
There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet, juicy fruit paired with a sharp, tangy cheese. This Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread with Walnut-Honey Drizzle is the personification of “fancy made easy.” Whether you are looking for a sophisticated appetizer for your next dinner party or a light, gourmet lunch to enjoy on the patio, this recipe hits every single note: sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a professional food writer, I’ve tasted a lot of complex dishes, but I always find myself coming back to recipes that rely on high-quality ingredients rather than high-effort techniques.
I love this flatbread because it feels like something you would order at a high-end bistro, yet it takes less than 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s a fantastic way to transition between seasons—the warmth of the toasted walnuts and honey feels cozy for autumn, while the fresh pears and thyme keep it bright and light. Much like this baked brie appetizer, it is my favorite effortless way to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 Flatbreads or Naan (approx. 200g total): Store-bought naan works perfectly for a chewy, bubbly base.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (30ml): For brushing the crust to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
- 2 Ripe Pears (approx. 300g): Thinly sliced. I recommend Anjou or Bosc pears for their ability to hold shape when heated.
- 3 oz Blue Cheese (85g): Crumbled. Choose a creamy Gorgonzola for a milder flavor or a Roquefort for a sharp punch.
- ¼ cup Walnuts (30g): Toasted and chopped for that essential earthy crunch.
- 2 tbsp Honey (30ml): To drizzle over the top for a floral, sweet finish.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: For garnish and a subtle herbal aroma.
Swaps and Notes
- The Cheese: If blue cheese is too bold for your palate, you can easily swap it for goat cheese or even a sharp white cheddar.
- The Fruit: No pears? Thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp) are a wonderful substitute.
- The Base: If you want a thinner, crispier result, you can use flour tortillas or even a pre-baked thin pizza crust.
- Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, swap the walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to maintain the crunch.
Steps for the Recipe
1. Prep the Oven and Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your flatbreads or naan onto a large baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the surface of the bread with the olive oil. This helps the pears “stick” and prevents the bread from drying out.
2. Layer the Flavors
Arrange your thinly sliced pears across the flatbreads in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly for a beautiful shingled look. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the pears.
3. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes. You are looking for the edges of the flatbread to turn golden brown and the blue cheese to become soft and slightly melted.
4. The Finishing Touches
Remove the flatbreads from the oven. While still hot, drizzle the honey generously over the top. Sprinkle your toasted, chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves over the surface.
5. Slice and Serve
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the flatbread into wedges or rectangles. Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and the honey is gooey.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Bake: Pears release moisture as they cook. If you leave the flatbread in too long, the crust might get soggy. Aim for that 8-10 minute sweet spot.
- Toast Your Walnuts: Taking two minutes to toast your walnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the flatbread unlocks a much deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the blue cheese perfectly.
- Choose Ripe but Firm: You want pears that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. If they are too soft, they will turn into jam in the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This flatbread is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
If you are serving this as an appetizer, it pairs beautifully with a classic margarita for a refreshing contrast, or if you are hosting a larger crowd, a pitcher of this rainbow sangria adds a beautiful pop of color to the table.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Storage and Leftover Tips
While this flatbread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread rubbery. Instead, place the leftovers back in a 350°F (175°C) oven or a toaster oven for 5 minutes until the crust is crisp again.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the sweet and savory notes of this recipe, you have to try these other fan favorites:
- These Pecan Pie Bars for more nutty, honey-infused goodness.
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons for a quick, 3-ingredient dessert fix.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a “wow” moment at the dinner table.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media to show off your creation. Don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more easy, gourmet recipes delivered straight to your feed!




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