Marry This Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread is an easy and savory recipe, which is made with firm-ripe pear and crumbled blue cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 40 minutes.
Jump to RecipeBlue Cheese and Pear Flatbread Recipe Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 1 lb. pizza dough, at room temperature
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 firm-ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 2 ounces)
How To Make Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
- Prep Oven and Dough: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Lightly brush a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Place the room-temperature pizza dough on the pan and use your fingers to stretch it into a very thin rectangle, about 11 by 15 inches.
- Season and Top: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the grated garlic and chopped thyme. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with the salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Top evenly with the grated Monterey Jack cheese, followed by the pear slices. Dot the crumbled blue cheese over the top and sprinkle with the thyme leaves and remaining ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Let the flatbread cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before sliding it onto a cutting board and cutting it into pieces.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best dough to use? A store-bought pizza dough is a perfect shortcut for this recipe. It’s crucial to let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start; this relaxes the gluten and makes it much easier to stretch without springing back.
- How to get a crispy crust? The key is a hot oven (425°F) and stretching the dough very thin. A thin crust will cook through and become crispy in the time it takes for the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Can I use a different cheese? If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, this flatbread is also delicious with crumbled goat cheese or Gorgonzola for a slightly milder but still tangy flavor.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! After baking, this flatbread is fantastic with a handful of fresh arugula, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
What To Serve With Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
This flatbread is a wonderful appetizer or light main course. It pairs beautifully with:
- A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- A charcuterie board with prosciutto and other cured meats.
How To Store Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
- Best Eaten Fresh: This flatbread has the best crispy texture when it is fresh and warm from the oven.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the flatbread on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbly again.
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of flatbread
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
It’s important to use a firm-ripe pear that will hold its shape and not turn to mush in the hot oven. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or even a crisp Bartlett are all excellent choices.
Yes, this is a fantastic recipe for the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the stretched dough on one side for 1-2 minutes until firm. Flip it over, quickly add all the toppings to the cooked side, close the lid, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bottom is crisp.
For the best crispy texture, it’s best to assemble and bake this right before serving. However, you can save time by having all your ingredients prepped—cheese grated, pear sliced, and garlic-thyme oil mixed—and ready to go.
Try More Recipes:
- Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini Recipe
- Prickly Pear Margaritas Recipe
- Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes25
minutes350
kcalA sophisticated yet simple flatbread featuring a perfect sweet and savory combination of juicy pear, tangy blue cheese, and fresh thyme on a crispy crust.
Ingredients
1 lb. pizza dough, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 ½ tsp. fresh thyme, divided
1/2 tsp. kosher salt & 3/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 firm-ripe pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F. Stretch the room-temperature pizza dough into a thin rectangle on an oiled baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with an olive oil mixture of grated garlic and chopped thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, then top with Monterey Jack cheese and the pear slices.
- Dot with crumbled blue cheese and sprinkle with remaining thyme and pepper.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The most important tip for a crispy crust is to stretch the dough as thin as possible on the baking sheet.
- Letting the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to stretch without it shrinking back.
- Use a firm pear like a Bosc or Anjou, as it will hold its texture and not become watery when baked.
- For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the finished flatbread with a balsamic glaze just before serving.
