Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese

Name: Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza dough or Flammkuchen base; 200g blue cheese, crumbled; 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 200g crème fraîche; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme, for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Kitchen

I absolutely love making Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese! This unique dish brings together creamy blue cheese and sweet, juicy pears, creating a delightful balance of flavors that never fails to impress. The crisp, thin crust is the perfect base for these toppings, and I enjoy the quick cooking time that lets me whip this up on a busy weeknight or as a special treat. It’s a fun way to enjoy a traditional dish with a modern twist, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:41:36.389Z

Making Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese has become one of my favorite homemade dinners. The combination of the rich, tangy cheese and the sweet fruit is surprisingly harmonious. During one of my culinary adventures, I decided to experiment with the classic Flammkuchen recipe, and I was thrilled with the outcome. The secret is to use ripe pears that soften beautifully in the oven.

I learned that pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings ensures a perfectly crispy crust. It avoids sogginess and enhances the overall texture of the dish. Trust me, this little tip makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings
A delightful contrast between sweet pears and savory blue cheese
Quick to prepare, ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions

Understanding The Flammkuchen Base

The foundation of a great Flammkuchen lies in its base, which should be thin and crispy to support the rich toppings. When rolling out your pizza dough, aim for a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness allows for even baking and prevents the base from becoming soggy under the weight of the crème fraîche and toppings. If you use a pre-made base, look for one that specifies a thin style to ensure optimal results.

A key factor is the pre-baking step. Baking the rolled-out dough for about 5 minutes, until it starts firming up but is not yet browned, helps lock in moisture. This initial bake safeguards against the creamy topping making the base too wet during the final baking. The better your base is prepared, the more satisfying your Flammkuchen will be!

Choosing and Preparing Ingredients

For this Flammkuchen, the quality of your blue cheese is crucial. Selecting a robust blue cheese, like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, enhances the dish with a creamy texture and sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pears. If you're looking for a milder taste, you could substitute with feta or goat cheese, but keep in mind that these alternatives will alter the flavor profile significantly.

Pears should be ripe for optimal sweetness. Choosing varieties like Bosc or Anjou ensures you get a firm texture that holds up well during baking. Slice the pears thinly—around a quarter-inch thick—so they cook quickly and caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sugars. Avoid overripe pears, as they can become mushy and lose their shape when baked.

Ingredients

For the Flammkuchen

1 pre-made pizza dough or Flammkuchen base
200g blue cheese, crumbled
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
200g crème fraîche
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Prepare the Base

Roll out the pizza dough or Flammkuchen base on a floured surface to a thin rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pre-Bake the Dough

Bake the base in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until slightly firm. This helps keep the dough crispy once topped.

Add Toppings

Spread the crème fraîche evenly over the pre-baked base. Top with the crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake to Perfection

Return the Flammkuchen to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme. Slice into pieces and enjoy hot!

Pro Tips

Try different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles, or add nuts for extra crunch!

Serving Suggestions

While Flammkuchen is delightful served alone, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad. A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette not only complements the rich flavors but adds a refreshing contrast to the dish. For a heartier option, consider a side of roasted vegetables, which enhance the overall meal with texture and additional nutrients.

For a more adventurous spin, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey on top after baking. This sweet finish can elevate the flavors, especially when served warm, creating a beautiful balance between savory and sweet. Enjoying it with a glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the overall experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispiness of the base, reheat your slices in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes. This method will revive the texture compared to microwaving, which can result in a soggy crust.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can assemble the Flammkuchen but leave the crème fraîche and toppings off until just before baking. Refrigerate the assembled base without ingredients for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the crème fraîche and toppings and follow the baking instructions for a quick, fresh dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Gorgonzola or goat cheese would also work beautifully in this recipe.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian, but make sure to choose a vegetarian-friendly cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prepare the toppings ahead of time and assemble the Flammkuchen just before baking.