Crispy Bacon and Date Flatbreads with Garlic Ricotta and Balsamic Salad

These crispy flatbreads are topped with caramelized bacon, sweet dates and a creamy garlic ricotta spread. The combination of savory, sweet and tangy flavors is balanced perfectly, with fresh rosemary and lemon zest adding brightness. Served alongside a balsamic-dressed salad with feta and pistachios, this meal is both satisfying and elegant.

Ready in under 30 minutes, these flatbreads make a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The contrast of textures-crispy flatbread, gooey dates, crunchy pistachios and creamy ricotta-will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Ingredients

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Feta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce DatesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit FlatbreadsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce PistachiosView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Ricotta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce RosemaryView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.13 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position (top and middle positions for 4 servings) and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Zest and quarter lemon. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion. Roughly chop dates into bite-size pieces. Strip rosemary leaves from stems; finely chop leaves. Roughly chop pistachios. In a small bowl, combine ricotta, juice from two lemon wedges (four wedges for 4), garlic powder, a large drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Slice bacon crosswise into ½-inch pieces. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon begins to crisp and onion begins to soften, 4-5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place flatbreads directly on top rack of oven and toast until golden, 5-6 minutes. Carefully remove from oven and transfer to a baking sheet, dimpled sides up. (For 4 servings, divide flatbreads between two baking sheets.)
4. To pan with bacon and onion, add dates, 2 tsp rosemary and ⅓ cup water (4 tsp rosemary and ½ cup water for 4 servings). Season with pepper. (If pan seems dry, add another drizzle of olive oil.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until water has mostly evaporated and onions and dates are softened, 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat.
5. Spread ricotta mixture over flatbreads. Top with caramelized bacon mixture, sprinkle with feta and drizzle with olive oil. Bake flatbreads on top rack until crispy and feta is lightly browned, 7-10 minutes. (For 4 servings, bake on top and middle racks, swapping rack positions halfway through.)
6. While flatbreads bake, in a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, a large drizzle of olive oil and ⅛ tsp sugar (¼ tsp for 4 servings) until sugar has dissolved. Add mixed greens and pistachios; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Squeeze juice from remaining lemon wedges over flatbreads; sprinkle with lemon zest and as much remaining rosemary as you like. Quarter flatbreads. Top with some salad and serve with remaining salad on the side. TIP: Like things a little spicy? Sprinkle the flatbreads with chili flakes from your pantry!

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these flatbreads vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover flatbreads and salad separately in the refrigerator. Reheat flatbreads in the oven to maintain crispness.