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Toasted Pecans with a Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe

Toasted Pecans with a Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe

4.7 from 22 reviews

A delightful and flavorful crispy flatbread topped with creamy mascarpone cheese, sweet dried apricots, and toasted pecans, finished with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Flatbread Base:

  • 2 large naan or artisan flatbreads
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mascarpone Layer:

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup dried apricots, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Light sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture sit to infuse while you prepare the flatbread.
  3. Pre-Bake the Flatbread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the flatbreads with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 5–7 minutes until the edges are slightly crisp.
  4. Add Mascarpone and Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with honey and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm flatbreads. Then, top with sliced dried apricots and toasted pecans. If desired, sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Return the flatbreads to the oven and bake for another 5–6 minutes until warmed through and the edges are crisp.
  5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the flatbreads. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you like. Slice into wedges and serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried apricots with other dried fruits like figs or dates for variation.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey to control the spiciness according to your taste.
  • For a vegan version, replace mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Serve immediately for optimal crispness; leftover flatbread can be reheated but may lose some texture.
  • Brown sugar on top adds a nice caramelized finish but can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy flatbread, mascarpone, dried apricots, toasted pecans, hot honey drizzle, appetizer, sweet and spicy, easy recipe