Introduction
This elegant flatbread brings together contrasting flavors and textures: the creaminess of ricotta, the sweetness of roasted apples, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and a kick of heat from hot honey. It’s the kind of dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for fall gatherings, wine nights, or when you want to impress without the stress.
🍎 Ingredients
For the Flatbread:
- 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade; naan, lavash, or thin pizza crusts work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Base:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Apples:
- 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme or arugula (optional garnish)
For the Hot Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sliced apples with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized. Set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Spread
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and optional apple cider vinegar.
- Let steep for at least 5 minutes. (The longer it sits, the spicier it gets!)
Step 5: Assemble & Bake the Flatbread
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or use a broiler for a quick finish.
- Brush flatbreads lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 5–7 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Remove from oven and spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Top with roasted apple slices and toasted walnuts.
- Return to oven for 3–5 minutes to warm everything through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Drizzle with hot honey just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a handful of arugula if desired.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
👨🍳 Method Notes & Tips
- Flatbread options: You can use store-bought naan, pita, or even puff pastry. If you’re making your own dough, pre-bake it before topping to ensure crispiness.
- Apples: Avoid using overly soft apples like Red Delicious—they can get mushy when roasted.
- Ricotta tip: For an extra creamy texture, whip the ricotta with a bit of cream or olive oil.
- Hot honey hack: Store-bought versions like Mike’s Hot Honey work too, but homemade is more customizable.
🍷 Pairing Suggestion
Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling apple cider.