Description

These Pear, Gorgonzola, and Pickled Walnut Pizzettes are delightful mini flatbreads featuring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Crispy pizza bases are topped with ripe pear slices, crumbled creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and tangy pickled walnuts, all enhanced by fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey. Ideal as elegant appetizers or a sophisticated snack, they come together quickly with store-bought or homemade dough and bake to golden perfection in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Bases

8.8 oz pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toppings

1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced
3.5 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
6 pickled walnuts, thinly sliced
1 tbsp honey, optional for drizzling
Fresh arugula leaves, optional

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Instructions

Prepare oven and workspace: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
Cut dough into rounds: Roll out the pizza dough to approximately 0.2 inch thickness. Use a 2.75 inch round cutter to cut out 12 circles and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Oil the bases: Lightly brush each dough circle with olive oil using a pastry brush to ensure a crisp and golden crust when baked.
Assemble toppings: Evenly distribute thin pear slices over each pizzette. Then sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and sliced pickled walnuts on top. Finish by scattering fresh thyme leaves and adding freshly ground black pepper to taste for layered flavor.
Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges of the pizzettes are golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Finish and serve: Remove the pizzettes from the oven. Optionally, drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast and garnish with fresh arugula leaves for a peppery freshness. Serve warm to fully enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears to avoid soggy pizzettes.
Pickled walnuts add a tangy crunch; if unavailable, candied walnuts can be a substitute but will alter the flavor profile.
For a vegetarian option, ensure the Gorgonzola cheese used is free from animal rennet.
These pizzettes are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in an oven to maintain crispness.
Adjust the amount of honey drizzle to balance the sweetness according to taste.