Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Cranberries & Roasted Walnuts

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that feels elegant but comes together in minutes, this Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Cranberries & Roasted Walnuts is the perfect choice. Creamy, melty Brie pairs beautifully with tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted walnuts, all layered over a golden, crisp flatbread. A drizzle of honey (or hot honey) ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and subtle heat.

This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy dinner parties, or even a quick gourmet-style lunch. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—without requiring complicated techniques.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 20–22 minutes

Servings: 4–6 slices (1–2 flatbreads)

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 medium flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)

For the Toppings:

6–8 oz Brie cheese, sliced (rind on or off)

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup walnuts, roasted and roughly chopped

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, finely chopped)

For the Drizzle (Optional):

1–2 tablespoons honey or hot honey

¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (if making hot honey)

Seasoning (Optional):

Pinch of salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the flatbread base. Place the flatbreads on the baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.

Add garlic (optional). Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the oiled flatbread for extra savory flavor.

Pre-bake the base. Bake the flatbreads for 3–4 minutes to crisp slightly before adding toppings.

Layer the Brie. Arrange sliced Brie evenly across the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.

Add cranberries and walnuts. Sprinkle dried cranberries and roasted walnuts evenly over the Brie.

Season lightly. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired. Brie is naturally creamy and mild, so seasoning enhances balance.

Bake until melty. Return to the oven and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and beginning to bubble.

Add herbs and drizzle. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with rosemary or thyme, and drizzle with honey or hot honey.

Slice and serve. Let cool for 2–3 minutes, slice into wedges, and serve warm.

Tips

Use room-temperature Brie for even melting.

Keep the rind on for structure and flavor—it’s edible and adds depth.

Toast walnuts separately in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to enhance nuttiness.

Don’t overload toppings or the flatbread may become soggy.

Pre-baking the crust ensures maximum crispiness.

Use a pizza stone if available for an extra crispy bottom.

Chop cranberries slightly if they’re large to distribute sweetness evenly.

Balance sweetness carefully—start with a light drizzle of honey.

Slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.

Serve immediately for best texture and melt factor.

Variations

Prosciutto Addition: Add thin slices of prosciutto after baking for a salty contrast.

Apple Upgrade: Layer thin apple slices under the Brie for autumn flavor.

Pear & Walnut Version: Swap cranberries for sliced pears.

Spicy Maple Twist: Use maple syrup mixed with chili flakes instead of honey.

Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Replace honey with balsamic reduction.

Goat Cheese Swap: Replace half the Brie with goat cheese for tanginess.

Arugula Finish: Top with fresh arugula after baking for peppery freshness.

Caramelized Onion Layer: Add caramelized onions beneath the cheese.

Pistachio Crunch: Replace walnuts with pistachios.

Savory-Only Version: Skip cranberries and honey; add roasted mushrooms and thyme.

Q&A

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I use puff pastry instead of flatbread?
Yes, but baking time will increase slightly.

Do I remove the Brie rind?
Optional. It’s edible and melts well.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries need to be cooked first; dried work best here.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Not recommended—Brie texture changes after freezing.

What wine pairs well?
Chardonnay or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flatbread.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat in oven for crispness.

Can I use another nut?
Absolutely—pecans or almonds work well.

Is hot honey very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; adjust chili flakes to taste.

Nutrition

(Approximate per serving)

Calories: 320–380

Protein: 10–12g

Fat: 20–25g

Carbohydrates: 28–35g

Fiber: 2–3g

Sugar: 8–12g

Values vary based on flatbread type and amount of honey used.

Conclusion

Crispy Flatbread with Brie, Cranberries & Roasted Walnuts is the perfect blend of effortless and impressive. With its creamy melted cheese, tart bursts of cranberry, and crunchy toasted walnuts, it delivers complex flavor in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, light lunch, or elegant party snack, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.