Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic flatbread topped with sweet roasted tomatoes, caramelized fennel, and aged cheese, perfect for a relaxed picnic gathering. This mediterranean-inspired pizza ready in about 40 minutes pairs store-bought pizza dough, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until caramelized and softened.
  3. Step 3: Roll out 1 lb store-bought pizza dough on a floured surface to a roughly 12x14-inch oval shape.
  4. Step 4: Transfer dough to a piece of parchment paper. Brush dough evenly with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then scatter roasted tomatoes and fennel over the top.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated aged Manchego or Pecorino cheese and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves evenly over the flatbread. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Step 6: Slide the flatbread with parchment onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven, let cool 5 minutes, slice into rustic pieces, and serve warm or at room temperature for a perfect picnic dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep store-bought pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rustic Tomato and Fennel Flatbread with Aged Cheese?

Mediterranean pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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