Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is a delightful combination of crispy, flaky pastry and the savory-sweet flavors of sharp cheddar and tender apples. With just a few simple ingredients, this galette is the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy gathering, or just treating yourself, the balance of flavors and textures makes it irresistible.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this cozy recipe, including its origin, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some delicious variations. Plus, we’ll dive into a few frequently asked questions to make sure you get the best results every time you bake this mouthwatering galette.
What is an Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette?
An Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is a French-inspired pastry that consists of a tender, buttery crust filled with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and juicy, thinly-sliced apples. The galette is a free-form pastry, meaning it doesn’t require a pie pan, making it easier to prepare than a traditional pie. The combination of the sweet apples with the tangy cheddar creates a unique flavor profile that’s both satisfying and comforting.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and rustic appearance. The dough is folded over the filling to form a loose, open-faced crust, which allows the filling to show off its layers. It’s perfect for those who want something a little more elegant than a simple apple pie, but still easy enough to prepare for a busy evening.
The Origin of the Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette
The galette is a French pastry that dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally, it was a simple, rustic pie made with whatever fruits were in season, often served as a humble dessert or snack. While it has evolved over the years, the concept of the galette remains the same: a free-form pastry that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The combination of apples and cheddar, however, is a more recent American twist. The rich, creamy texture of cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with the crisp sweetness of apples, creating a balance of flavors that enhances both the fruit and the cheese. The Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is a perfect example of how classic French techniques and American flavors come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients (for 6–8 Servings)
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
Filling:
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken juices)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for layering)
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Fresh thyme or cracked black pepper for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the water, so be sure to add it gradually.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
2: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and flour.
- Let the mixture rest while you roll out the dough, allowing the juices to thicken slightly.
3: Assemble the Galette
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a sheet of parchment paper into a 12-inch circle.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the apple slices neatly over the cheddar cheese.
- Carefully fold the dough edges over the filling, overlapping as necessary to form a rustic edge. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical; the beauty is in the rustic look.
4: Finish & Bake
- Brush the exposed crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar (optional) for added crunch and sweetness.
- Carefully transfer the galette (on the parchment paper) to a baking sheet.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
5: Serve
- Allow the galette to cool slightly before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or a light drizzle of honey for an extra touch of flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a slice of aged cheddar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations of the Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette
While this Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to switch things up. Here are a few options:
- Savory Twist with Bacon: Add a few thinly sliced red onions or crispy bacon bits to the filling for a savory, salty contrast to the sweet apples.
- Richer Flavor with Gruyère: Substitute the sharp cheddar for gruyère cheese, which offers a creamier, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free without compromising the texture too much.
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep the flavors intact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
What type of apples are best for this galette?
The best apples for this galette are those that hold their shape when baked. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith are all great choices because they provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheese gives a better texture and melts more evenly, making it the preferred choice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the galette the day before, store it in the fridge, and then bake it fresh before serving. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before serving.
Can I freeze this Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette?
Yes, you can freeze the galette before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven, and bake for an extra 10 minutes or so.
Conclusion
The Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is a delightful and comforting dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re enjoying it as a dessert or a savory snack, the blend of tender apples and sharp cheddar makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. By following the simple instructions, you can create a delicious galette that’s perfect for any occasion. Try out the variations to put your own spin on this rustic treat, and don’t forget to serve it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
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A Cozy Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Flaky
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette is a French-inspired pastry that consists of a tender, buttery crust filled with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and juicy, thinly-sliced apples. The galette is a free-form pastry, meaning it doesn’t require a pie pan, making it easier to prepare than a traditional pie. The combination of the sweet apples with the tangy cheddar creates a unique flavor profile that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3–4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken juices)
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for layering)
For Finishing:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Fresh thyme or cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until pea-sized crumbs form.
Stir in shredded cheddar.
Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together.
Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
Let rest while rolling out the dough (juices will slightly thicken).
Assemble the Galette
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
Arrange apple slices neatly over the cheese.
Fold dough edges over the filling, overlapping as needed.
Finish & Bake
Brush crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
Transfer parchment with galette to a baking sheet.
Bake 40–45 minutes, until crust is golden and apples are tender.
Serve
Cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or a light drizzle of honey.
Serve warm or at room temperature — pairs beautifully with a slice of aged cheddar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
This Apple Cheddar Rustic Galette perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors! Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy it with a side salad for a cozy brunch. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or brie for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Apple Galette, Cheddar Apple Galette, Rustic Apple Cheddar Pie, Savory Apple Galette, Sweet and Savory Galette
