I can still remember the first time I baked this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just returned from the local farmer’s market with a crate of the most fragrant, ripe peaches. As soon as I got home, I knew exactly what I wanted to make – this irresistible Rustic Peach and Basil Galette. The combination of juicy, sweet peaches and the fresh, herbal notes of basil just sounded too good to pass up.

I spent the next hour or so carefully slicing the peaches, mixing the dough, and assembling the galette. The aroma that filled my kitchen as it baked was simply heavenly – a perfect balance of buttery pastry, caramelized fruit, and aromatic basil. When I finally pulled it out of the oven, I couldn’t wait to slice into it. The flaky, golden crust gave way to reveal the glistening peach filling, dotted with pops of green basil. It was love at first bite!

Since that day, this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette has become a go-to recipe in my household. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual summer gatherings to elegant dinner parties. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, with a total time of just 50 minutes from start to finish.

Why This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Rustic Peach and Basil Galette

What makes this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust provides a delightful contrast to the juicy, sweet peach filling, while the fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbal note that ties it all together. The use of cornstarch in the filling ensures a beautifully thick, jammy consistency that won’t spill out of the crust. And the simple egg wash creates a gorgeous golden-brown sheen that’s just irresistible.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the flaky, buttery crust.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Creates the rich, tender crust.
  • 1/4 cup ice water: Hydrates the dough and helps it come together.
  • 4 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 6 medium peaches): The star of the show, providing a juicy, sweet filling.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the peach filling and helps it caramelize.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling to a perfect, jammy consistency.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the peaches beautifully.
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Gives the crust a gorgeous golden-brown sheen.

Step-by-Step Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Instructions

Preparing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette

With a total time of just 50 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking), this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette comes together in a snap. You’ll need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.

1- Begin by making the dough. In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt together. Add the chilled, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, pulsing until the dough just begins to come together.

2- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just until it forms a cohesive ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3- While the dough chills, prepare the peach filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the sugar and cornstarch until well combined. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.

4- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

6- Spoon the peach filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go. Brush the exposed crust with the egg wash.

Pro Tips for Success

  • For a perfectly flaky crust, make sure to keep the butter and water ice-cold throughout the process.
  • Don’t overmix the dough – you want it to come together quickly and then chill it to allow the gluten to relax.
  • Taste the peach filling before adding it to the crust to ensure the sweetness level is just right for your personal preference.
  • Bake the galette on the lower third of the oven to ensure the bottom crust gets nice and crisp.
  • Let the galette cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set up.

Serving and Storing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette

Perfect Pairings for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette

This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette serves 6 people and is the perfect dessert for any summer gathering. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more elegant presentation, you can serve it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. As for beverages, it’s delicious with a chilled glass of white wine, a refreshing iced tea, or a cold brew coffee.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The great thing about this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once it has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply unwrap and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you’d like to make this recipe even further in advance, you can freeze the unbaked galette. Just assemble the dough and filling as directed, then place the whole thing on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply remove the galette from the freezer, unwrap it, and bake it straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette

Creative Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Variations

While this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is already a delightful treat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the peaches for other seasonal fruits, like plums, nectarines, or even a mix of berries. You can also experiment with different herb combinations, such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of lavender. For a more decadent version, you could sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, over the filling before folding the dough.

Making Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, use a plant-based butter and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or nut milk. And for a lower-carb option, you can reduce the sugar in the filling and serve it with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can definitely use frozen peaches. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using in the recipe.

Q: How do I know when the galette is done baking?
A: The Rustic Peach and Basil Galette should be done baking after 35 minutes, when the crust is golden-brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also use a toothpick or knife to gently test the center – it should come out clean when the galette is fully cooked.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out and assemble the galette.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette recipe makes 6 servings. The exact serving size will depend on how you slice it, but it’s a great dessert for sharing with family and friends.

Q: What if the crust gets too brown before the filling is done?
A: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the galette with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent it from over-browning while the filling finishes cooking.

Conclusion

This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is truly a summer stunner – a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress. With its flaky crust, juicy peach filling, and fresh basil notes, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best produce. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I know it will soon become a go-to favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Happy baking!