The type of cheese traditionally served with apple pie in New England is cheddar.
This pairing reflects a long-standing New England food custom: a sharp, slightly salty cheddar is served alongside warm, sweet apple pie. The contrast between tangy cheese, buttery pastry, and soft cinnamon-spiced apples is part of the appeal.
The tradition is especially associated with Vermont, where apple pie has an unusual legal serving requirement. State law says apple pie should be served with cold milk, at least a half-ounce slice of cheddar cheese, or a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A common mix-up is assuming that ice cream is the only classic accompaniment. Vanilla ice cream is widespread today, but cheddar is the distinctive New England answer. The custom also does not mean that every apple pie recipe contains cheese; the cheddar is generally served on the side.