Mediterranean Festive Brie Cranberry Flatbread With Toasted Walnuts And Hot Honey Glaze
This flatbread is warm, sweet, savory and a little indulgent. It works for holiday gatherings, weekend dinners or any moment when you want something beautiful without spending hours in the kitchen. Cranberries bring a bright tang, brie melts into a creamy layer, and toasted walnuts add crunch. Olive oil, fresh thyme and a drizzle of hot honey pull in a Mediterranean feel that keeps the whole dish balanced rather than heavy. You can build it on store bought flatbread or pizza dough, and the toppings only need a quick bake to come together. The result is a golden flatbread with bubbling cheese and jewels of cranberries that feel festive without being fussy. Serve it sliced as an appetizer or enjoy it as a simple meal with a green salad. Either way, it hits all the right notes: creamy, crisp, sweet, spicy and herbaceous.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 to 18 minutes
Total: About 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 flatbreads or naan (or one medium pizza dough stretched thin)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
200 g brie, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1⁄2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons hot honey
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Heat the oven to 220 C. If using pizza dough, place a baking sheet inside to heat.
Warm a small pan with a little olive oil and cook the red onion until soft.
Add cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook until the berries soften and turn glossy. Let cool slightly.
Brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil.
Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the base.
Arrange brie slices across the flatbread.
Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cheese.
Scatter toasted walnuts across the top.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn crisp.
Finish with hot honey, fresh thyme and a little black pepper before slicing.
Tips
Keep the brie cold to make slicing easier.
If cranberries taste too tart, add another teaspoon of sugar while cooking.
For deeper flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the cranberry mix.
Toast walnuts in a dry pan for a minute or two to boost their aroma.
Brush the flatbread lightly. Too much oil will soften the base.
If using fresh dough, bake it plain for a few minutes before topping to keep it crisp.
Cut the brie with a thin knife dipped in warm water to prevent sticking.
Let the flatbread rest for a minute before slicing so the cheese sets.
Use parchment so you can slide the flatbread out easily.
Keep hot honey on the side so everyone can adjust heat to taste.
Variations
Swap brie for burrata or goat cheese for a lighter, tangier flavor.
Replace cranberries with pomegranate arils after baking for a fresh pop.
Add thin pear or apple slices under the cheese for sweetness.
Try pistachios instead of walnuts for a greener, softer crunch.
Use balsamic glaze instead of hot honey if you want it sweet without heat.
Add caramelized onions for a deeper savory layer.
Use rosemary garlic flatbread for extra aroma.
Add prosciutto after baking for a salty finish.
Spread a thin layer of fig jam under the cheese for more sweetness.
Make it vegetarian protein friendly by adding roasted chickpeas.
Q&A
Can I use dried cranberries?
They work in a pinch, but simmer them with a little water so they soften.
Does the rind stay on the brie?
Yes. It melts fine and adds flavor.
Can I make the cranberry mixture ahead?
Yes. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Can this be made on a grill?
Yes. Keep the heat medium and close the lid so the cheese melts.
What if walnuts are not available?
Almonds, pistachios or pecans all work well.
Can I make it spicy without hot honey?
Add a pinch of chili flakes before baking.
Can kids eat this?
Yes. Use regular honey instead of hot honey.
What pairs well with this?
Arugula salad, roasted vegetables or soup.
Can I use vegan cheese?
Yes. Choose a brand that melts well.
How do I keep the base crisp?
Use a hot oven and avoid heavy layers of toppings.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 of 4)
Approximate values:
Calories: 380
Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 34 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 11 g
Conclusion
This flatbread comes together quickly but still feels special enough for a gathering. The combination of warm brie, sweet cranberries and toasted walnuts gives a good balance of flavors that never feel heavy. The hot honey ties everything together with a little heat and a smooth finish. You can serve it as a starter, bring it to a holiday potluck or make it for a cozy night at home. The recipe is flexible and the ingredients can shift based on what you have. Once you try it, you will find yourself making it long after the holiday season because it is simple, satisfying and always a hit. Slice it while warm, let the cheese stretch a little and enjoy how the sweet, savory and spicy notes come together in every bite.