“An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze.” This old saying might raise a few eyebrows, but trust us, once you try our Rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette, you’ll be a believer in this unexpectedly delicious pairing.

This galette (fancy French talk for a free-form tart) marries the sweetness of apples with the sharp, creamy notes of aged cheddar cheese. It’s like your cheese board and dessert had a beautiful, delicious baby. The star apples here are Braeburns or Pink Ladies – varieties that hold their shape well when baked and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart.

But let’s talk about that cheese for a moment. We’re not just sprinkling some pre-shredded cheddar on top and calling it a day. Oh no. We’re incorporating finely grated aged cheddar right into the pastry dough. This not only adds a subtle savory note to the crust but also gives it an incredible flaky texture that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).

The filling is where simplicity shines. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with just a touch of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The key here is to not overshadow the natural flavor of the apples or the cheese. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds an unexpected herbal note that ties everything together beautifully.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the rustic part. This galette is meant to look homemade, so don’t stress about making it perfect. The edges are folded over the filling haphazardly, creating a charming, free-form shape that says, “Yeah, I made this with my own two hands.” As it bakes, the crust turns golden brown, the cheese becomes nutty and complex, and the apples soften into tender submission.

Serving suggestions? Keep it simple. A dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is all you need. And here’s a little secret – this galette is just as delicious at room temperature as it is warm, making it perfect for picnics or make-ahead dinner parties.

This rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette is more than just a dessert. It’s a conversation starter, a flavor adventure, and a testament to the magic that happens when you think outside the recipe box. It’s the kind of dish that will have your guests asking, “What’s in this?” with wonder in their eyes.

Apple and Cheddar Galette

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This Apple and Cheddar Galette is like your dessert and cheese board had a baby with this tart that marries the sweetness of apples with the sharp, creamy notes of aged cheddar cheese.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Bakery

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1/2 cup aged cheddar, finely grated
• 3 medium Braeburn or Pink Lady apples, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse flour and butter until crumbly. Add cheese and ice water, pulse until dough forms.
2. Chill dough for 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
5. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and thyme. Arrange on dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
6. Fold edges over, brush with egg wash.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

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If you try this Apple and Cheddar Galette recipe, let me know how you like it!