Okay, so this flatbread is one of those things that looks fancy but honestly takes no time at all. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want something that feels a little special — like you put in effort — but secretly took you 15 minutes. The mix of flavors is wild in the best way: melty brie, sweet apples, tangy cranberry, and a little earthy thyme. It’s cozy, bright, and just plain delicious.
The first time I made it, I didn’t really plan to. I had leftover cranberry sauce in the fridge from a holiday dinner, half a wheel of brie that needed using up, and one lonely apple sitting in the fruit bowl. I spread everything on a flatbread, threw it in the oven, and hoped for the best — and wow. It came out golden and bubbling, smelling like something you’d get at a little café that serves everything on wooden boards.
What I love most is how balanced it is. You get sweetness from the apple and cranberry, saltiness and creaminess from the brie, and then the thyme just ties it all together. If you like a little crunch, toss on some pecans. And if you want to make it feel extra special, drizzle a little honey over the top when it’s warm. That’s the magic touch.
Ingredients
1 flatbread (store-bought or homemade — either works)
1 small apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala are perfect)
3 oz brie cheese, sliced
2 tbsp cranberry sauce (or cranberry jam)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Pinch of sea salt
Drizzle of honey (optional, but highly recommended)
Directions
Set the oven’s temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. Put your flatbread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and drizzle it with a little olive oil, just enough to give it a little sheen.
Assemble the flatbread. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top, like you’re making pizza sauce. Lay down slices of brie, then arrange your apple slices however you like. Sprinkle over some fresh thyme leaves and a small pinch of sea salt.
Bake. Pop it in the oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the brie is gooey and the edges of the flatbread are crisp and golden.
Finish it off. When it comes out of the oven, drizzle with honey for a little sweetness and scatter on some chopped pecans if you like that crunch. Slice it up and serve while it’s still warm and melty.
That’s it. Simple, cozy, and ridiculously good. Perfect for a quick lunch, an easy appetizer, or one of those nights where you just want something warm and comforting without doing much work.
Recipe FAQs
1: Can I use another type of cheese if I don’t have brie?
Definitely! Camembert, goat cheese, or even mozzarella will work. Brie just gives that creamy melt and mild flavor that pairs so well with the cranberry.
2: What kind of flatbread should I use?
Anything you like — naan, pita, or even a tortilla if that’s what you have. I love using naan because it gets crisp but still stays soft in the middle.
3: Do I have to use fresh thyme?
If you only have dried thyme, use about half the amount — it’s more concentrated. Or, honestly, you can skip it. The flatbread will still taste amazing.
4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Sort of! You can assemble it ahead (minus the baking part), cover it, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it fresh so the cheese melts perfectly.
5: What else can I add on top?
Oh, so many things! A handful of arugula after baking adds a nice peppery touch. A few caramelized onions or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts would be great too. This recipe’s super flexible — just play around with what you’ve got.
Honestly, this flatbread feels like fall on a plate. It’s warm, sweet, a little fancy, and perfect with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Make it once and you’ll keep finding excuses to make it again.
Apple, Brie, and Cranberry Flatbread with Thyme
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 flatbread (store-bought or homemade — either works)
1 small apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala are perfect)
3 oz brie cheese, sliced
2 tbsp cranberry sauce (or cranberry jam)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Pinch sea salt
Drizzle of honey (optional, but highly recommended)
Directions
- Set the oven’s temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. Put your flatbread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and drizzle it with a little olive oil, just enough to give it a little sheen.
- Assemble the flatbread. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top, like you’re making pizza sauce. Lay down slices of brie, then arrange your apple slices however you like. Sprinkle over some fresh thyme leaves and a small pinch of sea salt.
- Bake. Pop it in the oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the brie is gooey and the edges of the flatbread are crisp and golden.
- Finish it off. When it comes out of the oven, drizzle with honey for a little sweetness and scatter on some chopped pecans if you like that crunch. Slice it up and serve while it’s still warm and melty.
- That’s it. Simple, cozy, and ridiculously good. Perfect for a quick lunch, an easy appetizer, or one of those nights where you just want something warm and comforting without doing much work.
