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Rustic Apple Cheddar Galette with Fresh Thyme

Rustic Apple Cheddar Galette with Fresh Thyme

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)

Description

Rustic Apple Cheddar Galette with Fresh Thyme is a deliciously flaky and buttery crust filled with crisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic fresh thyme. This beautifully balanced dish combines sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors perfect for brunch, light dinners, or as an elegant appetizer. Easy to make and versatile, it highlights seasonal ingredients for a comforting yet impressive treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 23 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

  • 3 fresh apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

For Assembly and Finishing

  • 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, salt, and cubed cold butter in a food processor or bowl, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to develop flakiness.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Core and thinly slice the fresh apples. Toss them gently with lemon juice, honey, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt to coat and prevent browning while adding subtle sweetness and flavor. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
  3. Assemble the Galette: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top of the apples. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating the dough to create a rustic, free-form crust.
  4. Add the Finishing Touches: Brush the exposed dough crust with the beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the crust edges to enhance caramelization and add a pleasant crunch.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the galette for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheddar cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Keep all ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Do not overwork the dough; mix just until combined to avoid toughness.
  • Firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and complement the savory cheese.
  • Add fresh thyme both in the filling and sprinkled on top for layered herbal notes.
  • Toss the apple slices with lemon juice and honey to lock in moisture and prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of galette)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty-two g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: apple galette, cheddar galette, rustic galette, fresh thyme, apple tart, savory galette, autumn recipe, brunch recipe, flaky crust