when the pie is still warm from baking. But have you ever considered adding grated cheese to your freshly baked apple pie? It might seem unconventional, but some of the most surprising combinations can turn out to be the best! There are those who insist that apple pie is incomplete without cheese, so we decided to give it a shot.

People enjoy pairing apple pie with cheddar cheese for several reasons. The combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures: the sweetness of the pie complements the sharp, savory taste of the cheese. Additionally, the creamy texture of melted cheddar provides a rich mouthfeel that enhances the overall eating experience. This pairing has historical roots in certain regions, particularly in the United States, where it has become a beloved tradition. Ultimately, it’s a unique blend that appeals to both sweet and savory palates.

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.

Components 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.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pie crust.

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Preheat your oven to 425°F. Fit the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, making sure to crimp the edges to your liking.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

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Combine the apples and lemon juice in a bowl, tossing them until they are evenly mixed. In a separate small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, and cinnamon together with a whisk. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and carefully toss to ensure everything is well coated.

Pour the apple pie filling into 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: Sprinkle on the cheese topping

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In a spacious bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese for the topping. Evenly distribute this mixture over the apples.

Step 4: Place the pie in the oven to bake.

Place the apple pie topped with cheddar cheese in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 375° and keep baking until the crust turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling, which should take an additional 30 to 35 minutes.

Gently remove the apple pie from the oven and allow it to cool down entirely to room temperature before cutting into it.

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 Alternatives

• 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 Preserve Apple Pie with Cheese

Allow your apple pie with cheese to cool entirely to room temperature. After that, either wrap the pie in its pan using plastic wrap or place individual slices in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days.

Yes, you can freeze apple pie with cheese. It's best to freeze it before baking for optimal texture and flavor. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake it, you can bake it straight from the freezer, just allow for additional baking time.

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.

When you're prepared to enjoy the pie, remove it from the freezer. If the pie has been baked, allow it to thaw while you preheat your oven to 350°F. You will only need to warm it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. If the pie is unbaked, fully thaw it first, then follow the baking instructions provided in this recipe.

Tips for Enjoying Apple Pie with Cheese

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When making apple pie with cheese, it's best to use apples that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness, along with a firm texture that holds up well during baking. Some of the best apple varieties for this purpose include: 1. **Granny Smith**: These tart apples add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pie and cheese. 2. **Honeycrisp**: Known for their sweetness and crisp texture, they provide a delicious flavor combination. 3. **Braeburn**: These apples offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors and hold their shape well when baked. 4. **Jonagold**: A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, they are sweet with a hint of tartness, making them a great choice for pie. 5. **Northern Spy**: These apples are tart and juicy, perfect for adding depth to your pie. Combining a few of these varieties can enhance the flavor and texture of your apple pie, especially when paired 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.

Is it possible to simply melt a slice of cheese on top of a 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.

Consider serving a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside your apple pie with cheese. You could also add a side of caramel sauce for drizzling, or some toasted nuts for added crunch. A warm cup of spiced cider or a rich coffee can complement the flavors beautifully as well. For a savory touch, try including a charcuterie board with cured meats and crackers to balance the sweetness of the pie.

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.