Description
This Pear, Brie, and Cranberry Flatbread is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal. Featuring ripe pears, creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy nuts atop a crispy flatbread, it offers an elegant yet simple dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Fresh rosemary and a drizzle of olive oil bring a fragrant depth, while optional arugula adds a fresh peppery finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Flatbread Base
- 1 pre-made flatbread or naan (approximately 10–12 inches)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cheese cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Arugula for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the flatbread.
- Prepare Flatbread: Place the pre-made flatbread on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Brush Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the flatbread. This will help create a crispy texture and add richness.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce across the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain the crust’s shape during baking.
- Arrange Pear Slices: Evenly distribute the thin pear slices on top of the cranberry sauce, ensuring an attractive layout that covers the surface.
- Add Brie Cheese: Scatter the pieces of Brie cheese randomly over the pear slices to ensure the cheese melts evenly throughout.
- Sprinkle Nuts (Optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the flatbread to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary along with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the Brie is bubbly and starting to turn golden and the flatbread edges are crispy.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly before slicing into squares or slices.
- Serve: Serve the flatbread warm, optionally topped with fresh arugula for a peppery balance to the creamy and fruity toppings.
Notes
- Using a pre-made flatbread or naan saves preparation time and offers a crispy base.
- Removing the rind from Brie helps it melt more uniformly and blend well with the other toppings.
- Fresh rosemary provides a brighter flavor compared to dried but either works well.
- For a vegan version, substitute Brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and omit cranberry sauce if it contains non-vegan ingredients.
- This flatbread pairs excellently with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage to complement the fruity and creamy notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: flatbread, pear, brie, cranberry sauce, appetizer, easy recipe, fall recipe, holiday snack
