Pear Gorgonzola Flatbread

This elegant pear and Gorgonzola flatbread balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. The combination of juicy pears with creamy, pungent cheese creates a restaurant-quality appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

I first made this flatbread for an impromptu wine night with friends, and it's been my go-to entertaining recipe ever since. Everyone always asks for the recipe, thinking it must be complicated when it's actually one of the easiest things in my repertoire.

Ingredients

• Store-bought puff pastry or flatbread: Using pre-made dough saves tremendous time without sacrificing quality
• Ripe but firm pears: Look for Bosc or Anjou varieties that hold their shape when baked
• Gorgonzola cheese: The authentic Italian blue cheese provides the perfect tangy contrast to sweet pears
• Honey: Choose a good quality honey as its flavor really shines in this recipe
• Walnuts: Toasting them first intensifies their nutty flavor and adds essential crunch
• Fresh arugula: The peppery greens cut through the richness of the cheese
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor profile
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Pre-ground simply cannot compare to freshly cracked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Base:

Preheat your oven to 400°F before doing anything else. This ensures proper temperature when your flatbread goes in. Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. The thinness matters here as it creates a crisp rather than doughy base. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. If using prepared flatbread, simply place it on your baking sheet and skip the rolling.

Add Olive Oil:

Drizzle approximately one tablespoon of olive oil over your base, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips. This thin layer serves two important purposes. It creates a moisture barrier that prevents the pears from making your crust soggy, and it adds a subtle richness that enhances the other flavors.

Layer the Pears:

Arrange your pear slices in an overlapping pattern, similar to roof shingles. This technique ensures even coverage and consistent flavor in every bite. Leave a small border around the edges of about half an inch. This allows the edges to puff up nicely during baking, creating that desirable crusty edge.

Sprinkle Gorgonzola:

Distribute the crumbled Gorgonzola evenly across the surface. Avoid the temptation to add more cheese than called for. Gorgonzola is potent, and too much can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the pears. The cheese should complement, not dominate.

Bake:

Place your flatbread in the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching carefully after the 15-minute mark. The flatbread is done when the edges have turned a deep golden brown, the cheese has melted completely, and the pears have softened slightly but still maintain their shape.

Final Touches:

Remove your flatbread from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey while still warm. This allows the honey to melt slightly and penetrate the other ingredients. Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly across the surface, then scatter fresh arugula leaves. The residual heat will slightly wilt the arugula, bringing out its peppery notes without making it limp. Finish with a generous crack of fresh black pepper.

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The Gorgonzola is truly the star ingredient for me. My Italian grandmother introduced me to this cheese when I was young, and I've been finding ways to incorporate it into recipes ever since. Its complex flavor profile transforms this simple flatbread into something truly memorable.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare all components up to 24 hours in advance. Slice the pears and store them in lemon water to prevent browning. Crumble the cheese and store separately. When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake. This makes the recipe perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Perfect Pear Selection

The key to this recipe is choosing pears that are ripe but still firm. When selecting pears, gently press near the stem. It should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. Bosc pears work wonderfully as they hold their shape well during baking, while Bartlett pears tend to become too soft. Avoid pears that feel hard as they won't develop their full sweetness during the short baking time.

Serving Suggestions

For a casual gathering, serve the flatbread on a wooden board with a small bowl of extra honey on the side. Cut into small squares for an elegant appetizer or larger slices for a main course. This flatbread pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete meal, add a charcuterie board with prosciutto and olives to complement the flavors.

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End your meal with this delectable flatbread, which is perfectly balanced and sure to impress guests!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this flatbread ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare components ahead of time. Slice the pears (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning), crumble the cheese, and chop the walnuts. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What wine pairs well with Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread?

This flatbread pairs beautifully with off-dry white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complement the sweetness of the pears and honey while balancing the tangy Gorgonzola. A light Pinot Grigio or sparkling Prosecco would also work wonderfully.

→ How do I know when the flatbread is properly cooked?

The flatbread is done when the edges of the crust turn golden brown and the cheese is melted but not burned. This typically takes 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but keep an eye on it as oven temperatures can vary.

→ Can I use a different cheese if I don't like Gorgonzola?

Absolutely! If Gorgonzola is too strong for your taste, try milder blue cheese, creamy goat cheese, or even brie. Each will create a different flavor profile but will still work beautifully with the pears and honey.

→ What can I serve with this flatbread?

This flatbread works well as an appetizer on its own or as part of a meal. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or serve alongside a cup of butternut squash or tomato soup for a complete meal.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. The microwave will work in a pinch but may make the crust soggy.