Recently a lot of family members had the chance to visit me from overseas and I was looking for easy recipes as appetizers for my guests.  I wanted appetizers that would be unique, not store-bought.  Then after asking around my auntie, a kitchen snob, she recommended that I start with caramelized onion and garlic flatbread.  It is an easy favorite in her home and great for entertaining families with children.  The sweet and savory combination makes for a hearty snack.  Moreover, it is so simple that if you wanted to cut corners by using store-bought flatbread, the taste is just as gourmet as those you’d try in a restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Flatbread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey or sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast

For the Topping:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary or green onions) for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Toppings:

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.  Set aside.
2. Roast the Garlic:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
   • Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and mash.

Assembling the Flatbread:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.
2. Shape the Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 portions. Roll out each portion into a thin oval or rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
3. Add the Toppings:
   • Spread the roasted garlic paste over the flatbread dough.
   • Top with caramelized onions and shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake:
   • Carefully transfer the flatbreads to the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
   • Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Slice and serve warm.