A Taste of Summer Sunshine: My Go-To Peach Basil Mozzarella Flatbread
Oh, summer! Doesn’t it just bring back the best memories? Sun-drenched afternoons, laughter, and the sweet, juicy taste of ripe peaches. That’s exactly what this Peach Basil Mozzarella Flatbread reminds me of. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like summer, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something delicious without a fuss.
I remember the first time I made this. I was looking for a quick lunch that felt a little bit fancy, and this hit the spot perfectly. The combination of sweet peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is just divine. You’re going to absolutely love how simple and satisfying it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, from pantry to plate in under 25 minutes!
- Easy: No fancy techniques required. If you can spread cheese, you can make this!
- Giftable: While you’ll want to eat it all yourself, you could totally make an extra one for a friend.
- Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious flatbread to life:
- 2 flatbreads: I love using Stonefire Naan bread because they’re soft, chewy, and the perfect size. But feel free to use any flatbread you have on hand!
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For brushing and getting that lovely golden crust.
- 6-8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced: The star of the show for that melty, creamy goodness. Fresh is best here!
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: This adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 2-3 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced: Make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor!
- 1 tablespoon honey: A little drizzle of sweetness to really make those peaches sing.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or cut into ribbons: The peppery, fresh basil is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): If you have it, a little drizzle at the end adds a sophisticated touch and a lovely tangy-sweet finish.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week.
- Preheat your oven: Get it nice and hot to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly crisp flatbread.
- Brush with olive oil: Take your flatbreads and give both sides a nice brush with the extra virgin olive oil. This helps them get lovely and golden in the oven.
- Get them on the baking sheet: Lay your oiled flatbreads onto a baking sheet. Easy peasy!
- Spread the ricotta: Dollop that creamy ricotta cheese onto each flatbread and spread it out evenly, leaving a little border around the edges. This border is like a little crusty dam to hold in all the yummy toppings.
- Add the mozzarella: Now, artfully arrange your sliced fresh mozzarella over the ricotta. Don’t be shy!
- Peaches go on top: Nestle those beautiful sliced peaches right on top of the mozzarella. Try to distribute them evenly so every bite gets a little bit of peach.
- Drizzle with honey: A little drizzle of honey over the peaches is like a sweet kiss to the fruit.
- Bake until golden: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the flatbread is beautifully golden brown and the mozzarella is all melty and bubbly. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be finicky!
- Add fresh basil: Once out of the oven, scatter those fresh basil leaves over the top. The heat from the flatbread will release their amazing aroma.
- Balsamic glaze, if you like: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle on some balsamic glaze. It’s totally optional, but I think it’s a fantastic finishing touch.
- Slice and serve: Slice your glorious flatbreads into wedges and serve them immediately. This is best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Substitutions & Additions: Get Creative!
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for your own culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas:
- Peaches: No fresh peaches? No problem! You can use grilled peaches for an extra smoky flavor, or even thinly sliced nectarines or plums.
- Cheese: While fresh mozzarella is king here, you could also try burrata for an even creamier center, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy kick.
- Herbs: Mint is a surprising but delightful partner to peaches and basil. Try adding a little fresh mint along with the basil.
- Add some crunch: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving adds a lovely texture.
- Spice it up: For a touch of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the peaches before baking can be really nice.
Tips for Success
I’ve made this so many times, and a few little things always help to make it just perfect:
- Don’t overcrowd the flatbread: While it’s tempting to pile everything on, leaving a little space helps everything cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Ripeness of peaches: Use peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced. Overly ripe peaches can get mushy.
- Watch your oven: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the flatbread during the last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for that lovely golden-brown color.
- Prep Ahead: You can slice your peaches and mozzarella a little ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, but assemble the flatbreads just before baking for the best results.
How to Store It
This flatbread is really best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven. However, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them:
- In the refrigerator: Let the flatbread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for about 1-2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, I like to pop it back into a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a toaster oven. The microwave isn’t ideal as it can make the flatbread a bit chewy.
FAQs
Can I make this on a grill?
Absolutely! This flatbread is fantastic grilled. Grill the flatbreads lightly first, then add your toppings and grill with the lid on until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
What can I serve with this flatbread?
It’s a lovely light meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. It makes for a perfect appetizer too!
Is it okay to use canned peaches?
While fresh is always best for this recipe, if you must use canned, be sure to drain them very well and pat them dry to avoid adding too much moisture to your flatbread.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust as the base, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Peach Basil Mozzarella Flatbread
Equipment
- Oven Preheated to 400°F (200°C)
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry brush For olive oil
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 flatbreads flatbreads Stonefire Naan bread recommended
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil For brushing
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 fresh peaches peeled and sliced, ripe and juicy
- 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
- fresh basil leaves chopped or cut into ribbons
- balsamic glaze optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush both sides of the flatbreads with extra virgin olive oil.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Lay the oiled flatbreads onto a baking sheet.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Dollop ricotta cheese onto each flatbread and spread evenly, leaving a border.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Arrange sliced fresh mozzarella over the ricotta.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Nestle the sliced peaches on top of the mozzarella.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Drizzle honey over the peaches.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the flatbread is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.2 flatbreads flatbreads
- Slice and serve immediately.