Looking for a new way to jazz up pizza night? Fig and goat cheese flatbread has become my go-to when I want something a little different from the usual pepperoni and cheese. I discovered this combination at a local café last year, and I couldn’t wait to recreate it at home.
What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. On busy weeknights when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, I can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. The sweet figs play so nicely with the tangy goat cheese, and using flatbread instead of pizza dough keeps things light and crispy.
If you’ve never tried figs on pizza before, trust me on this one. Even my picky eaters at home gave it a thumbs up, and now it’s in our regular dinner rotation. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a ton of work.
Why You’ll Love This Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 20-30 minutes, this flatbread is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- No-fuss ingredients – Starting with ready-to-use flatbread means you can skip the dough-making process, while still getting that perfect crispy crust.
- Sweet and savory combo – The combination of fresh figs, tangy goat cheese, and honey creates an amazing balance of flavors that makes this flatbread feel fancy without being complicated.
- Perfect for entertaining – This flatbread looks impressive enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to make any night of the week – plus it’s easy to cut into appetizer-sized pieces.
What Kind of Figs Should I Use?
Fresh figs are the star of this flatbread, and you’ll want to choose ones that are ripe but still firm when gently squeezed. Black Mission figs are great for this recipe because of their sweet flavor and pretty purple color, but Brown Turkey or Green Kadota figs work just as well. When shopping, look for figs that have a slight give when pressed and avoid any that are super soft or have broken skin. If fresh figs aren’t in season (they typically peak in late summer and early fall), you can use dried figs that have been rehydrated in warm water for about 20 minutes – though fresh ones definitely give you the best texture and visual appeal.
Options for Substitutions
This fancy-looking flatbread is actually pretty flexible with substitutions. Here’s what you can swap:
- Flatbread: Any type of flatbread works here – naan, pita, or even pizza dough. If using pizza dough, just pre-bake it for about 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Fresh figs: When figs aren’t in season, you can use dried figs (just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first) or try thinly sliced pears or apples instead.
- Goat cheese: Not a fan of goat cheese? Try ricotta or feta instead. If using feta, use a bit less since it’s saltier.
- Sambal oelek: Any hot sauce works here – sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
- Pistachios: Feel free to swap with walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans. Or skip the nuts entirely if you prefer.
- Caramelized onions: If you don’t have time for caramelized onions, try using fig jam or caramelized onion jam as a base spread instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making fig and goat cheese flatbread is preventing a soggy crust – to avoid this, brush your flatbread with olive oil and pre-bake it for 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly crispy before adding your toppings. A common error is slicing the figs too thick, which can make them release excess moisture; instead, cut them into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch) so they’ll cook evenly and won’t weigh down your flatbread. Another mistake to watch for is adding too much cheese – while it’s tempting to pile it on, a lighter hand with both the mozzarella and goat cheese will help maintain the perfect balance of flavors and prevent the flatbread from becoming heavy and greasy. For the best results, keep an eye on your flatbread during the final minutes of baking since the honey can burn quickly – you’ll want the edges golden brown and the cheese just melted, which typically takes 8-10 minutes at 425°F.
What to Serve With Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread?
This sweet and savory flatbread pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil – the peppery greens balance out the rich cheese and sweet figs perfectly. For a complete meal, you might want to start with a bowl of chilled soup like gazpacho or cucumber soup, especially during warmer months. Since the flatbread has such interesting flavors, keep your sides pretty simple – maybe some marinated olives or a small plate of prosciutto on the side. If you’re serving this at a party, cut it into smaller pieces and pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This fig and goat cheese flatbread is best enjoyed right after it’s made, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The figs might release some moisture over time, but it’s still good!
Make Ahead: You can prep some components ahead of time to make assembly super quick. Caramelize the onions and slice the figs up to a day before, keeping them separate in covered containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover slices, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. I don’t recommend microwaving as it can make the flatbread soggy. A quick stint in a skillet over medium heat also works well to crisp up the bottom.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
Ingredients
- 1 flatbread, ready to use
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons caramelized onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 5-6 fresh figs
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 3 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (or sriracha)
- Fresh oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prep the Flatbread
Start by placing your flatbread on a baking sheet.
Drizzle a bit of oil over the flatbread, then use a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface.
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste on top.
Step 2: Add Toppings
Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the flatbread.
Next, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Break little pieces of goat cheese and dot them around the flatbread.
Finally, slice the figs and arrange them decoratively on top of the cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Flatbread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Place the prepared flatbread in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 4: Serve the Flatbread Pizza
Once baked, remove the flatbread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Cut the flatbread into approximately 8 pieces, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
For an added touch of flavor, mix together honey and sambal oelek.
Drizzle this mixture over the flatbread pizza.
Top it off by sprinkling pistachios and fresh oregano leaves over the top.
Serve immediately and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!
