Save Experience a perfect harmony of flavors with these Pear, Gorgonzola, and Pickled Walnut Pizzettes. These delicate mini pizzas offer a sophisticated blend of sweet ripe pears, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and tangy pickled walnuts, all served on a crisp, golden base. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a refined snack, these pizzettes are an elegant choice that is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Save The secret to these pizzettes lies in the contrast of textures—the crunch of the thin crust against the soft, melting cheese and juicy pear. Pickled walnuts add a surprising depth of flavor that elevates this simple Italian-inspired dish into something truly special.
Ingredients
- Dough
- 250 g pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Toppings
- 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
- To Serve
- 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 your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature to guarantee a crisp base. Using a 7 cm cutter ensures uniform pizzettes that cook evenly. Be sure to slice the pears thinly so they soften perfectly during the short baking time.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can experiment by swapping Gorgonzola for other blue cheeses like blue Stilton or Roquefort to adjust the flavor intensity. If pickled walnuts are unavailable, you can substitute them with regular walnuts and a small splash of balsamic glaze to provide that necessary tangy complexity.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pizzettes warm, ideally with a drizzle of honey and a few fresh arugula leaves for a peppery finish. They pair beautifully with a crisp Italian white wine, making them an excellent choice for a sophisticated happy hour or as a starter.
Save These Pear, Gorgonzola, and Pickled Walnut Pizzettes are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a gourmet experience. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with other blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort for a similar sharp, creamy flavor profile.
- → What can I use if I can't find pickled walnuts?
Regular toasted walnuts work well as a substitute. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to replicate the tangy complexity that pickled walnuts provide.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare homemade pizza dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- → How do I prevent the pizzettes from getting soggy?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 220°C and brush the dough lightly with olive oil before adding toppings. This creates a barrier and helps achieve a crisp base.
- → What type of pear works best for this dish?
Use ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape during baking while providing natural sweetness that complements the savory cheese.
- → Can these be served cold or do they need to be warm?
While best served warm when the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp, they can be enjoyed at room temperature for casual gatherings.