Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Pear, Toasted Pecans & Cranberry Glaze
Description
This Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Pear, Toasted Pecans & Cranberry Glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. Buttery melted brie spreads luxuriously over a golden-crisp flatbread, topped with tender pear slices, nutty toasted pecans, and finished with a glossy cranberry glaze that adds festive tang and color. Ideal as a holiday appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or elegant light dinner.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Servings: 2–4 (as appetizer)
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
2 flatbreads or naan
1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
150 g (5 oz) brie cheese, sliced (rind on or off)
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Cranberry Glaze
½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat & Toast Nuts
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
2. Prepare Cranberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, warm cranberry sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble Flatbread
Brush flatbreads lightly with olive oil.
Arrange brie slices evenly over the surface, followed by pear slices. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and herbs if using.
4. Bake
Place flatbreads on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are crispy and brie is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Finish & Serve
Drizzle warm cranberry glaze over the flatbread. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
Use ripe but firm pears so they soften without turning mushy
For extra crispness, bake flatbread directly on the oven rack
Let brie come to room temperature for smoother melting
Variations
Nut-Free: Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds
Extra Sweet: Add a drizzle of hot honey or maple syrup
Savory Twist: Add prosciutto or crispy bacon after baking
Cheese Swap: Camembert or triple-cream cheese works beautifully
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of flatbread?
A: Yes! Bake pastry first until golden, then add toppings and return to oven briefly.
Q: Is this served hot or warm?
A: Best served warm, when the brie is melty and the glaze is glossy.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: A light arugula salad, sparkling drink, or mulled cider pairs perfectly.