Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting combo of sharp cheddar and sweet apples, you’re going to adore this Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe. It’s rustic, savory, and has just the right touch of sweetness and herbal freshness from thyme and honey—perfect for when you want a snack or a light meal that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss. I can’t wait to share all my tips with you so this turns out beautifully every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together in a way that’s simple yet elegant. The sharp white cheddar adds a tangy punch, while the honeycrisp apple’s natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with fragrant thyme. Plus, I love that the crust includes cheese and herbs, giving it an amazing depth right from the start.

• Salted butter: Make sure it’s cold and cubed for that flaky, tender crust texture.
• All-purpose flour: Your trusty base for a sturdy but tender dough.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
• Sugar: Just a little to balance the savory elements.
• Sharp white cheddar cheese: Divided between the crust and filling—it’s what makes this galette sing!
• Fresh thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
• Vodka (or buttermilk): Vodka helps create a flaky crust by inhibiting gluten development, but buttermilk swaps in well if you prefer.
• Ice cold water: Essential for bringing the dough together without warming it up.
• Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and sweet with just the right tartness for baking.
• Salted butter (for coating apples): Adds richness and helps soften the apples during baking.
• Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on apples for caramelization.
• Milk of choice (for brushing crust): Gives the crust a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Flaky salt and honey (for topping): A finishing touch that elevates the galette’s flavor and texture.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: For garnish to make it look and taste amazing.

Variations

I like to tweak this Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe every now and then, depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. Feel free to personalize it to your taste—you’ll find it’s forgiving and fun to experiment with.

• Swap the Apple Variety: I love using Fuji or Granny Smith to change the tartness and sweetness balance. Granny Smith adds a sharper tang.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a vegan butter and dairy-free cheese—though the flavor changes, the method is the same and still tasty!
• Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts on top add crunch and an earthy note I adore.
• Herb Variations: Sometimes I try rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal aroma that pairs surprisingly well.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Thyme Cheddar Pie Crust

Start by cutting your cold salted butter into half-inch cubes and pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes—you want those cubes seriously chilled because that’s the secret to a flaky crust. In the meantime, gather your flour, sugar, salt, shredded cheddar, and fresh thyme in a food processor. Pulse until combined, then add the butter and pulse until the pieces look like tiny peas. Next, add the shredded cheddar and thyme leaves and pulse a few more times to mix them in evenly. This cheesy, herby crust is what makes this galette so special—I promise it’s worth the little extra step!

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Add a tablespoon of vodka (or buttermilk) plus 2 to 3 tablespoons of ice cold water to the food processor. Pulse just enough for the dough to hold together in small beads—don’t overdo it! The dough will still look crumbly but should stick when you squeeze a little between your fingers. If it feels dry, add more water, half a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a bit of flour. This part took me a few tries to get right, but once you know the texture, you’ll nail it every time. Then, dump the dough onto a floured surface, quickly form it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. You can even chill it up to two days or freeze it for months if you want to prep ahead.

Step 3: Prep the Apple Filling and Roll Out Dough

While the dough chills, thinly slice your honeycrisp apple and toss it in a bowl with the melted butter and granulated sugar—this helps soften and caramelize the apples. Once chilled, dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough into a roughly 12-inch circle, about a quarter-inch thick. Don’t stress if the edges crack—that’s charming for a galette! Transfer the circle to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly within the center of your dough, leaving about a 1½ inch border. Arrange the buttered apple slices on top in a spiral pattern; this looks great and helps the apples bake evenly. Then gently fold the dough edges inward, pleating as you go to contain the filling. Brush the crust with your choice of milk, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the crust. This step accents the crust with crispy, cheesy bits you’ll love.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Honey and Thyme

Bake at 375ºF for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the galette cool for about 10 minutes to let the filling set a bit. Finally, drizzle honey over the top, sprinkle with flaky salt, and scatter fresh thyme leaves for a gorgeous, flavorful finish. You’re ready to slice and serve your perfect Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe!

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt—it pulls all the flavors together beautifully and gives just a touch of sparkle. Fresh thyme leaves scattered on top are non-negotiable in my book; they add that herbal lift that makes each bite feel so fresh and lovely.

Side Dishes

This galette stands out on its own but plays great alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of butternut squash soup if you want a cozy meal. For brunch, a simple scrambled egg or smoked salmon pairs nicely to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to add toasted nuts on top after baking for crunch and a little garnish of microgreens along with the thyme. Cutting it into smaller, bite-sized squares can turn this galette into perfect party finger food. It’s a charming way to impress guests without fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually leave it at room temperature for a little bit before reheating to help reduce condensation on the crust.

Freezing

This galette freezes well either before baking or after. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake or reheat until warmed through. I discovered freezing the dough ahead saves a ton of time on busy days!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling warm without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry—it tends to soften the crust too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cheddar Galette with Thyme and Honey Recipe turns out every time—the blend of savory cheese, fragrant herbs, and tender, sweet apples is just irresistible. When I first tried making it, I struggled a bit with the dough texture, but once I nailed that part, it became a go-to in my kitchen for impressing guests or treating myself. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, and that’s a winner in my book. Happy baking!

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