Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Cranberries & Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey
Jump To Menu Section
ToggleThis crispy flatbread combines creamy melted Brie, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. It’s perfect as an appetizer, holiday snack, light lunch, or elegant party dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Flatbread
- 1 store-bought flatbread or naan (10–12 inches)
- 8 oz (225 g) Brie cheese, rind on or removed, sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh cracked black pepper
For the Hot Honey
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh arugula
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra thyme leaves
- Lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped walnuts.
- Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Remove from the pan and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Flatbread
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the flatbread on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Arrange the Brie slices evenly over the flatbread.
- Sprinkle with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and thyme.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:
- The edges are golden and crisp.
- The Brie is melted and bubbly.
- The flatbread is lightly browned.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey
While the flatbread bakes:
- Combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Warm over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth. Do not boil.
Step 5: Finish
- Remove the flatbread from the oven.
- Drizzle generously with the warm hot honey.
- Garnish with arugula, parsley, thyme, or lemon zest if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Chef’s Tips
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Leave the Brie rind on—it softens during baking and is edible.
- Add thin apple or pear slices before baking for extra sweetness.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Use a pizza stone for an even crispier crust.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the Brie and flatbread texture may change.
Reheating:
- Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as the flatbread may become soggy.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 470 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Nut Information
Contains:
- Tree Nuts: Walnuts
- Milk (Dairy): Brie cheese
- Wheat/Gluten: Flatbread or naan (unless using a gluten-free version)
Does NOT Contain (unless substituted):
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Soy (check flatbread and hot sauce labels)
- Sesame
- Fish
- Shellfish
Nut-Free Option
Replace the walnuts with:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Roasted chickpeas
Always check packaged ingredients for potential cross-contamination if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another cheese instead of Brie?
Yes. Camembert, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or burrata are excellent substitutes.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the flatbread up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. The recipe is vegetarian as written, provided the cheese uses vegetarian-friendly rennet.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart. If using them, roast them first with a little honey or sugar to soften their flavor.
Q: How spicy is the hot honey?
Mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to make it milder or hotter.
Q: What pairs well with this flatbread?
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted butternut squash soup
- Tomato basil soup
- Fresh grapes, apple slices, or pear slices
- Sparkling water, iced tea, or apple cider
Q: Can I cook it in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning.
