Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry Bundles Recipe
Apple Cheddar Bundles are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Featuring thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples tossed in honey and lemon zest, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bundles bake to a golden perfection and are topped with chopped roasted pecans and fresh thyme. Perfect for a cozy appetizer or a unique dessert, these bundles offer a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 bundles
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Apples and Topping
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (about 1 1/4 lb.), cored, sliced 1/8" thick
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 6 Tbsp. honey, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted pecans
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
Pastry and Cheese
- 1 (17.3 oz.) frozen package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8-oz.) block sharp cheddar, grated
- 1 1/2 tsp. flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Apples: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two sheet trays with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, lemon zest, and 4 tablespoons of honey. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly with the honey and zest mixture.
- Prepare the Pastry Squares: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal squares measuring about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches, giving you a total of 8 pastry squares. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Using a brush, lightly coat the outer edges of each pastry square with the egg wash. Position each square so that its corner faces toward you for folding.
- Assemble the Bundles: Place 1 tablespoon of grated sharp cheddar cheese at the bottom of each pastry square. Top the cheese with 10 to 11 slices of the honey-coated apples. Add another tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese on each side of the apple slices. Fold the left side of the pastry over the apples and cheese, pressing lightly to seal, then fold the right side over the top and press firmly to seal completely. Brush the tops and sides of each bundle with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle them with flaky sea salt. Arrange 4 bundles on each prepared sheet tray.
- Bake the Bundles: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. Bake until the puff pastry has risen and turned golden brown around the edges. Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and let the bundles cool for about 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooled bundles to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey over the top of the bundles. Garnish with chopped roasted pecans and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the platter for an aromatic and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweetness and tartness and crisp texture.
- Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling and cutting for best results.
- Chilling the pastry squares briefly after assembling can help maintain the shape during baking.
- For an extra crunch, lightly toast the chopped pecans before sprinkling them on top.
- These bundles are best served warm but are still tasty at room temperature.
