Name: Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) salted butter, cold and cubed; 1 ¼ cup (150 grams) all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ cup (2 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon vodka (or buttermilk as substitute); 2-3 tablespoons ice cold water, plus more if needed; ¾ cup (3 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 1 large honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon milk of choice (for brushing crust); Flaky salt, for sprinkling; A drizzle of honey; 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed, leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you love the comforting blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped up in a rustic tart, then the Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe is bound to become one of your all-time favorites. This dish brilliantly balances sharp white cheddar cheese and crisp honeycrisp apples, with fragrant thyme and a touch of honey adding layers of warmth and depth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels just right for a cozy afternoon snack, an impressive brunch centerpiece, or a charming dessert with a twist. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand how easily this galette can weave itself into your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an uncooked galette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The galette has a single round base layer of pale dough with edges folded inward, creating a border. Inside this border, there is one layer of thinly sliced apple pieces fanned out in a circular pattern showing red skin and creamy white flesh. The dough border is thickly covered by a layer of shredded pale yellow cheese. A red and yellow apple and small green herb sprigs are placed decoratively on the white marbled surface near the baking sheet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredient list. Each item plays a vital role — from the flaky, cheddar-infused crust to the juicy, tender apple filling enhanced with fresh thyme’s aromatic touch. Getting these ingredients prepped sets you up for baking success and delightful flavor harmony.

Salted butter: Cut into small cubes and chilled, it creates the flaky texture that makes the crust irresistible.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and balance to the galette.
Kosher salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Sugar: Just enough to add subtle sweetness to the dough and help caramelize the apples.
Sharp white cheddar cheese: Both in the crust and topping, it offers a delightful sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the apple’s sweetness.
Fresh thyme: Adds a woodsy, herbal note that brightens up the whole dish.
Vodka or buttermilk: Helps tenderize the dough and keep it flaky without heavy gluten development.
Ice cold water: Essential for binding the dough without melting the butter too soon.
Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and juicy, it’s perfect for maintaining texture and natural sweetness when baked.
Salted butter (for the filling): Coats the apple slices to help them caramelize evenly in the oven.
Granulated sugar (for the filling): Sprinkled on apples to enhance their natural sweetness and create a little glaze.
Milk of choice: Used to brush the crust, it helps give a beautiful golden color.
Flaky salt, honey, and fresh thyme sprigs (for topping): These finishing touches elevate the galette’s flavor and presentation with just a pinch of flair.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the thyme cheddar pie crust

Start by cutting the butter into small, half-inch cubes and chilling it until very cold to ensure your crust will be flaky and tender. While waiting, gather your other ingredients so everything is ready to go. Combining the flour, sugar, salt, and then pulsing with cold butter in a food processor helps achieve that perfect pea-sized crumb texture. Incorporating shredded sharp cheddar cheese and fresh thyme infuses the crust with a flavor punch. The addition of vodka or buttermilk keeps the dough tender and flaky, while small amounts of ice water bring the dough just together—be careful not to overwork it to prevent toughness.

Step 2: Chill the dough

Once the dough has formed, shape it into a disk on a floured surface. Wrapping tightly and chilling in the refrigerator lets the butter firm up again and the flavors meld. This rest also prevents shrinkage during baking, which is key to maintaining that beautiful rustic edge of your galette. If you’re prepping ahead, the dough can even be frozen for up to three months, wrapped well in plastic and foil.

Step 3: Prepare the galette filling

While the dough chills, slice your honeycrisp apple as thinly as possible. Toss the slices with melted butter and granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This step ensures the apples soften gently and caramelize slightly as the galette bakes while retaining a delightful natural sweetness that complements the cheddar.

Step 4: Roll out the dough and assemble

Dust your workspace with flour and roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle with slightly cracked edges, giving it a beautiful homemade look. Transferring the dough carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet prepares it for assembly. Start by spreading half of the shredded sharp cheddar in the center, leaving a generous border, then arrange the buttered apples on top in a spiral pattern, beginning from the outer edge and working inward. Fold the dough edges inward over the filling to form a rustic crust, brush this with milk to promote browning, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the crust for an extra cheesy, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake and finish

Bake the galette in a preheated 375ºF oven until the crust turns golden and the apples soften, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let it cool slightly before adding a final drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and fresh thyme leaves. These toppings bring a subtle sweetness, a complex savory touch, and an inviting aroma that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe

A slice of tart sits on a white plate with a rough edge, showing three visible layers: the bottom light golden crust, the middle creamy pale cheese layer, and the top thinly sliced apple pieces with light browned edges and small green thyme leaves scattered on top. Next to the tart slice, fresh green arugula leaves add color contrast. Honey drips from a wooden honey dipper onto the tart. The background shows parchment paper with the rest of the tart on a wire rack, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a drizzle of honey right after baking enhances the natural fruitiness and adds a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. Flaky salt sprinkled over the top contrasts perfectly with the honey’s sweetness, while fresh thyme leaves give a pop of color and an herbal burst that awakens the palate every time.

Side Dishes

This galette pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheddar and butter. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or pork to echo the herbaceous thyme and complement the cheese’s savory notes. It’s a versatile dish that can transition from appetizer to dessert with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the galette into smaller wedges and serving each piece with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. For a savory course, accompany with a cheese board featuring aged cheddar and mixed nuts to echo the galette’s flavors. You can also plate it with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a lightly dressed arugula salad to add interesting textures and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within two days when the crust remains crisp and the apple filling flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover galette slices by wrapping them well in plastic and foil or using freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to one month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently warming.

Reheating

Reheat the galette in a 350ºF oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back the flaky crust and warm the filling without sogging it down. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this galette?

Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, you can substitute other baking apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Just keep in mind that the texture and tartness may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use vodka or can I omit it?

Vodka helps keep the crust tender by limiting gluten formation, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with buttermilk or simply use cold water. The dough will still come together nicely and taste delicious.

Can I make this galette gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking pies and galettes. Some adjustments might be necessary for texture and moisture, but the flavors will remain just as delightful.

How long can the dough be refrigerated before baking?

The dough can be safely chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days. This resting time allows the flavors from the cheddar and thyme to deepen and the dough to relax for easier rolling.

What is the best way to slice the galette for serving?

Use a sharp knife to cut the galette into 6 or 8 slices, depending on your preference and occasion. A serrated knife can help if the crust is particularly flaky to avoid crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Making the Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe is like inviting a warm slice of comfort and elegance into your kitchen. Its perfect balance of sweet apples, savory cheddar, and fragrant thyme makes every bite a treat worth savoring. Whether you’re baking it for an everyday snack or a special occasion, this galette is sure to impress and become a cherished recipe you’ll return to time and time again.