Description
An easy sweet-and-savory flatbread topped with juicy pears, creamy Gorgonzola, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme, finished with a simple honey balsamic drizzle. Perfect for appetizers, brunch, entertaining, or a light meal.
Ingredients
For the Flatbread
2 flatbreads or naan breads
1 tbsp olive oil
2 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
5 oz (140 g) Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Honey Balsamic Drizzle
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic glaze
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
For Garnishing
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp chopped walnuts
Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the flatbreads or naan breads on the prepared baking sheet and brush each one lightly with olive oil.
3. Arrange the thinly sliced pears evenly over the flatbreads, avoiding too much overlap so they roast evenly.
4. Scatter the crumbled Gorgonzola evenly over the pears.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the pears and Gorgonzola.
6. Season with fresh thyme, a small pinch of salt, and black pepper. Use the salt sparingly because Gorgonzola is naturally salty.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the flatbread edges are crisp and golden, the pears are tender, and the Gorgonzola is melted and creamy.
8. While the flatbreads bake, whisk together the honey, balsamic glaze, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
9. Remove the flatbreads from the oven and immediately drizzle the honey balsamic mixture over the warm pears and cheese.
10. Garnish with extra fresh thyme, chopped walnuts, and optional red pepper flakes.
11. Slice the flatbreads into pieces and serve warm while the crust is crisp, the pears are tender, and the Gorgonzola is creamy.
Notes
Choose ripe but firm pears such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett so they hold their shape during baking. Slice the pears thinly and evenly so they cook quickly and develop lightly caramelized edges. Do not overload the flatbread with toppings, as too many toppings can prevent the base from becoming crisp. Fresh thyme provides a brighter flavor and pairs especially well with pears and Gorgonzola. Start with a small amount of honey balsamic drizzle and add more to taste. For an extra-crispy base, use a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Blue cheese, Roquefort, goat cheese, feta, or Brie can be substituted for Gorgonzola. Pecans are an excellent substitute for walnuts and add a slightly sweeter, buttery crunch. Prepare the pear slices, walnuts, and honey balsamic drizzle ahead of time, but assemble and bake shortly before serving for the best texture. Serve as an appetizer for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, brunches, or wine-and-cheese-style entertaining. For a light meal, serve alongside arugula salad, mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. The flatbread is naturally vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American