Description
This Rustic Cranberry & Balsamic Glazed Flatbread with Fresh Herbs is a delightful appetizer combining the sweet tang of dried cranberries and balsamic glaze with creamy cheeses and crunchy nuts. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp and garnished with aromatic fresh rosemary and thyme, this flatbread offers a rustic yet elegant flavor ideal for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Flatbread Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary and thyme
- Optional: arugula for garnish
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough into a rustic oval or rectangle shape about 1/4 inch thick and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the dough surface lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Par-bake Dough: Bake the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is lightly golden and set but not fully cooked. This step ensures a crisp base for your toppings.
- Make Balsamic Glaze: While the dough is baking, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Remove the par-baked flatbread from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese or feta, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts over the flatbread. Return it to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven. Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze generously over the top, sprinkle with freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, and garnish with arugula if desired. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- For added richness and depth, caramelized onions can be spread on the dough before adding the cheese and toppings.
- The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or other nuts based on preference for varying texture and flavor.
- Use either goat cheese or feta depending on your taste preference – both add a lovely tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 flatbread
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
