Description
This Rustic Cranberry & Balsamic Glazed Flatbread with Fresh Herbs is a delightful vegetarian appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a homemade or store-bought pizza dough base topped with a tangy-sweet cranberry balsamic glaze, melted mozzarella, creamy goat cheese, and fresh herbs, it offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Flatbread
- 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure even heat distribution for a crispy crust.
- Prepare the cranberry balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rustic oval or round shape about ¼-inch thick. Transfer it carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly onto the preheated pizza stone dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the toppings: Brush the dough surface evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by dollops of the cranberry balsamic glaze, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled goat cheese. Finish by scattering chopped fresh rosemary and thyme evenly on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the flatbread: Place the flatbread in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crisp and the mozzarella cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven, let it cool slightly, slice into portions, and serve warm as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the flatbread after baking.
- Substitute goat cheese with blue cheese to add a stronger, tangier bite if desired.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula on top after baking for a peppery freshness and vibrant color.
- This recipe works well with either fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, or bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet if a stone is unavailable.
