Pear Gorgonzola Pickled Walnut Pizzettes

The first time I encountered pickled walnuts was at a tiny Italian market tucked between a bakery and a flower shop. The owner, an elderly woman with flour-dusted hands, pressed a jar into my palm and insisted I take it home. Those dark, earthy gems became the secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal, especially when paired with the sweetness of ripe pears and the bite of Gorgonzola.

I served these at a last-minute dinner party when three friends unexpectedly showed up one rainy Tuesday. The wine was flowing, conversation was loud, and something about the mingling flavors—the peppery arugula, the honey finish, the way the pears caramelized just slightly in the oven—made the evening feel magical instead of chaotic.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Store-bought works beautifully here, but if you have time to make your own, the texture becomes extraordinarly light and crisp
• Ripe pear: Choose one that yields slightly to pressure but still holds its shape when thinly sliced
• Gorgonzola cheese: Room temperature cheese spreads more evenly, so pull it from the fridge about 30 minutes before you start
• Pickled walnuts: These earthy, tangy treasures are worth seeking out at specialty grocers or online
• Fresh thyme: Strip the leaves from the stems by running your fingers opposite direction of growth
• Honey: A final drizzle ties together the sweet and savory elements into something cohesive

Instructions

Preheat your workspace:

Set your oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on each side for easy transfer later

Shape the base:

Roll the dough to 0.5 cm thickness and cut twelve 7 cm circles, placing them on the prepared tray with space between each

Add the first layer:

Lightly brush each round with olive oil using a small pastry brush, covering the surface completely but not soaking through

Build the flavors:

Arrange pear slices in overlapping circles, then scatter Gorgonzola crumbles and place pickled walnut slices strategically across the top

Season and bake:

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and grind black pepper directly over the pizzettes, then bake until edges turn golden brown and cheese bubbles enthusiastically

Finish with finesse:

Let them cool for just 2 minutes, then drizzle with honey and crown with fresh arugula leaves before serving warm

Pin it

My neighbor Sarah, who claims to despise blue cheese of any kind, tentatively tried one at our annual summer block party and then proceeded to eat three more. She later texted me at midnight asking for the recipe, saying she had been dreaming about them.

Making These Ahead

You can prepare all components separately up to 4 hours before serving. Keep the sliced pears in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning, and store the dough circles between layers of parchment paper so they do not stick together.

Wine Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich cheese, while a honeyed Riesling amplifies the pear sweetness. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these on a wooden board or slate platter for maximum visual appeal. The contrast of colors—golden dough, pale pears, dark walnuts, bright greens—makes them photograph beautifully and draws guests in immediately.

• Set out small napkins rather than forks to encourage finger food style casual eating
• Consider doubling the recipe because these disappear faster than you expect
• Place a small bowl of extra pickled walnuts on the side for the adventurous tasters

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There is something deeply satisfying about serving food that looks impressive but comes from such humble ingredients. These pizzettes have become my go-to for moments when I want to feed people something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the Gorgonzola cheese?

Yes, blue Stilton or Roquefort are excellent alternatives for Gorgonzola. They offer a similar pungent and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet pear and tangy walnuts.

→ What if I don't have pickled walnuts?

If pickled walnuts are unavailable, you can use regular walnuts. For a similar tang and depth, consider adding a small splash of balsamic glaze or a few drops of white wine vinegar to the regular walnuts before topping.

→ Can these pizzettes be prepared in advance?

While best served warm and fresh from the oven, you can prepare the dough rounds and all toppings ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure the crispest crust and freshest flavors.

→ What beverages pair well with these pizzettes?

These pizzettes pair beautifully with a crisp Italian white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a dry Prosecco. The acidity and effervescence complement the rich cheese and sweet fruit notes.

→ How do I get a perfectly crispy crust?

Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. Placing the pizzettes on a preheated baking sheet or a pizza stone can also help achieve a wonderfully crisp and golden base.

→ Are these pizzettes suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian. All ingredients, including the cheese and dough, are typically vegetarian-friendly. Always check labels for specific dietary concerns if required.