Mediterranean Za’atar-Spiced Goat Cheese, Date & Walnut Flatbread
This flatbread is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, making it a wonderful appetizer, light lunch, or party snack. The creamy tang of goat cheese, the natural sweetness of Medjool dates, and the crunch of walnuts come together beautifully, enhanced by aromatic za’atar and fresh herbs. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
1 large flatbread or naan
120g fresh goat cheese
6–8 Medjool dates, pitted and sliced
50g walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon za’atar spice blend
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare flatbread: Place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Spread cheese: Crumble or spread the goat cheese evenly over the surface.
Add toppings: Scatter sliced dates and chopped walnuts over the cheese.
Season: Sprinkle za’atar spice evenly on top.
Bake: Place in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and the flatbread is slightly crisp.
Finish & serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Tips
For extra flavor, warm the goat cheese slightly before spreading so it melts into the flatbread.
Toast the walnuts briefly in a dry pan for a richer, nuttier flavor.
Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slices when serving.
If your flatbread is very thin, keep an eye on it to avoid over-crisping.
Variations:
Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with feta, ricotta, or cream cheese for a different taste and texture.
Sweet Twist: Drizzle with a little honey or pomegranate molasses before serving for extra sweetness.
Fruit Options: Swap dates for figs, dried apricots, or fresh grapes.
Nut Options: Use pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts.
Grilled Version: Instead of baking, cook the flatbread on a grill or stovetop griddle for a smoky flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this flatbread in advance?
A: You can assemble the ingredients on the flatbread a few hours ahead, but bake it just before serving so it stays crisp.
Q: Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
A: Yes. Use a vegan soft cheese alternative and maple syrup or agave for sweetness if you add a drizzle.
Q: What type of flatbread works best?
A: Any sturdy flatbread like naan, pita, or lavash works well. Naan gives a softer bite, while thinner flatbreads get crispier.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use a gluten-free flatbread or pizza base.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, serves 2)
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: ~320 mg
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands and exact quantities used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Za’atar-Spiced Goat Cheese, Date & Walnut Flatbread is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the chewy sweetness of dates and the crunch of toasted walnuts, while za’atar adds a fragrant herbal touch. It’s simple enough for a quick snack or light lunch but elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it warm with a fresh green salad or as part of a mezze spread.