Friday, April 13, 2012

Balsamic Strawberry & Goat Cheese Flatbread


I've been pretty obsessed with strawberries this spring, but I've been even more obsessed with the strawberry-balsamic combo.  It all started with this strawberry-caprese salad, and it's continued into this flatbread and even a dessert (recipe coming soon!).  So given this recent love, I was absolutely ecstatic to find a strawberry-balsamic vinegar at a local oil & vinegar store (yes, a whole store that sells all sorts of oils and vinegars.  Yes, I'm in love).

One Saturday afternoon, we decided to have a casual snacky dinner - we had some cheeses leftover from various gatherings and recipes, some hummus, and some other little things that needed to be used up.  So we just made that dinner.  However, I was kind of in the mood to cook, and was itching to use my new vinegar, so I also whipped up this flatbread.  We called some neighbors, and before we knew it, we were all outside watching the kids play, drinking a glass of wine, and stuffing our faces.

It's a basic pizza dough with a little lemon zest kneaded in, then drizzled with olive oil, some lemon juice, thinly sliced strawberries, crumbles of goat cheese, baked, and then finished with a sprinkling of basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  Heaven.  The strawberries get so flavorful when roasted in the oven, and then the addition of lemon zest brightens up the flavors.

This flatbread was a great addition to our little buffet, but I also think it would make a great appetizer for a dinner party, served as lunch with a side salad, or as part of a brunch.  It's a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and completely delicious.  Strawberries = love.





Balsamic Strawberry & Goat Cheese Flatbread
inspired by Joy the Baker

  • 1 lb of pizza dough
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
  • about 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • good balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 basil leaves, minced
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

On a well-floured surface, sprinkle about half the lemon zest over the pizza dough.  Knead it into the dough until well-incorporated, and then press the dough into a rectangle that measures about 12x9 inches (it doesn't have to be exact).  Drizzle with olive oil and about 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice.

Sprinkle the strawberries over the dough, followed by the goat cheese, and then drizzle lightly with the vinegar.

Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and just turning golden.  Drizzle with a little more balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with basil.  Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

This looks absolutely delicious :) it would be great for an appetizer at a spring or summer bbq!

Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar said...

Oh wow! This is fabulous for the new warmer weather. Yum!

Jen said...

I love having a bunch of snacky apps for dinner. I have had this recipe starred from Joy since she posted it. I cannot wait for strawberry season to hit the East Coast, which doesn't happen until June around here.

Kelsey said...

Yep...I'm making this, too. It looks great!

Lynsey said...

This looks great! I am going to have to make this soon!

Michelle said...

Oh my God. This looks amazing.

Joanne said...

I think you already know how I feel about this. Love at first sight.

Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips said...

Balsamic, strawberry, and goat cheese are such a great combination. Put it all on bread and how can you go wrong?!

MyFudo™ said...

My appetite really warms up to its maximum when I have balsamic-anything for appetizer...Yum!

Nikki said...

Definitely a combo I love! The strawberries sliced on the bread creates a gorgeous presentation, as well!

Laura said...

This sounds like an amazing combination! I may make it this weekend.

Jen Laceda | Milk Guides said...

what a great idea! it's like having your salad on a pizza!!! why not, right?

Normal Food For Normal People said...

Flatbreads are so easy and delicious, but the best part? The variety, you can make them with anything! (Or serve them as an appetizer before anything!)

LP said...

That pizza looks yummy and easy to do. I love my pizzas thin.

Anonymous said...

somehow strawberries and balsamic vinegar are a match made in heaven. This flatbread looks positively gourmet! must try soon!

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