Strawberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread Recipe
This Strawberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread features a crisp, thin crust topped with fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant basil, finished with a tangy balsamic reduction drizzle. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light meal, this recipe blends sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors in a quick and easy baked flatbread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Flatbread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
For the Flatbread:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- About 1 cup sliced strawberries
- About 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- Fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, warm water, and olive oil. Add the kosher salt and flour, one cup at a time, stirring between each addition until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover lightly with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: While the dough rises, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to roughly 1/4 cup. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: When the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to preheat as well.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it in half, setting aside one half for another use. Roll the remaining half very thinly to about 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer it onto a parchment-lined, unrimmed baking sheet.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Drizzle the dough with olive oil and brush evenly to coat lightly. Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and some of the fresh basil ribbons—distribute toppings evenly but lightly.
- Bake the Flatbread: Using the baking sheet like a peel, slide the flatbread onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the balsamic reduction. Slice and garnish with remaining basil ribbons as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
- The other half of the dough can be refrigerated or frozen for future flatbreads or pizzas.
- Adjust balsamic reduction quantity to taste for sweetness and tang.
- Variations: substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta if preferred.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.
