This flatbread puts slow-cooked onions, thin apple slices and shredded Gruyère on a rolled-out pizza dough and bakes it at 450°F (230°C). The onions are sweet, the apple is tart and fresh against them, and the Gruyère melts over everything. It serves 4, and the whole thing takes about 50 minutes, most of it the onions.
Save this recipe for later:
The work is in the skillet. Once the onions are caramelized, the rest is rolling, topping and baking for 12 to 15 minutes.
What Goes on the Dough
The full list is in the recipe card at the bottom. Here is what each part does.
- Pizza dough (1): store-bought or homemade. It bakes up chewy underneath and crisp at the edges.
- Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): the main flavor. The longer you cook them, the deeper and sweeter they get.
- Apple (1, thinly sliced): a tart apple gives a fresh contrast to the sweet onions and the rich cheese.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): for cooking the onions.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon): a little acidity that brings out the sweetness of the onions.
- Gruyère (1 cup, shredded): a Swiss cheese with a nutty flavor that melts well.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon of leaves): sprinkled over the top with the cheese.
- Salt and pepper: added to the onions along with the vinegar.
Caramelizing the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the onions and cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then. Slow cooking gives the natural sugars in the onions time to develop. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, then take the pan off the heat.
Choosing the Apple
Pick an apple that balances sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith gives the sharpest contrast with the Gruyère. For a sweeter flatbread, use Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Baking
Preheat the oven fully to 450°F (230°C) before the flatbread goes in. That is what gives a crisp crust and properly melted cheese. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to the thickness you like, move it to a baking sheet, spread the onions over it, add the apple slices, then the Gruyère and thyme. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. Slice it and serve it hot.
Ways to Change It
- Protein: cooked chicken or crispy bacon makes it heartier.
- Cheese: feta or goat cheese gives a tangier result, and mozzarella or cheddar also work. Mixing cheeses adds depth.
- Vegetables: roasted butternut squash or zucchini add color and texture.
- Heat: red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices before baking set off the sweet onions and apple.
- Sweeter: use a sweeter apple, or drizzle honey over the top before serving.
What to Serve With It
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette suits a lighter meal. For a gathering, cut the flatbread into smaller pieces and put out dipping sauces such as a balsamic reduction or a spicy aioli.
Time and Nutrition
Prep takes 20 minutes and cooking takes 30, for 50 minutes in total. You can prepare the onions and slice the apples ahead of time.
Each serving has about 300 calories, 15 grams of fat (8 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, 30 milligrams of cholesterol and 300 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella, cheddar or goat cheese all work, and each changes the flavor and texture a little.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Let the flatbread cool, then keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warm and crisp again.
Can I make it ahead?
You can cook the onions and slice the apples in advance. Assemble the flatbread just before baking so the crust stays crisp.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Caramelized Onion, Apple & Gruyère Flatbread
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add sliced onions.
Cook the onions until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and stir. Remove from heat.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet.
Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough.
Top with apple slices and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and thyme.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
Slice and serve hot.
Notes
For a sweeter flavor, use a sweeter variety of apple.
Add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness before serving.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 calories |
| Sugar Content | 6g |
| Sodium Content | 300mg |
| Fat Content | 15g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 8g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 6g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30g |
| Fiber Content | 2g |
| Protein Content | 10g |
| Cholesterol Content | 30mg |