Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese

Name: Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pre-made thin pizza crust; 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced; 150g blue cheese, crumbled; 100g crème fraîche; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh thyme leaves for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Inspired Kitchen

I love making Flammkuchen with Pear and Blue Cheese because it combines the sweet, succulent flavor of ripe pears with the rich tanginess of blue cheese. The crispy base is delightfully easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in just a few minutes. By balancing the sweetness of the fruit with the robust cheese, every bite is a delightful harmony of flavors that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s always a hit, and I can’t wait to share this mouthwatering creation with you!

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-07T15:05:35.205Z

When I first tried Flammkuchen during a trip to Germany, I was immediately captivated by its delightful blend of flavors. I decided to recreate it at home, adding my own twist with sweet pears and tangy blue cheese. The magic happens in the oven, where the cheese melts and the pears caramelize, creating a creamy, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the crispy base.

To get the perfect crispiness, I use store-bought thin crust, which saves time and still delivers that authentic taste. The secret is to watch it closely in the final minutes of baking so it doesn't overcook, ensuring every bite is a delicious treat.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The sweet pears complement the pungent blue cheese beautifully.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
A unique twist on traditional Flammkuchen that will impress your guests.

      

Perfecting the Flammkuchen Base

Achieving the ideal crispy base is key to a successful Flammkuchen. Make sure to preheat your oven to the right temperature (220°C or 430°F) to allow the crust to bake evenly. Keeping the oven hot ensures the bottom crisps up beautifully while the toppings melt together. If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, consider using a thicker pizza crust, but keep in mind that traditional Flammkuchen should lean towards a thin and crispy finish.

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy under the toppings, it’s vital not to overload with crème fraîche or fruit. The recommended amount keeps the flavors balanced without compromising the texture. If you notice the edges getting too dark, a simple trick is to cover them with a small piece of aluminum foil halfway through the bake to prevent burning.

Ingredient Insights

The balance of flavors in this recipe relies heavily on the quality of the blue cheese used. Look for a blue cheese that has a creamy texture and rich flavor, as this will create a velvety mouthfeel atop the crisp crust. If blue cheese isn't a favorite, you may substitute with gorgonzola for a milder option or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Pears add a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the cheese's sharpness. For the best flavor, use ripe pears; they should yield slightly when gentle pressure is applied. If you can’t find fresh pears, canned or poached pears can work as an alternative but be cautious about the moisture they might add. Pat dry before using to avoid a soggy base.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Flammkuchen fresh out of the oven is crucial for enjoying the crispy texture and melted cheese. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness; the peppery notes of arugula complement the dish well. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light soup like a carrot ginger or pumpkin soup—it makes for a delightful combination on a chilly evening.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at about 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, allowing the crust to regain its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can result in a soggy texture.

Ingredients

For a delightful Flammkuchen experience, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Flammkuchen

1 pre-made thin pizza crust
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
150g blue cheese, crumbled
100g crème fraîche
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that is sure to please.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Flammkuchen:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Place the thin pizza crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Mix the Toppings

In a bowl, combine crème fraîche, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Flammkuchen

Spread the crème fraîche mixture evenly over the crust, then arrange the pear slices and crumbled blue cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, slice, and enjoy your Flammkuchen warm!

Enjoy this irresistible dish as an appetizer or a main course!

Pro Tips

For an added touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a bit of honey over the Flammkuchen before serving.

Flavor Enhancements

For an added layer of flavor, try incorporating caramelized onions into your Flammkuchen. Sauté sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat until they turn golden and sweet; this adds a wonderful depth to the toppings. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage, as they pair well with both pears and blue cheese, lending an aromatic touch to each bite.

If you want to kick things up a notch, a drizzle of honey right before serving can enhance the sweetness and elevate the dish significantly. The contrast of warm honey on crispy crust with the savory cheese provides an exquisite dining experience that is sure to impress.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking for a more streamlined cooking process, you can prepare components of the Flammkuchen ahead of time. Slice the pears and crumble the blue cheese the day before; store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The crème fraîche mixture can also be made in advance—just give it a good stir before using to re-combine any layers that may have formed.

As for the crust, while it's best to bake Flammkuchen fresh, you can freeze the prepared pizza crust. Just ensure it’s well wrapped in plastic and stored in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the preparation steps as usual.

Scaling and Variations

This Flammkuchen recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. Simply use multiple crusts and multiply the ingredients accordingly. Each Flammkuchen can then feature different toppings—for example, add figs or prosciutto on some for a variety of tastes that cater to different preferences, keeping everything exciting for your guests.

You could also explore vegetarian variations by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the topping mix. Just ensure that any added vegetables are pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture on the crust, maintaining the desired crispiness of your Flammkuchen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, goat cheese or brie also work wonderfully.

→ What can I serve with Flammkuchen?

A simple green salad or a glass of white wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

→ Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Yes! You can slice the pears and crumble the cheese a few hours ahead to save time.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, this Flammkuchen is vegetarian-friendly as it features pears and cheese without any meat.