Selecting the Cheese

• Choose the kind of cheddar you enjoy eating the most to put into your pie filling. Whether it is mild, medium or sharp, aged or still relatively new, you are in charge. If you want the taste of the cheddar to be more prominent, then choose a sharper-tasting cheddar. If you just want it in the background, go for a milder version.

Not Too Small

• When you prepare the cheddar to add to the apple pie filling, keep in mind how long the pie will be in the oven. If you grate the cheese or add it to the filling in very small pieces, you may not end up with the texture you want. Cut the cheddar into 1/2-inch cubes instead, so it is just melted by the time the apples are cooked and the crust is golden brown.

Incorporate It Well

• Take the time to ensure that the cheese cubes are incorporated evenly through the filling. You don't want to risk serving slices of pie that contain no cheese -- or some that have more cheese than apple. Mix it all up in the bowl with a large spoon, then give it a quick inspection after you place the filling into the pie crust. If you notice any sections with more cheese than others, even them out before laying the top section of crust on the filling.

Baked Into the Crust

• Along with baking cheddar right into the pie, you can also bake it into the crust. Use grated cheese and add it to the ingredients when you are making the pie dough. Use about 1 cup of cheese for added flavor in the crust. Or sprinkle grated cheddar over the top of the pie during the last few minutes of baking.