Easy Cranberry Balsamic Flatbread with Goat Cheese & Arugula Recipe
This Easy Cranberry Balsamic Flatbread with Goat Cheese & Arugula is a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal that pairs the sweetness of cranberry sauce with tangy goat cheese and fresh arugula. Perfect for entertaining or a festive snack, it combines crispy flatbread with rich balsamic glaze and crunchy nuts for a balanced bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 flatbread, serves 2-3 slices 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Flatbread Base
- 1 piece Flatbread (store-bought or homemade; opt for gluten-free if needed)
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (substitute with fig jam or cherry preserves if needed)
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze (essential for richness and depth)
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese (alternatives like feta, ricotta, or brie can be used)
- 2 cups Baby Arugula (can be swapped with other greens if necessary)
For Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for brushing the flatbread)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even and consistent baking of the flatbread.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place the flatbread directly on the sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the flatbread with olive oil to enhance crispiness and add flavor.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Evenly spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the olive-oil-brushed flatbread for a sweet and tangy base.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle half of the balsamic glaze in a thin layer over the cranberry sauce to add depth and richness.
- Add Goat Cheese: Generously crumble and sprinkle the goat cheese evenly on top of the flatbread for creamy texture and tartness.
- Bake: Place the flatbread in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese melts slightly.
- Top with Arugula: Remove the flatbread from the oven and immediately top with fresh baby arugula, adding a peppery freshness to the dish.
- Drizzle Remaining Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the arugula for a final touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, optionally garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans, and serve the flatbread warm.
Notes
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
- You can assemble the flatbread up to 6 hours in advance without adding the arugula, then add it fresh just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Substitute goat cheese with feta, ricotta, or brie depending on preference or availability.
- To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free flatbread base.
Keywords: cranberry flatbread, goat cheese flatbread, balsamic glaze recipe, easy flatbread, appetizer recipe, festive flatbread, arugula flatbread
