Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread

This flatbread has become my weekend entertaining staple, bridging the gap between savory and sweet with its perfect balance of flavors. The contrast between juicy pears and pungent Gorgonzola creates a memorable taste experience that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.

I first created this flatbread when unexpected guests arrived one autumn evening. With just a few ingredients on hand, it became an instant favorite that friends now specifically request when visiting our home.

• Puff pastry or store-bought flatbread: providing the perfect crispy canvas for toppings
• Two ripe but firm pears: offering natural sweetness and juicy texture
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese: adding rich tanginess that balances the sweet pears
• 1/4 cup honey: for drizzling creates a luxurious finish and enhances other flavors
• 1 cup chopped walnuts: bringing essential crunch and nutty depth
• Fresh arugula: adds a peppery freshness that cuts through richness
• 1 tbsp olive oil: helps achieve golden crispy edges
• Freshly cracked black pepper: provides subtle heat and complexity

Prepare Your Base:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until thin and even. Transfer carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. The cold pastry works best as it creates more flaky layers when baked.

Add Olive Oil:

Brush the olive oil evenly across the surface of your pastry or flatbread. This creates a barrier that prevents soggy spots from forming under the pears and helps achieve an evenly golden crust.

Layer the Pears:

Arrange thinly sliced pears in slightly overlapping rows across the entire base. Cut the pears about 1/8 inch thick to ensure they cook through while maintaining their shape and texture. Leave a small border around the edges to allow the crust to rise.

Sprinkle Gorgonzola:

Distribute crumbled Gorgonzola evenly over the pears. Use your fingers to break larger chunks into smaller pieces for even melting. The cheese should be scattered rather than completely covering the fruit to allow their flavors to shine individually.

Bake:

Place in preheated oven for exactly 15 minutes or until edges turn deep golden brown and cheese begins to bubble and caramelize slightly. Position rack in the center of the oven for most even cooking results.

Final Touches:

Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with honey while still hot. Scatter walnuts across the surface, allowing them to slightly sink into the warm honey. Add fresh arugula just before serving and finish with a generous grinding of black pepper.

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My secret ingredient is actually high-quality honey. I discovered my favorite local wildflower honey at a farmers market three years ago, and it elevates this flatbread with subtle floral notes that store-bought varieties simply cannot match.

Choosing the Perfect Pear

The variety of pear greatly influences the final result of this flatbread. Bosc pears maintain their shape and texture beautifully during baking while offering a subtle sweetness. Anjou pears provide more juiciness but may soften more during cooking. Bartlett pears deliver the strongest pear flavor but require careful monitoring to prevent them from becoming too soft. For the perfect texture, choose pears that yield slightly to pressure at the stem end while remaining firm throughout the body.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

This flatbread can be partially prepared ahead of time to streamline entertaining. Prepare the flatbread base with pears and cheese up to 8 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from refrigerator adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time. Once baked and topped, the flatbread is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Seasonal Variations

While classic pear and Gorgonzola create magic together, this versatile flatbread welcomes seasonal adaptations. In summer, substitute thinly sliced peaches or nectarines for pears and use a milder cheese like ricotta. Fall brings opportunities for thinly sliced apples with sharp cheddar. Winter versions shine with roasted butternut squash cubes and sage. The basic technique remains the same while ingredients evolve with what's freshest at market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Gorgonzola with another cheese?

Yes, you can use blue cheese or goat cheese as alternatives for Gorgonzola. Both provide a creamy texture and bold flavor that complement the pears perfectly.

→ What type of pears should I use?

Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and sweetness. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work particularly well for this dish.

→ How can I make the flatbread base crispier?

Using a pizza stone during baking can help create a crispier base. Additionally, ensure your puff pastry is well chilled before rolling it out.

→ Can I make this flatbread sweet or savory depending on preferences?

You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey. For a more savory touch, you can reduce or omit the honey entirely.

→ What can I serve this flatbread with?

This flatbread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, a light soup like tomato basil, or a glass of sparkling white wine.