Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme
A savory tart blending sharp English cheddar and sweet apples, enhanced by fresh thyme in a flaky pastry crust — a delicious nod to regional English flavors. This english-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold and diced unsalted butter, cold water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp, cold and diced unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 medium, thinly sliced apple
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 large, beaten for egg wash egg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour with 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Slowly add 3 tbsp cold water, mixing just until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Step 5: Arrange 2 medium thinly sliced apples over the cheese, then sprinkle 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 1/4 tsp black pepper on top.
- Step 6: Fold the edges of the dough inward over the apples, brushing the crust with 1 beaten large egg.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Regional English Apple and Cheddar Tart with Thyme?
English vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
