Name: Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) salted butter, cubed and very cold; 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 substitute buttermilk); 2-3 tablespoons ice cold water, plus more if necessary; 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; Flaky salt, to sprinkle; A drizzle of honey; 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stems discarded

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 119 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe. It’s one of those perfect cozy treats that somehow manages to feel both rustic and elegant at the same time. Think buttery, flaky crust with sharp cheddar cheese, juicy honeycrisp apples, a touch of fresh thyme, and just the right amount of honey sweetness drizzled on top. It’s the kind of recipe I pull out when I want to impress guests or treat my family to something a little special but not fussy. Stick with me here, because you’ll love how this comes together and tastes way better than anything store-bought.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Rustic Elegance: You’ll get a charming, homemade look without complicated techniques.
Flavor Magic: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully with sweet honeycrisp apples, balanced by the slight earthiness of thyme.
Flexible But Foolproof Dough: The vodka in the crust ensures flakiness, and tips will help you nail it every time.
A Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this; it’s perfect for brunch, snacks, or even a light dessert.

A white plate holds a slice of tart with three visible layers: the bottom is a thick, pale dough crust, the middle layer is creamy white, topped with thin, slightly browned slices of apples arranged in a fan shape, and a golden melted cheese layer with small herbs scattered on top; there is a drizzle of honey pouring down from a wooden dipper onto the tart slice; a few fresh green arugula leaves lie beside the tart on the plate; the background features a white marbled texture with scattered herbs and crumbs visible around the plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme, delicious apple galette recipes, easy rustic fruit tart, homemade apple savory tart, cozy fall dessert ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe plays its part, making sure you get flavor, texture, and just the right touch of savory-sweet goodness. The sharp cheddar cheese is the real star alongside the honeycrisp apples, and fresh thyme adds that subtle herbal lift.

Flat lay of a large Honeycrisp apple thinly sliced with shiny red and yellow skin, sharp white cheddar cheese shredded into soft curls of creamy pale yellow, cubes of cold salted butter with smooth, slightly glossy surfaces, fresh bright green thyme sprigs with delicate leaves, tiny thyme leaves scattered around, granulated sugar sparkling like little crystals, a light drizzle of golden honey pooling slightly, all beautifully arranged in a natural, loose pattern showcasing the colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme, delicious apple galette recipes, easy rustic fruit tart, homemade apple savory tart, cozy fall dessert ideas

Salted butter: Cold, cubed butter is key for that flaky crust texture, so don’t let it warm up before mixing.
All-purpose flour: Dust lightly when rolling for best results; you want the dough to come together without sticking.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
Sugar: Just a tiny bit in the crust to balance tastes subtly.
Sharp white cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded gives the best melt and flavor impact.
Fresh thyme: Don’t skip this — it brings a lovely aroma and complexity to both the crust and topping.
Vodka or buttermilk: Vodka helps keep the dough tender and flaky without adding flavor; buttermilk is a great easy substitution.
Ice cold water: Keeps the butter from melting too soon, which is crucial for flaky layers.
Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and sweet, ideal for baking and pairing with cheddar.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the apple topping without overpowering.
Milk of choice: For brushing the crust to get that beautiful golden color.
Flaky salt and honey: The finishing touch that makes every bite sing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe is — it’s not set in stone, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you want to swap out apples or play with herbs, I’ve found a few ways to make it your own while keeping that balance of flavors intact.

Different apples: I’ve tried gala or fuji when honeycrisps weren’t on hand, and while the texture changes slightly, the sweetness still pairs beautifully.
Herb twists: Sometimes I use rosemary instead of thyme, which adds a piney, woodsy note that’s surprisingly delightful.
Cheese variety: If you want a milder flavor, a medium cheddar works too. For a bolder bite, I’ve added a bit of parmesan along with the cheddar in the crust.
Dairy-free option: Swap out butter for a cold vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for brushing the crust; it still turns out flaky and delicious.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chilled Thyme Cheddar Pie Crust

The key to flaky crust is keeping everything super cold — I always cube my butter and pop it into the freezer for a quick chill while gathering the other ingredients. Using a food processor, I pulse the flour, sugar, salt, then add that chilled butter until it looks like little peas. Then comes the shredded cheddar and fresh thyme — pulse just enough to combine so you get those pockets of cheesy, herbal goodness throughout the crust. Adding vodka is my little secret for tenderness; it evaporates during baking but helps keep the fat from absorbing flour too much. Then slowly add your ice water, checking the dough frequently. You want it just cohesive enough to press together, not a sticky mess.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough disk tight and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial — it lets the butter firm back up and relaxes the gluten. I’ve learned that rushing this step makes rolling a nightmare, and you risk losing that flaky texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, toss your thin apple slices in melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar. This step softens the apples just enough and adds a sweet gloss that pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar.

Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble Your Galette

On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 12-inch circle about ¼ inch thick. Don’t sweat the edges if they crack — rustic charm! On your parchment-lined baking sheet, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese inside the dough circle, then spiral your apple slices on top. Fold the edges inward, brushing with milk to get that golden look, and sprinkle remaining cheese over the crust fold for an extra savory kick.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 375ºF for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and apples are tender. I like to let it cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling honey, flaky salt, and fresh thyme on top. This cooling step helps everything settle so the flavors shine.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Keep It Cold: Cold butter and ice water are your best friends for a flaky crust; work quickly to avoid warming the dough.
Don’t Overwork: Over-kneading the dough can make it tough — pulse just enough for the dough to come together.
Apple Thickness: Slice apples thin but not paper-thin; about ⅛ inch thick gives you tenderness with some bite.
Watch the Edges: If the crust starts browning too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe

A round galette with a golden-brown, flaky crust folded up around the edges, creating a thick, textured border. Inside, thin slices of red and yellow apple are carefully layered in a circular pattern, overlapping each other from the outer edge toward the center, with some slices standing upright for height. The apples have a slightly baked shine with a few light brown spots, and small green thyme sprigs are scattered on top. The galette sits on white parchment paper over a metal cooling rack, on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth napkin and a knife with a light wooden handle nearby. There is a small white bowl with honey and a wooden honey dipper, and a white plate with a wooden bowl full of salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme, delicious apple galette recipes, easy rustic fruit tart, homemade apple savory tart, cozy fall dessert ideas

Garnishes

I always finish this galette with a generous drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it adds that perfect sweet-savory balance. And those fresh thyme leaves on top? They bring such a lovely herbal aroma that complements the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the apples.

Side Dishes

This galette pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. It’s also fantastic alongside a glass of crisp apple cider or your favorite white wine for a cozy evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual mini galettes using the same dough and filling — they’re super charming and easier for guests to handle. Another fun idea is to sprinkle a little chopped toasted pecans on top just before baking for added crunch and nuttiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover galette keeps well wrapped tightly in the fridge for 2-3 days. I always store it on a plate covered with plastic wrap — this keeps the crust from drying out too much, although it won’t be quite as crisp as freshly baked.

Freezing

I usually freeze the unbaked galette assembled on a baking sheet, wrapped tightly with plastic then foil. When I’m ready to bake, I pop it straight into the oven, baking for about 10 minutes longer than usual. This saves so much time and keeps the texture fresh and flaky.

Reheating

To bring leftover slices back to life, I like reheating in the oven at 325ºF for about 10 minutes. The crust crisps up nicely without drying out the apples. Avoid microwaving—it makes the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar gives a lovely balance of flavor, you can swap in medium cheddar, gouda, or even fontina for a milder or creamier taste. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently and may affect the texture slightly.
Is vodka necessary in the pie crust dough?

Vodka isn’t absolutely required, but it helps create a flaky crust by preventing gluten development without adding flavor. If you prefer to skip vodka, buttermilk is a great substitute that also adds tenderness.
Can I make this galette gluten-free?

You can experiment by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be aware that texture might differ slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help with structure.
How thin should I slice the apples?

I recommend about ⅛ inch thick slices—not too thin or the apples will be mushy, but thin enough to soften nicely as they bake and meld with the cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Galette with Honey and Thyme Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen for good reason. It’s approachable, packed with flavors that surprise and delight, and the flaky crust is the stuff of dreams. Honestly, every time I bring it out, friends ask for the recipe, and family asks for seconds. Give it a try and trust me, it’ll become your go-to for cozy weekends or any time you want a slice of that perfect sweet-savory goodness. You’ve got this!