Trying to decide between a cheese or dessert course for Thanksgiving? Have your cheese and eat it too with these decadent desserts that combine the best of both worlds. From the classic apple pie with cheddar cheese crust to an inventive pumpkin pie with aged gouda, we’ve got you covered.
Caramel Apple Pie with Smoked Cheddar Crust
Some folks enjoy a slice of cheddar with their apple pie. We take that Yankee and Midwest custom to the next level by baking cheese right into the crust and drizzling slices with salted caramel to amplify the umami richness. Use a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate for this recipe.
Pumpkin Pie with Aged Gouda
Aged gouda brings caramelized sweetness and complexity to our favorite autumn dessert: pumpkin pie. Feeling festive? Decorate pie top with leaf or star shapes cut from pastry dough. Use a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate for this recipe.
Apple Hand Pies with Cheddar Crust
A twist on the American classic, these mini pies marry sweet and savory with the addition of Landaff cheese in their flaky, buttery crust. The Welsh-style cheddar, made in New Hampshire at Landaff Creamery and aged in Vermont at the Cellars at Jasper Hill, is a delectable backdrop to spiced apples and pears. If you can’t get your hands on it, substitute any cheddar-style cheese.
Cranberry Apple Crisp with Grand Marnier Mascarpone
Tart cranberries are complemented by buttery oatmeal crisp and creamy mascarpone. Jonagold, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady apples all work especially well in this recipe. Best served warm from the oven.
Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Candied Carrots and Ginger Whipped Cream
While cake might not be the first thing that comes to mind for Thanksgiving dessert, carrot and ginger make this a classic choice for turkey day. Cream cheese pinch hits for a stick of butter in this decadent recipe, while unsweetened ginger whipped cream keeps things from getting too cloying.
Josie Krogh
Josie Krogh is culture's Digital Strategy Lead. She earned her master's degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from The University of Georgia. Josie developed a love of food while working at farmstands in the D.C. area as a young adult, and discovered her love of cheese while living and working on a dairy farm on Martha's Vineyard. Josie currently lives in Catskill, NY.
