If you are craving a dish that perfectly marries creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors with a crisp, golden crust, you must try the Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe. This delightful flatbread features a luscious roasted garlic béchamel, layered with savory tasso ham, spicy andouille sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a melty combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda. Every bite bursts with the essence of Cajun cuisine, making it an irresistible treat that’s as impressive to serve as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe is how it relies on straightforward yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy béchamel base that adds richness, to the bold Cajun meats that bring that signature punch, and the cheeses that offer a perfect melt and depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that’s sure to wow.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Provides the creamy foundation for the béchamel sauce, ensuring it’s rich and smooth.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Used for sautéing and creating the roux, adding a silky texture and depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp): Thickens the béchamel into a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Roasted and sautéed, it infuses the béchamel with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Shallot (1, minced): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pepper (¼ tsp): Brings mild heat and balances the richness.
- Nutmeg (a dash, freshly grated): Adds a hint of warmth and earthiness to the béchamel.
- Thin pizza crust (1): The perfect crispy canvas for all the toppings to shine.
- Tasso ham: Infuses smoky, spicy notes that define the Cajun character of the flatbread.
- Andouille sausage: Adds a bold, peppery kick essential to the dish’s personality.
- Mushrooms: Bring an earthy, umami balance to the rich meats and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese (¾ cup shredded): Offers a gooey, milky melt that stretches deliciously.
- Smoked gouda (¾ cup shredded): Provides a creamy, smoky depth that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
How to Make Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Garlic Béchamel
Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large saucepan, then gently sauté the minced garlic and shallot until they become fragrant and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and sets the stage for a flavorful sauce. Next, stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it until it reaches a light, golden sandy color—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes and ensures your béchamel won’t taste floury.
Step 2: Whisk in the Milk and Season
Increase the heat to medium-high and slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken to a creamy consistency, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 to 20 minutes. This simmering softens the flour’s bite and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Finish by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to add a subtle layer of warmth.
Step 3: Assemble the Flatbread
Preheat your oven to 400ºF and get your thin pizza crust ready. Spread a generous layer of your roasted garlic béchamel over the crust, ensuring every bite will be creamy and rich. Then layer on the tasso ham, andouille sausage, mushrooms, and cheeses to your liking. These toppings both complement and contrast each other, creating a complex, hearty flavor profile.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled flatbread into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly, melted cheese and a crust that’s golden brown and crisp around the edges. This final bake brings everything together, roasting the meats slightly and melding all the layers into one glorious bite.
How to Serve Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and add freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the finished flatbread just before serving. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon can also add a vibrant kick that complements the smoky, creamy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this Cajun flatbread alongside a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, pair it with a bowl of Cajun-spiced gumbo or a crisp coleslaw that adds tang and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the flatbread into small squares for an elegant appetizer at your next gathering, or serve it as a main dish with a selection of dipping sauces such as a spicy remoulade or creamy ranch. You could also personalize toppings by adding roasted peppers or caramelized onions for extra flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the flatbread sealed helps maintain its crispiness and prevents the béchamel from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the flatbread either before or after baking. For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your flatbread in a preheated oven at 375ºF for 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crispiness of the crust and gently warms the toppings without drying them out, bringing back all the delicious flavors of the original.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust for the Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe?
Absolutely! While a thin pizza crust is ideal for crispiness and letting the toppings shine, you can use naan, pita, or even homemade flatbread dough depending on your preference. Just adjust baking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the tasso ham and andouille sausage and bulk up the mushrooms or add other veggies like roasted peppers and caramelized onions. You might also consider adding plant-based sausage alternatives to keep the smoky flavor.
What kind of cheese works best if I can’t find smoked gouda?
Smoked gouda adds a unique depth, but you can substitute with smoked cheddar or fontina for a similar creamy, smoky effect. Just ensure it melts well alongside mozzarella.
Can I prepare the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the roasted garlic béchamel a day ahead is a great time saver. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat while stirring before assembling your flatbread.
How spicy is the Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the andouille sausage and a subtle peppery kick in the béchamel. If you prefer more heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne or hot paprika to the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe is truly a standout dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether for a cozy night in or a special gathering, this flatbread delivers unforgettable flavors and textures. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy Cajun cuisine at home.
Print
Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Ritz Carlton Cajun Flatbread features a rich roasted garlic béchamel sauce topped with spicy tasso ham, smoky andouille sausage, mushrooms, and a blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this flatbread combines creamy, savory, and smoky flavors with a crisp thin crust, making an elegant yet approachable appetizer or snack inspired by Cajun cuisine.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Béchamel Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- dash freshly grated nutmeg
Flatbread Toppings
- 1 thin pizza crust
- Tasso ham (amount as desired)
- Andouille sausage (amount as desired)
- Mushrooms (amount as desired)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Roasted Garlic Béchamel: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and shallots, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the flour until mixture is smooth and cook while stirring to a light golden sandy color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate Milk and Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture thickens into a roux. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue simmering for 10 to 20 minutes until the flour fully softens, ensuring it no longer tastes gritty. Season the béchamel with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC), allowing it to fully preheat while preparing the flatbread.
- Assemble Flatbread: Spread a generous layer of the roasted garlic béchamel evenly over the thin pizza crust. Top with desired amounts of tasso ham, andouille sausage, sliced mushrooms, and a blend of shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses.
- Bake Flatbread: Place the assembled flatbread in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust has turned golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel sauce.
- Use fresh mushrooms and slice them thinly for even coverage.
- If you prefer, substitute the pizza crust with a naan or flatbread of your choice.
- Leftover béchamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure to stir the béchamel constantly to prevent lumps and burning.
