I can still remember the first time I bit into my homemade Apple Cheddar Galette. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the aroma of warm, buttery pastry and tart, juicy apples wafted through the air, beckoning me to the kitchen. As I sliced into the flaky crust, the sharp cheddar cheese oozed out, complementing the sweetness of the apples in a harmony of flavors that made my taste buds dance with joy. From that moment on, this Apple Cheddar Galette recipe became a cherished staple in my repertoire, a go-to dish that never fails to impress and delight.
Why This Apple Cheddar Galette Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Apple Cheddar Galette
What sets this Apple Cheddar Galette recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The flaky, buttery crust provides the foundation, while the tart Granny Smith apples and sharp cheddar cheese create a delightful contrast that tantalizes the palate. The addition of a touch of cinnamon and sugar heightens the autumnal notes, making this galette a true celebration of the season.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the careful attention to detail. From chilling the butter to ensure a tender, flaky crust to thinly slicing the apples to allow for even cooking, every step has been meticulously crafted to ensure the best possible outcome. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 45 minutes, this Apple Cheddar Galette is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a comforting dessert for yourself.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Apple Cheddar Galette masterpiece, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the flaky crust, providing structure and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The key to a buttery, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Bringing the dough together and ensuring a perfect consistency.
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Tart and crisp apples that hold their shape during baking.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The perfect pairing with the apples, adding a savory and tangy element.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Caramelizing the apples and creating a lovely golden hue.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infusing the galette with warm, autumnal notes.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Providing a beautiful golden-brown sheen to the crust.
Step-by-Step Apple Cheddar Galette Instructions
Preparing Your Apple Cheddar Galette
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Apple Cheddar Galette comes together quickly, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. You’ll need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a paring knife to bring this masterpiece to life.
1- Begin by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3- Arrange the 4 peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the apples.
4- In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples and cheese.
5- Fold the 2-inch border of the dough over the filling, creating a rustic, free-form look. Whisk together the 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash, and brush the dough with this mixture.
6- Bake the Apple Cheddar Galette in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the galette to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Chill the butter: Ensuring the butter is well-chilled is crucial for a flaky, tender crust. Cut the butter into small cubes and pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before using.
2- Slice the apples evenly: Thinly slicing the Granny Smith apples to a consistent thickness will help them cook evenly and prevent any soggy spots in the galette.
3- Brush with egg wash: The egg wash not only gives the crust a beautiful golden color, but it also helps to seal in the filling and prevent leakage.
4- Let it rest: Allowing the galette to cool for 10 minutes before slicing ensures that the filling sets properly and doesn’t run out when you cut into it.
5- Experiment with flavors: While the classic combination of apples and cheddar is delicious, don’t be afraid to try different variations, such as adding a touch of nutmeg or using a different type of cheese.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Cheddar Galette
Perfect Pairings for Apple Cheddar Galette
This Apple Cheddar Galette is the perfect dessert to serve at any autumn gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and the tartness of the apples and the richness of the cheddar cheese make it a delightful accompaniment to a cup of hot cider or a glass of dry white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, as this galette is so irresistible), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the galette in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply roll out the dough and add the fillings. You can also bake the galette in advance and reheat it before serving.
If you’d like to freeze the Apple Cheddar Galette, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the galette in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as directed above.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Apple Cheddar Galette
Creative Apple Cheddar Galette Variations
While the classic Apple Cheddar Galette is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:
1- Try using a different type of apple, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter twist.
2- Incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warming, autumnal flavor.
3- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, to complement the apples.
4- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Making Apple Cheddar Galette Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, this Apple Cheddar Galette can be easily adapted:
- Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free pie crust recipe.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with chilled coconut oil or vegan shortening, and use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.
- Low-carb: Use a low-carb pie crust recipe and substitute the apples with thinly sliced zucchini or pears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple besides Granny Smith?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a slight adjustment to the sugar content.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the Apple Cheddar Galette?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the Apple Cheddar Galette in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply roll out the dough and add the fillings. You can also bake the galette in advance and reheat it before serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Apple Cheddar Galette recipe serves 6 people.
Q: What should I do if the crust is browning too quickly?
A: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, simply cover the edges with a strip of aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the center to continue baking.
Apple Cheddar Galette
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Award-Winning Apple Cheddar Galette – a 30-minute pastry delight bursting with sweet apples and savory cheddar cheese, baked to flaky perfection.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt together. Add the chilled butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to hold together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the cheddar cheese, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Arrange the apple-cheddar mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go.
7. Brush the exposed dough with the egg wash.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a more savory version, you can add a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary to the apple-cheddar filling. The galette can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
The Apple Cheddar Galette is a true autumn masterpiece, capturing the essence of the season in every flaky, buttery bite. With its perfect balance of tart apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and warm spices, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself to a comforting dessert, this Apple Cheddar Galette is sure to delight and impress. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to create a culinary work of art that will have your family and friends raving. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how your Apple Cheddar Galette turned out!
