Pin it Elevate your appetizer game with these Pear, Gorgonzola, and Pickled Walnut Pizzettes. This recipe brings together a sophisticated blend of sweet fruit, creamy cheese, and tangy nuts on a perfectly crisp base. Whether you are hosting a festive party or looking for a refined snack, these mini pizzas deliver a delightful balance of Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
Pin it These pizzettes are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The golden dough rounds provide a sturdy yet light foundation for the richness of the Gorgonzola and the unique crunch of pickled walnuts. Topped with fresh thyme and a hint of black pepper, they offer a gourmet experience that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 250 g pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 100 g Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 6 pickled walnuts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Fresh arugula leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Roll out the pizza dough to about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) thickness. Using a 7 cm (3-inch) round cutter, cut out 12 circles. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Step 3
- Lightly brush each dough round with olive oil.
- Step 4
- Arrange pear slices evenly over each pizzette, followed by crumbled Gorgonzola and sliced pickled walnuts. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper.
- Step 5
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling.
- Step 6
- Remove from the oven. Drizzle with honey and top with fresh arugula leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out; this prevents it from snapping back and helps achieve that thin, even thickness. Using a 7 cm cutter ensures uniform cooking times for all 12 pizzettes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping the Gorgonzola for other blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort. If pickled walnuts are unavailable, you can use regular walnuts and finish the pizzettes with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to replicate that essential tangy depth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pizzettes warm to fully appreciate the melted cheese and crisp base. They pair exceptionally well with a crisp Italian white wine, which cuts through the richness of the blue cheese and complements the sweetness of the pear.
Pin it Whether served as a sophisticated starter or a stand-out party snack, these Pear, Gorgonzola, and Pickled Walnut Pizzettes are guaranteed to be a hit. With their harmonious blend of textures and high-quality ingredients, they prove that simple appetizers can be truly extraordinary.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with blue Stilton or Roquefort for a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy, tangy character of the dish.
- → What if I can't find pickled walnuts?
Use regular walnuts and add a splash of balsamic glaze to recreate the tangy complexity that pickled walnuts provide.
- → Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely. Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a fresh, artisanal quality to these pizzettes, though store-bought dough is a convenient time-saver.
- → How do I prevent the pears from making the pizzettes soggy?
Slice the pears thinly and avoid overloading each pizzette. The high oven temperature and short baking time help keep the base crisp while cooking the toppings perfectly.
- → What wine pairs best with these pizzettes?
A crisp Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the sweet pears and rich Gorgonzola beautifully, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough rounds and slice the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.