There’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet aroma of baked apples wafting through the kitchen, especially when paired with a savory touch of cheddar cheese. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe that combines the best of both worlds: Apple Dumplings with Cheddar Pastry. This cozy dessert is perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious homemade treat. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible apple dumplings with a cheesy twist!
**Apple Dumplings With Cheddar Pastry**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
– 4-6 tablespoons ice water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into 8 slices.
– In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
2. **Make the Cheddar Pastry:**
– In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cheddar cheese, and salt until combined.
– Add the diced butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together.
– Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. **Assemble the Dumplings:**
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a large square.
– Cut the dough into 6 equal squares.
– Place a few apple slices in the center of each dough square, then fold the corners to the center, pressing to seal.
– Repeat with the remaining dough and apples.
4. **Bake the Dumplings:**
– Transfer the assembled dumplings to a baking dish.
– Sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped pecans over the dumplings.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Remove the apple dumplings from the oven and let them cool slightly.
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
– Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, tender apples and savory, cheesy pastry in every bite!
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Apple Dumplings with Cheddar Pastry for a cozy dessert that will surely become a new favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible apple dumplings that will have everyone asking for seconds!
