This Pear Cranberry Brie Flatbread is the kind of recipe that makes people stop and say, “Wait… what is that?!”
Every bite is a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crispy.
With buttery Brie cheese, roasted pears and cranberries, and a drizzle of honey and balsamic glaze, this elegant flatbread feels like the holidays but is simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory in perfect balance
Ready in under 20 minutes
Holiday-worthy, but easy enough for a weeknight
Customizable with your favorite flatbread or crust
Show-stopping appetizer or light dinner
Ingredient Highlights
Flatbread or pizza crust – Store-bought or homemade; naan also works well.
Ripe pears – Thinly sliced for soft sweetness and a tender bite.
Fresh cranberries – Their tartness balances the cheese and honey.
Dried cranberries add sweetness if preferred.
Brie cheese – Creamy and melty, the star of the show.
Honey – Adds just enough sweetness and caramelizes slightly in the oven.
Fresh thyme – Adds herbal brightness.
Balsamic glaze – A rich drizzle at the end ties it all together.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape while baking.
Use parchment paper under your flatbread for easy cleanup.
Slice Brie with a cold knife or briefly chill it to make cutting easier.
Don’t overload with toppings—a light hand ensures a crisp crust.
Finish with glaze and herbs after baking to preserve their freshness.
How to Make Pear Cranberry Brie Flatbread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
Step 2: Prep the Base
Place your flatbread or pizza crust on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Toss the Fruit
In a small bowl, combine sliced pears and fresh cranberries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Flatbread
Spread the pear and cranberry mixture over the flatbread.
Arrange Brie slices evenly on top, then drizzle with honey.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the Brie is melted and the crust edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle fresh thyme over the top.
Slice and serve warm.
What to Serve It With
A glass of sparkling wine or prosecco – For a celebratory pairing
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette – For a fresh contrast
Roasted nuts or olives – To round out an appetizer spread
Charcuterie board – This flatbread fits right in!
Variations & Substitutions
Use apples instead of pears for a firmer bite.
Try goat cheese or camembert if you don’t have Brie.
Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
Swap balsamic glaze for fig jam if you want a fruitier finish.
Add crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven or 350°F oven until warm and the cheese is melted.
Not freezer-friendly – Brie and fresh fruit don’t thaw well.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of flatbread?
Yes! Puff pastry creates a light, flaky crust—just adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Nope! Leave the skin on for texture and color.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving.
Is this recipe good cold?
It’s best served warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
Reduce regular balsamic vinegar over low heat until syrupy, or skip it entirely.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes! Dried cranberries work great for a sweeter, chewier bite.
How do I make it more filling?
Serve with a side salad or top with some shredded rotisserie chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Pear Cranberry Brie Flatbread is one of those recipes that feels like a little luxury.
It’s perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings when you want something warm, cheesy, and a little bit special—but still easy.
Whether you’re serving it for friends, family, or just yourself with a glass of wine, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Pear Cranberry Brie Flatbread
Ingredients
- 1 flatbread or pizza crust store-bought or homemade
- 2 ripe pears thinly sliced or dried for sweeter flavor
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces Brie cheese sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place flatbread or crust on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, toss pears and cranberries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread fruit mixture over the flatbread.
- Add sliced Brie and drizzle with honey.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until Brie is melted and crust is golden.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/pear-cranberry-brie-flatbread/
Notes
- Flatbread Swap: Use naan or pita rounds for a slightly thicker crust.
- Fruit Variations: Substitute figs or apples for pears, and pomegranate arils for cranberries.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the fruit topping and slice the Brie up to 2 hours in advance; assemble and bake just before serving.
