Description
Delight in these elegant Pear Gorgonzola Pickled Walnut Pizzettes, combining the sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy bite of Gorgonzola cheese and the unique crunch of pickled walnuts. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, these mini pizzas feature a crisp crust, fresh herbs, and optional honey drizzle and arugula for a balanced flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pizzettes
- 8.8 oz pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 3.5 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 6 pickled walnuts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon honey, for drizzling
- Fresh arugula leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking surface: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Shape dough rounds: Roll out the pizza dough to about 0.2 inch thickness. Using a 2.75 inch round cutter, cut out 12 evenly sized circles and place them on the prepared baking tray, spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion.
- Oil the base: Lightly brush each dough round with olive oil to promote crispiness and add flavor to the crust.
- Assemble toppings: Evenly arrange thin slices of pear over each dough circle, then sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and thinly sliced pickled walnuts on top. Add fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Bake pizzettes: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the pizzettes are golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly melted.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizzettes from the oven. If desired, drizzle each with honey for a touch of sweetness, and garnish with fresh arugula leaves. Serve warm to enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture and sweetness.
- Pickled walnuts add a unique tangy crunch; substitute with toasted walnuts if unavailable.
- The pizza dough can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- Honey and arugula are optional but add a lovely balance of sweetness and peppery freshness.
- Ensure even thickness when rolling dough for uniform baking.
