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Caramelized Apple & Goat Cheese Galette

caramelized apple goat cheese galette - featured image

A rustic, flaky galette filled with caramelized apples and creamy goat cheese, this easy fall dessert combines sweet and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for gatherings, brunch, or a cozy night in, it’s simple to make and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 2/3 cups (200g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 45 tablespoons (60-75ml) ice water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a sweeter crust)
  • 3 medium apples (about 1 lb / 450g), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Braeburn preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 3 ounces (90g) goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar (turbinado or demerara, for sprinkling)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add cold, cubed butter and cut in with a pastry cutter, forks, or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 days).
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sauté, stirring often, until apples are golden and soft at the edges but still hold their shape, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in vanilla if using. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Top with caramelized apples (use a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid). Dot with extra goat cheese or thyme leaves if desired.
  7. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go, leaving the center exposed.
  8. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: drizzle with honey and sprinkle with extra thyme before serving.

Notes

For best results, use firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Pre-cooking the apples prevents a soggy crust. The galette is easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Letting the galette cool before slicing helps the filling set. Serve with honey, fresh thyme, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: galette, apple dessert, goat cheese, fall dessert, rustic tart, caramelized apples, easy dessert, brunch, French pastry, autumn baking