Grilled Flatbread with Brie, Arugula, Candied Nuts & Balsamic-Honey Drizzle: An Elegant & Easy Appetizer

Prepare for a culinary delight that effortlessly combines gourmet sophistication with straightforward preparation: Grilled Flatbread with Brie, Arugula, Candied Nuts, and Balsamic-Honey Drizzle. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that’s ready in a flash. Whether you’re seeking a quick, impressive appetizer for guests, a unique light lunch, or simply a treat that feels a little bit fancy, this grilled flatbread delivers on all fronts.

Imagine the perfect harmony of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth brie, the subtle crunch and sweetness of candied nuts, the fresh, peppery bite of arugula, all brought together with a vibrant balsamic-honey drizzle. And the secret weapon? Grilling. A quick kiss from the flames infuses a delightful smoky char into the flatbread, elevating this dish from delicious to truly unforgettable. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate and impress anyone you serve it to.

Why This Grilled Flatbread is a Must-Try

This isn’t your average pizza. We’re venturing into a realm of sophisticated flavors and textures that dance beautifully together. Many often wonder if this dish serves as an appetizer, a dessert, or just a delightful snack. The truth is, its versatility allows it to be all three. The balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and peppery notes makes it incredibly adaptable to various dining occasions. It’s an ideal choice when you want something a little out of the ordinary, a dish that sparks conversation and leaves a lasting impression.

What makes this particular combination so captivating? Let’s delve into the thoughtful layering of ingredients that create this culinary masterpiece:

The Creamy Dream: Brie Cheese

First and foremost, we have the star of the show: brie. This soft, creamy, and undeniably luxurious cheese is the perfect foundation. When gently heated on the grill, brie transforms into a gooey, irresistible layer that coats the flatbread with its rich, buttery notes. Its mild, earthy flavor provides an elegant backdrop, allowing the other bolder ingredients to truly shine. The way it melts into the warm crust is simply divine, creating pockets of lusciousness in every bite. Opt for a good quality brie for the best results, ensuring that creamy texture and delicate flavor come through.

Sweet & Crunchy Perfection: Candied Nuts

Next, we introduce the unexpected but utterly brilliant addition of candied nuts. These aren’t just any nuts; their sweet coating, often enhanced with a touch of cinnamon or other spices, provides a delightful contrast to the savory brie and peppery arugula. They add a much-needed textural crunch and a burst of concentrated sweetness that beautifully balances the dish. While I might initially have leaned towards candied pecans for their slightly softer texture, the cinnamon-toasted almonds I found worked absolutely perfectly, adding that desired warmth and a satisfying bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite candied nuts – walnuts or even cashews could be interesting variations.

A Zesty Counterpoint: Peppery Arugula

To cut through the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the nuts, fresh arugula is essential. Its distinctive peppery, slightly bitter notes provide a refreshing contrast that prevents the dish from being overly heavy. Sprinkled generously over the melted brie, the arugula wilts just slightly from the residual heat, releasing its vibrant flavor and adding a crucial element of freshness. It’s this bright, green component that truly brings the entire composition into balance, ensuring each bite is complex and exciting.

The Tangy-Sweet Finish: Balsamic-Honey Drizzle

No elegant flatbread is complete without a sophisticated finish, and our balsamic-honey drizzle is just that. This simple yet profound concoction combines the deep, tangy acidity of balsamic vinegar with the natural sweetness and viscosity of honey. The drizzle isn’t merely a garnish; it’s a critical flavor bridge. It harmonizes the sweet and savory elements, adding a glossy sheen and a final flourish of complex flavor that ties everything together. The acidity from the balsamic vinegar brightens the entire dish, while the honey adds a sticky sweetness that clings to every ingredient.

The Magic of the Grill: Smoky Char

And finally, the ultimate touch that sets this flatbread apart: grilling. Cooking the flatbread on a hot grill imparts an incredible smokiness and a wonderfully crispy, slightly charred crust that you just can’t achieve in an oven. The high heat cooks the dough quickly, giving it a delightful texture while allowing the toppings to melt and meld. That distinctive grilled flavor permeates the entire flatbread, adding an extra layer of depth and sophistication that is truly irresistible. Grilling also offers a fun, interactive way to prepare food, especially during warmer months.

Elevating Your Culinary Experience

If you’re looking to break away from the mundane, or if you simply want to impress your friends and family with a dish that looks effortlessly trendy and tastes absolutely divine, then this grilled flatbread is your answer. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined and expertly prepared, can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is designed for success.

For the perfect base, consider using my Sam Adams Pizza Dough made with beer, which adds a unique depth of flavor. Also, explore my Homemade Pizza Sauce with wine and garlic, though for this particular flatbread, no tomato sauce is needed, allowing the brie to take center stage.

Tips for Grilling the Perfect Flatbread

Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your grill is scorching hot before placing the dough on it. This creates that desirable char and crispy texture quickly, preventing the dough from sticking.
Oil the Grates: Lightly oil your grill grates to further prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one flatbread at a time if necessary, to maintain consistent heat and allow for easy handling.
Prepare Ahead: Have all your toppings (brie, arugula, candied nuts, and the balsamic-honey drizzle) ready and within arm’s reach of the grill. Grilling is fast, so you won’t have time to chop or slice once the dough is on the grates.
Use Tongs: A good pair of long-handled tongs is essential for flipping the dough and carefully transferring the finished flatbread off the grill.
Watch Closely: Grilling times can vary depending on your grill’s heat and the thickness of your dough. Keep a close eye on the flatbread to avoid burning. Two minutes per side is a good starting point, but adjust as needed.
Experiment with Dough: While a classic pizza dough works beautifully, feel free to experiment with different types of flatbread dough, such as naan or even a pre-made crust designed for grilling, for added convenience.

Variations to Inspire Your Creativity

While this recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of brie? Try fresh goat cheese for a tangy kick, dollops of creamy ricotta, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Add Fruit: Sliced fresh figs or pears would complement the brie and candied nuts beautifully, adding another layer of sweetness and texture.
Savory Additions: A few slices of crispy prosciutto or pancetta could introduce a wonderful salty element. Caramelized onions or roasted red peppers would also be fantastic.
Herbaceous Touches: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, added with the brie, would infuse an aromatic essence into the flatbread.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the top can add a subtle warmth and zing.
Different Drizzles: While balsamic-honey is a winner, a maple-balsamic glaze or even a simple reduction of balsamic vinegar could also work.

This Grilled Flatbread with Brie, Arugula, Candied Nuts, and Balsamic-Honey Drizzle is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore sophisticated flavors in an approachable way. It celebrates the harmony of contrasting elements – sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, fresh and smoky – creating a dish that is both elegant and incredibly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Grilled Flatbread with Brie, Arugula, Candied Nuts, and Balsamic-Honey Drizzle

5 from 1 vote

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Authur: Erica

Servings: 4

Ingredients

prepared pizza dough enough for 1 small or 1/2 a large pizza
3 oz brie cheese sliced
3/4 c loosely packed arugula
¼ c chopped candied nuts I used cinnamon toasted almonds from the grocery store
1 T honey
½ T balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Heat your grill to high heat.
In a small bowl, combine the honey and balsamic vinegar.
While the grill is heating, prepare all the fixings (brie, arugula, and chopped candied nuts) on a dish or bake sheet to bring out to the grill with you.
Roll out the pizza dough and kinda, sorta shape it into a rectangle.
Bring everything out to the grill, including a pair of thongs. Transfer the rolled out dough onto the grill. Grill for 2 minutes or until slightly charred on the bottom. Flip the dough over, add the toppings: lay out cheese, arugula, and nuts. Cook another minute or two, covered, until bottom of crust is slightly charred and cheese is melted. Remove pizza from the grill and drizzle with the balsamic honey. Serves 4 as an appetizer.