Want to bond? Just say pizza, and people will flock to you.

Even better, get others involved in the pizza-making process from start to finish. Before you know it, you’ll have turned acquaintances into close friends, sharing the joy of a delicious pie together. Alright, maybe it doesn’t always work out like that, but pizza is a universally loved food.

For me, a great flatbread is best enjoyed in good company. We’ve all experienced those evenings alone with pizza, and it just doesn’t hit the same. I’d much rather share those extra slices with a friend than let them languish in the fridge.

As I start to see brighter days ahead post-quarantine, I’m daydreaming about my next flatbread night with friends.

Gatherings are all about rolling out dough, picking seasonal ingredients, and sampling each other’s creations.

This glazed pear flatbread is at the top of my list. Featuring tender pears, crunchy walnuts, prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula, this unique flatbread is bound to impress your friends and entice newcomers.

glazed-pear-flatbread

Recipe Origins

My parents recently got a pizza oven, and we spent the winter experimenting with various recipes. Let me tell you, these ovens cook quickly, and we’ve made significant progress. We’ve gone from accidentally burning pepperonis to perfecting classic Margheritas and creating crisp flatbreads with seasonal toppings.

Once we mastered the classics and couldn’t bear to see another jar of red sauce, we started getting creative with ingredient combinations. After countless laughs and tastings, we discovered our favorites often featured seasonal ingredients, a blend of salty and sweet flavors, and a balance of soft and crunchy toppings.

Ultimately, we reaffirmed our belief that pizzas are the ideal canvas for all your favorite ingredients. Enter this pear flatbread with walnuts, goat cheese, prosciutto, and arugula. glazed-pear-flatbread

Selecting the Crust

Here’s a hot take: I’m all about thin crust. While thick crust has its perks, thin crust allows the toppings to shine on this pear flatbread. Plus, who doesn’t adore those crispy, golden edges?

This recipe skips the sauce, which I prefer for most flatbreads, as it enhances flavor and keeps the slices intact while you eat. I’ll admit to mixing up “pizza” and “flatbread” terms here, but I see flatbreads as thin crusts with minimal sauce and creative toppings. The pros might disagree, but flatbread just sounds fancy. So, pear flatbread it is.

glazed-pear-flatbread

Making It Gluten-Free

I’ve been gluten-free for years, and it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying my favorite foods. Thankfully, there are gluten-free pizza crusts available in most supermarkets today.

If you’re a dough enthusiast, feel free to make it from scratch, but there’s nothing wrong with using pre-made options. While many good pre-made crusts exist, rolling out your own dough adds a fun twist to homemade pizza.

Recently, I’ve been loving this Wholly Wholesome Pizza Dough. It’s gluten-free, mimics the real thing, and boasts incredible flavor and texture compared to other crusts I’ve tried.

glazed-pear-flatbread

Ingredients Overview

Pears are the candy of winter. When pear season arrives, I relish adding them to salads, desserts, and of course, pizzas. For this pear flatbread, you’ll want to cook the sliced fruit slightly and drizzle some balsamic glaze to achieve that rich, caramelized sweetness. Pairing it with goat cheese creates a heavenly combination, offering a tangy, smooth taste that lingers with each bite.

The walnuts contribute a hearty crunch that leaves you satisfied after just a few slices. Prosciutto is a must-have on most flatbreads, and the sweet-salty mix with balsamic glaze is fantastic when baked perfectly. Lastly, don’t forget the greens! Tossed arugula on top completes this perfect pie.

glazed-pear-flatbread

Feedback from Taste Testers

This flatbread received rave reviews from everyone at home. Here are some highlights:

Megan (my sister):

  • Initial impression: It had a unique sweetness, different from a typical tomato sauce pizza. This was more of a sweet and savory flatbread, with flavors that complemented each other well.

  • Favorite elements: The balsamic glaze stood out, paired with the nutty walnut flavor and the savory goat cheese.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5. This flatbread was exceptional! I’d suggest maybe adding another salty element next time.

Noble (my brother):

  • Initial impression: I was surprised I enjoyed this so much. My sisters often try to make pizza too “healthy,” but this one was a hit.

  • Favorite elements: The walnuts were one of my favorite parts. Every pizza needs a crunch.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5. I love sauce, so I’d like to see some pesto or a meltier cheese next time.

I hope you love this flatbread as much as we did! Check out the recipe below and share your thoughts!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Ingredients
  • 1 pizza dough or prepared crust of choice
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced
  • 2 oz prosciutto
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
  • 1 cup of arugula
  • 1/4 cup walnut halves
  • 2 Tbs balsamic glaze, drizzled
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 handful fresh herbs (oregano, micro basil, etc.)
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Roll out your pizza dough and follow any prep instructions (some may require pre-baking the crust).
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbs olive oil and toast walnuts for about 1 minute (they’ll toast more in the oven). Add sliced pears and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Drizzle with 1 Tbs balsamic glaze halfway through and set aside.
  3. Once your crust is ready, layer the pear slices, prosciutto, goat cheese crumbles, and walnuts evenly on top.
  4. Bake until the crust is slightly browned (usually 10-15 minutes, depending on your crust).
  5. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of arugula, 1 Tbs olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until well-coated.
  6. Top the flatbread with the arugula, drizzle on the balsamic glaze and olive oil.
  7. Finish with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for added flavor. Enjoy!