Cheddar Crust Apple Dumplings

Serves 4 · 35 min prep · 40 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 4–6 Tbsp ice water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 medium tart apples
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter for filling
• 3/4 cup apple cider or water
• 1 egg for wash

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a deep 9-inch square or similar baking dish.
2. 2In a large bowl cut the cold butter into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-size pieces remaining.
3. 3Stir in the shredded cheddar until evenly distributed, then drizzle in ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
4. 4Pat the dough into a disk, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes while you prep the apples so the cheddar pastry stays flaky.
5. 5Peel and core the apples. Mix the sugars, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl.
6. 6On a floured surface roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle and cut into four generous squares.
7. 7Place an apple on each square, pack the spiced sugar into the core, and top with butter. Wrap and seal the pastry snugly each apple.
8. 8Set the dumplings in the baking dish. Brush the tops with beaten egg for shine.
9. 9Pour the apple cider or water the base of the dumplings.
10. 10Bake 35 to 40 minutes until the cheddar crust is deep golden and crisp and the apples yield easily to a knife tip.
11. 11Rest 8 minutes so the juices settle into a light sauce.
12. 12Spoon pan juices over each dumpling and serve warm; the sharp cheddar against the sweet spiced apple is the signature contrast.