Honey Pear Brie Flatbread

This honey roasted pear and brie flatbread pizza combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors in an elegant yet simple dish. The creamy brie melts beautifully beneath honeyed pears and prosciutto, creating a sophisticated appetizer or light meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. I first created this flatbread for a last-minute dinner party, and it's now my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

This flatbread has become my signature dish for wine nights with friends. The combination of melted brie and honeyed pears never fails to impress, and I love how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

• Store bought flatbread: Provides the perfect canvas without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Look for an artisan style with some texture for the best results.
• Brie cheese: Creates a creamy base that melts beautifully. Choose a wheel that gives slightly when pressed for optimal ripeness.
• Fresh pears: Bring natural sweetness and texture. Select firm but ripe pears that hold their shape when sliced.
• Prosciutto: Adds a perfect salty contrast to the sweet elements. Splurge on authentic Italian prosciutto di Parma if possible.
• Honey: Creates caramelization and enhances the natural sweetness of the pears. Use a high quality local honey for the best flavor.
• Shallots: Provide a milder, more aromatic alternative to onions. They caramelize slightly during baking.
• Fresh rosemary: Brings an earthy, aromatic element that balances the sweetness. Always use fresh instead of dried here.
• Walnuts: Contribute essential crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Flatbread Base:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your flatbread on the sheet and brush it lightly with olive oil. This thin layer of oil helps the crust develop a golden, crispy edge. Bake for just 5 minutes to create a sturdy base that won't get soggy when toppings are added.

Create the Cheese Layer:

Take the flatbread out but keep your oven at the same temperature. Now dollop room temperature brie all over the warm flatbread. The softened cheese will spread more easily when at room temperature. Don't worry about creating a perfectly even layer. The rustic appearance adds to the charm of this dish.

Add Aromatic Elements:

Scatter thinly sliced shallots evenly across the cheese. The residual heat from the flatbread will help release their aromatic qualities. Sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary across the surface, distributing it evenly so every bite has a hint of herbal flavor. Drizzle one tablespoon of honey over everything, which will create sweet pockets throughout the flatbread.

Layer Fresh Ingredients:

Arrange your thinly sliced pears in overlapping patterns across the flatbread. Firm but ripe pears work best as they'll soften in the oven without becoming mushy. Tear or lay the prosciutto pieces in between and around the pears, creating height and texture. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly, ensuring they're distributed across the entire surface for consistent crunch in every bite. Finish with the remaining tablespoon of honey and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.

Bake to Perfection:

Return the assembled flatbread to your 400°F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You're looking for golden brown edges on the crust, softened pears, and completely melted brie. The cheese should be bubbling slightly and the prosciutto will have crisped around the edges while remaining tender in the center.

Finish and Serve:

Allow the flatbread to cool for about 2 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly so your toppings don't slide off when slicing. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs for visual appeal and an aromatic boost. For extra indulgence, drizzle with a final touch of honey just before serving.

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The fresh rosemary is truly the unsung hero of this flatbread. I grow it in my kitchen windowsill year round specifically for recipes like this. The aromatic oils released during baking infuse the entire dish with an earthy complexity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey and pears.

Make Ahead Options

This flatbread can be partially prepped ahead of time to make entertaining even easier. You can pre-slice all your ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. The flatbread can also be pre-crisped earlier in the day. When guests arrive, simply assemble and bake for 10-12 minutes. If you want to fully assemble ahead of time, you can prepare everything up to 2 hours before baking but wait to add the prosciutto until just before it goes in the oven to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Seasonal Variations

While this recipe shines with pears, you can adapt it throughout the year using seasonal fruits. In summer, try thinly sliced peaches or nectarines for a juicy alternative. During apple season, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples make excellent substitutions. For a more savory winter version, butternut squash slices work beautifully when tossed with a bit of olive oil and salt before arranging on the flatbread. The key is maintaining the balance between sweet, salty and creamy elements regardless of which fruit you choose.

Serving Suggestions

This flatbread works equally well as an appetizer or main course. For appetizers, cut into small squares and serve on a wooden board for casual elegance. When serving as a main, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For wine pairing, choose a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir that won't overpower the delicate flavors. The flatbread is best enjoyed immediately after baking while the cheese is still warm and the crust remains crisp.

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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an effortlessly elegant dish that will become a favorite in your cooking rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this flatbread ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the crust is crisp. However, you can prepare all the toppings in advance and assemble just before baking. If needed, you can bake it up to 2 hours ahead and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.

→ What type of pears work best for this flatbread?

Anjou, Bosc, or Bartlett pears work wonderfully as they hold their shape when baked. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft pears may release too much moisture during baking.

→ Can I substitute the brie cheese with something else?

Yes! Camembert makes an excellent substitute with a similar creamy texture. Goat cheese or ricotta also work well for a different flavor profile. For a stronger taste, try blue cheese, though you'll want to use it more sparingly.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative to prosciutto?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto. To replace its savory element, try adding caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, or a sprinkle of smoked salt. For additional protein, toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds make excellent additions.

→ What can I serve with this flatbread?

This flatbread works beautifully as an appetizer with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a meal, pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A simple soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque would create a satisfying lunch combination.

→ Can I use homemade flatbread instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade flatbread or pizza dough works wonderfully. If using homemade dough, pre-bake it for about 7-10 minutes before adding toppings to ensure it cooks through properly and maintains its structure with the wet ingredients.