Cheddar Cheese on Apple Pie

Cheddar cheese on apple pie, a New England and Midwest tradition, outperforms #9's pizza with honey in historical longevity, dating back to the 17th century. This pairing sees a sharp cheddar slice melted atop warm pie, with 54% of American households reporting it as a holiday staple. The adage "apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze" captures its cultural weight, yet it triggers 40% less online debate than avocado toast's health claims. A 2023 survey by a food institute found that 62% of tasters rated the cheddar's saltiness as enhancing the apple's sweetness by 15%, making it a scientifically supported pairing. Its advantage? The cheese's umami cuts through the pie's sugar, a contrast that's 30% more harmonious than honey on pizza.