Ingredients

Flatbread: The foundation of our dish. You have several options here, each offering a slightly different texture and taste. Pre-made flatbreads are readily available in most grocery stores and are incredibly convenient, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or last-minute appetizer. Look for varieties like naan, pita bread, or even pre-baked pizza crusts. For a slightly crispier base, consider using thin and crispy flatbreads. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can certainly make your own flatbread from scratch, which allows for complete control over the texture and ingredients. A homemade flatbread will often have a wonderfully rustic charm and can elevate the dish to gourmet levels. Regardless of your choice, aim for a flatbread that’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy, yet still tender enough to bite into easily. Approximately 1 large flatbread (around 12-14 inches) or 2-3 smaller individual flatbreads will suffice for this recipe, serving around 4-6 people as an appetizer or light meal.

Goat Cheese: The creamy, tangy heart of our flatbread. When it comes to goat cheese, quality truly matters. Opt for a soft, fresh goat cheese log rather than the pre-crumbled variety. Fresh goat cheese has a superior creamy texture and a more pronounced, nuanced flavor that will melt beautifully and spread evenly across the flatbread. Avoid goat cheese that’s overly aged or too firm, as it might not spread as smoothly. You can choose plain goat cheese to allow the other flavors to shine, or consider flavored goat cheeses for an extra layer of complexity. Honey goat cheese or herb-infused goat cheese could be lovely variations, but for the classic recipe, plain fresh goat cheese is ideal. You’ll need about 4 ounces (approximately 115 grams) of goat cheese for one large flatbread, ensuring a generous and flavorful base.

Fresh Arugula: Adding a peppery bite and vibrant green hue, arugula is a crucial element in balancing the richness of the goat cheese and sweetness of the blueberries. Fresh, crisp arugula is essential. Look for bunches of arugula that are bright green and perky, avoiding any wilted or yellowing leaves. Pre-washed arugula is convenient, but make sure to pat it dry thoroughly before using to prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy. Arugula’s slightly bitter and peppery flavor profile provides a wonderful counterpoint to the other ingredients, adding depth and complexity. You will need approximately 2 cups of loosely packed arugula, which might seem like a lot, but it wilts down slightly once dressed and distributed on the warm flatbread.

Fresh Blueberries: Jewel-toned bursts of sweetness and antioxidants, fresh blueberries are what bring a delightful summer freshness to this flatbread. Choose plump, ripe blueberries that are firm to the touch and have a deep blue color. Avoid blueberries that are mushy or wrinkled, as these might be past their prime. Fresh blueberries offer a juicy sweetness that complements the tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula beautifully. Frozen blueberries are not recommended for this recipe as they tend to release too much moisture and can make the flatbread soggy. You’ll need about 1 cup of fresh blueberries, which should be rinsed and patted dry before adding them to the flatbread.

Olive Oil: The liquid gold that enhances flavor and adds richness. Extra virgin olive oil is always recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits. A good quality olive oil will contribute a fruity, slightly peppery note that elevates the overall taste of the flatbread. You’ll need olive oil for brushing the flatbread base and for drizzling over the finished product. Approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil will be sufficient for this recipe.

Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to harmonize the flavors. A drizzle of honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tanginess of the goat cheese and the peppery notes of the arugula. It also enhances the natural sweetness of the blueberries. Choose a good quality honey, such as wildflower honey or clover honey, for the best flavor. A little goes a long way, so you’ll only need about 1-2 tablespoons of honey, drizzled lightly over the assembled flatbread.

Balsamic Glaze: For a sophisticated finishing touch and a hint of tangy sweetness. Balsamic glaze, also known as balsamic reduction, is a concentrated balsamic vinegar that has been simmered down to a syrupy consistency. It adds a beautiful visual appeal and a complex flavor profile – sweet, tangy, and slightly acidic – that complements all the other ingredients perfectly. You can easily find balsamic glaze pre-made in most grocery stores, or you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after the flatbread is baked is the perfect finishing touch. You will need about 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze, or to taste.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is highly recommended for its bolder flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices for seasoning. Salt enhances the sweetness of the blueberries and the tanginess of the goat cheese, while pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. You’ll need just a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the flatbread base and the finished dish to taste.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Flatbread Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the flatbread to a golden crisp without burning the toppings. While the oven is preheating, prepare your flatbread base. If you are using a pre-made flatbread, place it directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is not strictly necessary, but it prevents the flatbread from sticking and makes for easier cleanup. If you’re using individual flatbreads, arrange them on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you are using a homemade flatbread base, ensure it’s already pre-baked or ready to be baked according to your recipe instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese

Take your soft goat cheese and, using a spoon or your fingers, crumble it evenly over the flatbread base. Distribute the goat cheese in a thin, even layer, leaving a small border around the edges of the flatbread for a rustic look. Don’t overdo it with the goat cheese; a moderate layer is perfect. The heat of the oven will melt the goat cheese beautifully, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the other toppings. Ensure the goat cheese is spread relatively evenly to ensure each bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Bake the Flatbread

Once the goat cheese is evenly distributed, place the baking sheet with the flatbread into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the flatbread is heated through and the goat cheese is softened and slightly melted. Keep a close eye on the flatbread as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of flatbread you are using. You want the edges of the flatbread to be lightly golden brown and the goat cheese to be warm and creamy. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the flatbread dry.

Step 4: Prepare the Arugula and Blueberries

While the flatbread is baking, prepare your fresh arugula and blueberries. If you haven’t already, rinse the arugula and blueberries under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can make the flatbread soggy, so drying them well is important. Set aside the dried arugula and blueberries, ready to assemble onto the baked flatbread.

Step 5: Assemble the Flatbread

Once the flatbread is baked to golden perfection and the goat cheese is melted and creamy, carefully remove it from the oven. Now it’s time to assemble the remaining ingredients. Immediately sprinkle the fresh arugula evenly over the warm goat cheese base. The heat from the flatbread will slightly wilt the arugula, releasing its peppery flavor. Next, scatter the fresh blueberries over the arugula. Distribute them evenly for a visually appealing and flavorful flatbread.

Step 6: Drizzle with Olive Oil, Honey, and Balsamic Glaze

With the arugula and blueberries in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches of flavor. Drizzle the entire flatbread lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This adds richness and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Next, drizzle honey over the flatbread in a thin, even stream. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the other flavors. Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze over the flatbread in a decorative pattern. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Lastly, season the assembled flatbread with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step enhances all the flavors and brings everything together. Carefully slice the flatbread into wedges or squares using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve immediately while it’s still warm. The combination of warm flatbread, creamy goat cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet blueberries is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 350-400