Simple Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread
Simple peach, basil and ricotta flatbreads drizzled with balsamic reduction. A gourmet summer dinner ready in fifteen minutes!
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 28, 2024
The topic of busyness has been all over the place latelyโon my mind, in the press and in conversation with my dear friend Grace last nightโand it couldnโt have come up at a more relevant time. This week, Iโve been so crazy busy that my friendโs wedding last Saturday feels simultaneously like it was yesterday and a million years ago.
The reality is that I love this blog and my job, but I perpetually feel like Iโm fighting a losing battle trying to keep up. (Not to mention trying to find time for friends, family, pilates and those little things called relaxation and personal development.)
I look at successful working women with kids who somehow manage to keep their kitchens clean and their fingers manicured, and I wonder, how on earth do they do it?! Honestly, I can hardly manage to keep up with my own pile of dishes and walking my dog. Iโve been asking myself questions like, are these feelings of overwhelm just an unavoidable bi-product of doing what I love? Is there a better way to do these things or am I trying to do too much? Just how do we do it all, and is it worth it?
One thing is certain: I cannot run on stress, coffee and dark chocolate alone. I really wanted to share last nightโs dinner with you today, but midnight came and the photos werenโt yet edited. I chose sleep instead. Eight glorious and absolutely necessary hours of sleep. So today I offer you a delicious solution for busy summer nights when there seems to be no time to make dinner. These peach and ricotta flatbreads are basically my tortilla pizzas in gourmet form and couldnโt be easier to put together.
You can always make your own flatbread, but in the interest of time, I chose to buy whole wheat flatbread at Whole Foods and freeze it. That way itโs ready whenever I need it. Simply defrost the flatbreads, spread ricotta over the top, bake, and sprinkle with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
PrintSimple Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread
Simple peach, basil and ricotta flatbreads drizzled with balsamic reduction. A gourmet summer dinner ready in fifteen minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 store-bought whole wheat flatbreads or naan
- โ cup ricotta (enough to generously cover the top of each flatbread, this amount is dependent on the size of your flatbreads)
- 1 to 2 ripe yellow peaches, peeled and sliced (I only needed one)
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped (a few big basil leavesโ worth)
- sea salt and black pepper
- balsamic vinegar reduction, for drizzling (see notes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the flatbread in a cast iron pan or baking sheet.
- Spread ricotta evenly across the flatbread, leaving ยฝ inch around the edges. Place slices of peach on the ricotta.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped basil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slice, then drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
Notes
- Yields 2 flatbreads.
- Feel free to substitute ripe tomatoes for the peaches.
- To make your own balsamic reduction, bring one cup (or more) balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small, thick bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the vinegar is reduced by half or more. Allow the reduction to cool, then transfer to an airtight jar and store in the pantry. Balsamic vinegar is great on everything from pizza to ice cream, caprese salads and so much more.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistโs advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Itโs funny, I simultaneously love and hate being busy and Iโm the first to complain if life seems either too quiet or too manic. I probably need to work on embracing what I have instead of wanting what I donโt have! One thing I do know though is that when youโre busy, food is often the first thing to slip. This looks like such a great meal to have in the bag for nights like that.
Hear, hear! You know, as busy as I get, I always find time to make myself something decent to eat. At least Iโm doing one thing right, right?
In all seriousness, Kate, you are one of those bloggers I have often looked at and thought, how does she do it? so your transparency in this post is refreshing!
Time management is not one of my strengths, truly! This blog is fueled by late nights and dark chocolate, and I wouldnโt be able to do it if I didnโt have a flexible work schedule. Thank goodness I get to work from home and make my own schedule!
GOOD FOR YOU for getting 8 hours of glorious sleep Kate! Iโm a terribly moody and irritable person when I donโt get a solid 6-8 hours so I think youโre awesome for just going to bed! I know what you mean when you say that you look at other women with kids etc and wonder โHow do they do it?โ Iโve just got myself to worry about and thatโs quite enough for now! These flatbreads look delicious โ sometimes simple is best! Have a great weekend!
Iโve been feeling the same way โ it always feels impossible to keep up with things. I think our culture has made itself busier than it needs to be โ we all need a nap! And time at the cafe, sipping coffee or wine and talking through life.
These flatbreads look delicious. I just started making flatbread โ itโs a perfect dinner! And can be made into anything. I love this pizza version.
Wish we could meet up at a cafe for some wine, Sarah! Itโs always so fun to chat with bloggers who know how much work goes on behind the scenes. Loved your feature in FoodieCrush, by the way!
Kate! First, Iโm a big fan; Iโve tried so many of your recipes and youโre one of the few people, aside from my relatives in Greece, who make me want to eat cheese. From my outsiderโs perspective, you have time management down to a science. But I know how stressful and panicked things can get behind the scenes. Back in March, I took on the topic of idleness (http://thensquash.com/posts/view/be-idle) and just today made a virtual vow to schedule quiet time in for myself, once a week, no matter what. I read Shannaโs post at Food Loves Writing and I am so happy this topic is being talked about so much right now; what better time to step back and reflect on how โbusynessโ affects our lives than when so many of us seem to have disconnected from real living and real interactions in pursuit of achievement? The truth is, idleness breeds creativityโฆ we need that down time (and an occasional eight hours of sleep) to do what we love, the best that we can. May there be more sleep-filled nights and quiet time in your future! Thanks for persevering, and for the dreamy pictures of cheese (but donโt tell anyone, Iโm a vegan!).
Thank you, Joanne. I assure the behind-the-scenes is not so pretty around here. I completely agree in the value of being idle and I do, at least, make time for a long walk with my dog every day. Even though Iโm being physically active, thatโs when my mind wanders and I get the best ideas. I think I need to develop some better habits, like turning off the computer at 10 pm and reading books until I go to bed. Iโll give it a try!
This is the flatbread of my dreams! All my favorite toppings, love!
Yes to sleepโit makes everything else seem just that little bit more manageable. When I get stressed out, I try to take a deep breath and give myself a breakโpreferably with an easy yet delicious lunch like this in one hand and a book in the other. :) I love the peach and basil combination!
Guuuurl, you know I feel you. Between my busy day job (and commute!), the site, and Pairings Box biz, I struggle with making time for family, friends, and oh yea, that little thing called doing nothing. I, too, wonder, what will happen when a little one enters the pictures โ how will I ever manage?! What will have to give?! I remember recently reading something about how you make time for stuff thatโs important to you โ if it goes by the wayside, it may not be that valuable in your life. I think life kinda goes in waves that wayโฆeventually, we zero on the things that really, really matter.
Girl, you mystify me with your ability to do all that you do. I really admire how you and Matt have creatively turned your blog into a business. I totally agree with your viewpointโif youโre busy spending time with people and on projects that really matter, then youโre busy for good reason.
Thank you for this, Kate! Seriously, itโs so comforting to hear that someone else feels this way. Those moms with perfectly polished nails and effortless style who do it ALL are total mysteries to me. I feel like I can barely keep up, and I donโt even have kids! For that reason, meals like this could not be more welcome in my kitchen, and I love how easy (but still wholesome and delicious) your flatbread looks.
Those moms are either rock stars or aliens, I canโt decide!
I read the first to articles (why women still canโt have it all & the busy trap) over the last few weeks, too. GREAT articles! Iโll have to check out your other recommendations. And totally the right choice to pick sleep over photo editing!
Youโre not alone, friend. You are NOT alone. Although, I donโt need to remind you. As an aside, I love your reading list, those have been across my desk or in my lap at some point over the past two weeks. Hereโs one more for you โ maybe tomorrow morning, with cookie in your lap ;) โ http://nyti.ms/MSDKDA
Loved that article, thanks for sharing! I remember learning about the happiness stuff in psychology classes but underindulgenceโฆ thatโs a concept I should become more familiar with. :)
Amen! Itโs hard so to say no to good things. Still havenโt figured out how to do that. But I made a promise to simplify life this summer. Cheers to that. And beautiful flatbreads!
This sounds awesome! Love this idea!
These pizzas look amazing, perfect for summertime! And I know what you mean about the stress. Itโs so important to take a minute and do the things you need, for you, in order to stay sane. My bi-weekly mani-pedis help me feel just a little pampered, and well taken care of. I donโt always get to them, but they are so worth it!
This flatbread looks amazing!
And yes, I just turned down a job today because I could tell it would be just like my last jobโ60 to 80 hour weeks and the commute would be long. Plus, I have a family. When I asked how they felt about working from home one or two days a week, I could tell they were AGHAST. I am happy to work hard, but I am not willing to devote my life to my job. And Iโm lucky that Iโm in a position to choose. Many people are not! I donโt know why corporate life has to be SO demanding.
Good for you, Fiona! Iโm with you 100% and glad that you are willing and able to put your family before work.
I canโt believe I didnโt discover you earlier. Everything on this blog is so incredibly tasty and beautiful :)
Glad you found my blog, Kate!
I always adore your honest, heartfelt posts, Kate. Iโm glad youโre catching up on that glorious thing called sleep, and still posting recipes that make me rumble with hunger :)
I totally understand what youโre saying. How do you manage to do everything? My laundry piles up, my bathroom hasnโt been cleaned in weeks, my kitchen is a mess, and Iโm just so exhausted all the time!
Anyway, this flatbread looks amazing. Love the peach-basil marriage of flavors! I really need to stock up on some flatbread.
Your house sounds like mine most of the time! I think I need to accept that itโs ok to let those things go by the wayside sometimes.
This combination sounds deliciousโฆ. I just bought a tub of my favorite artisan ricotta and since I usually go at it with a spoon, I think itโs time to try actually using it in a recipe!
What a clever idea. That first photo is absolutely beautiful. I say take time when you need time. We have to recognize that we canโt always do it all. Something has to give once in a while and Iโve learned thatโs OK. Itโs important to put yourself first.
I totally understand you, but please remember to take some time for yourself as well. We can easily forget that needโฆ:)
Saw you in the latest Foodiecrush issue (my recipe was in it too) and loved the article! Just as I love this recipe. I often make these simple flatbreads, but this ricotta variation is now on my mus-try-this-list!
Itโs SO weird that you posted about being busy because I JUST READ that NY Times article about being โcrazy busyโ and making your life WORTH something.
I absolutely understand. And Iโm understanding that that flatbread needs to appear on my tongue.
I love the sound of this flatbread, and while I am not often really busy, Iโm still in need of quick recipes to make when I return hungry from work.
I found your blog doing a Google search for โraw sesame kale salad,โ and Iโm so glad I did! Itโs just beautiful!!! So many great recipes, and lots of them are vegan! I will be back again and again!
p.s. I have a quirky mutt, too! His name is Elwood. :)
Elwood! What a great name. Glad you found my blog!
Just remember, at some point life is bound to slow downโฆ eventually. The flatbread looks absolutely delicious, as usual!
I am always looking for that spot where I feel โcaught upโ. It never happens. The laundry always needs doing or the kitchen is falling down around my head or itโs been a week and Iโve not yet found the inspiration to sit down and write a few paragraphs that somehow culminate in cornbreadโฆI want to find that balance between passion, ambition, and efficiency. Someone told me this morning that โadequate is sufficient for usโ and while that may make my perfectionist brain revolt, itโs a really important thing for me to tell myself sometimes. Otherwise I feel like I canโt keep up. Iโm grateful that Iโm passionate enough about something (um, even if it is largely centered around ice cream & pie) to push myself though. At least you arenโt bored!
That saidโฆ these are the best flavors ever! I want to put them in a pie, in an ice cream, and I want to put them on Jim Laheyโs pizza doughโฆ grilled. I also want to simply grill a peach and top it w/ a dollop of homemade ricotta & shredded basil. Itโs just classic. Awesome.
I share your feelings of being overwhelmed and, at many times, out of balance. Iโm trying to juggle grad school, lifestyle changes Iโd like to make permanent, having time for myself, and having time for friends and my boyfriend. Itโs definitely a challenge. And I never quite feel like Iโve got it all under control, which can be frustrating and distressing and exhausting. But having the awareness and guts to take a step back and take time for yourself is awesome and inspirational to us. Just like that tasty flatbread recipe you shared โ I am looking forward to trying it, with a cocktail or wine, and just chilling out. Thank you!
Ugh, I hear ya! The busyness thing has been so much on my mind lately โฆ. and Iโve decided to let my internet life take a backseat. It feels good. My life feels more fulfilled this way, more enriched. There will never be enough time, will there?
Oh Kate, how I can relate! Some days, walking my dog DOES seem like an insurmountable task, in combination with everything else life. And I wonder, how will I do this all one day, with children (not to mention a significant other)?! Really though, I think we handle what we are given, whether itโs a lot or a little, and we adjust the other parts of our lives to accommodate new responsibilities. With that said, forgoing a blog post to get some much needed rest is a must sometimes! Glad to hear that you took a time out!
PS. Love these flatbreads.
Kate, I love this recipe! Itโs such a good, quick, summery dinner. I popped it in the oven after a late night at work last week (when I was starving!) and the timer went off just after I had changed into some comfy clothes.
Everyone: if youโre having a โsweetsโ craving, trying drizzling a little honey over the entire assembled dish. NOM.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the flatbread, Jennifer! Great idea with the honey.
This looks great! You should also check out Nickyโs wonderful version โ http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2012/08/16/a-classic-gets-a-facelift-flammkuchen-with-peaches-goat-cheese/
Love your recipe!! I included in a feature article in my wellness blog on Tapas. The link is here โ-> http://www.gaiahealthblog.com/baila-me-dance-with-me-in-granada-spain/
Made this for breakfast and didnโt want to take the time to reduce the balsamic vinegarโฆ should have, couldnโt use much since it was so runny and I missed the tang. Maybe that was also partly because I used white balsamic vinegar; otherwise followed recipe exactly. Still tasty, love the light sweetness. Thanks for a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese!
This sounds yummy and easy. If I try these, I would use my very special aged balsamic vinegar that I bought in San Gimignano, Italy, which doesnโt need to be reduced.
Thanks, Susan! I bet your vinegar is amazing.
I wasnโt a fan of this recipe at all. Iโm sure it would have been better if the peaches were in season, but I canโt say Iโd try to make it again. I am looking forward to your other recipes though. Iโm planning on trying out the Red Thai Curry recipe and Iโm excited.
Beautiful and delicious!
Thank you, Sarah!
I found this recipe while going back through your summer archives. I made it tonight to use up the peaches & tomatoes Iโve gotten from the farmerโs market โ and it was SO GOOD! Really fresh, delicious and simple!
Iโm glad you tried it, Amy! Thanks for your comment and review.
Delicious! Simple meal that would pair nicely with a side salad. Itโs so easy to make, and yet the end product makes me feel like I made something super fancy. It feels a little bit like eating dessert for dinner!
Yes, it would pair nicely with a side salad.
This appetizer was filling and delicious! I love how well the peaches paired with everything else. It was a quick and easy treat. I am beginning to appreciate food so much more now. Thanks for that!
Youโre welcome, Stephanie!
I made this for lunch today, and it was delicious! Thanks for the great recipe! I will definitely make this again.
Made today with farmers market peaches and a really thick aged balsamic vinegar. This was fantastic. I also drizzled with a bit of honey and used coarse seal salt. So quick and easy. Will def make this again!
I made this salad tonight for dinner. My husband added grilled chicken to his and I added a couple of grilled shrimp (pescatarian) and both salads were excellent. The dressing is light and delicious. Perfect meal during our summer heat wave.
We bought a home with a peach tree and now have lots of peaches to eat. I always search your site first for possible recipes and found this gem. We made this today for lunch. So easy and tasty! Another great recipe! I used Trader Joeโs balsamic glaze so it came together quickly.