A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

46/51 Previous Next

© Metamore Studio/shutterstock

Vermont: Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese

Vermont might best be known for its maple syrup, but its most iconic food tradition brings together two other favorites: apple pie and cheddar cheese. “Apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze,” as the old saying goes, and many Vermonters take that to heart. In Vermont, it’s common to enjoy a thick slice of sharp cheddar cheese either on top of or alongside a piece of warm apple pie. This practice dates back to English settlers in New England – in Old England, fruit pies were sometimes accompanied by cheese – and Vermont, with its robust dairy (cheddar) industry and abundant apple orchards, carried on the tradition. The pairing might sound odd to those who haven’t tried it, but the contrast of flavors is magical: the cheddar’s salty, tangy bite complements the sweet, cinnamony apples, and its creaminess plays off the flaky pie crust. Usually, a well-aged Vermont cheddar is used (the sharper the better) to stand up to the sweetness of the pie. Some people melt the cheddar on top of the pie under a broiler for a savory lid, while others prefer it cold on the side – both ways are accepted. This dessert (or breakfast!) duo is so ingrained in Vermont culture that in 1999, Vermont passed a law making apple pie the official state pie and suggesting it be served with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a slice of cheddar cheese. The debate over cheese-with-pie continues playfully in diners and family kitchens, but in Vermont at least, many will tell you that an apple pie just isn’t complete without a slab of cheddar to go with it. It’s a quintessential New England experience that captures Vermont’s farming traditions in each bite.