Description
A sophisticated appetizer, these Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini are made with toasted baguette slices topped with rich goat cheese and sweet, caramelized figs. Drizzled with a touch of honey and balsamic glaze, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 12–15 pieces
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4–5 fresh figs, sliced thinly (or 1 cup dried figs, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling (for added richness)
Instructions
Start by slicing the baguette into 12-15 pieces, about ¼-inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, and drizzle each slice lightly with olive oil. The olive oil will help the bread crisp up while baking, giving you that perfect crunchy base for the crostini.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is heated, place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the baguette slices for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
While the baguette slices are toasting, soften the goat cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s soft, place it in a small mixing bowl and use a fork or whisk to break it down into a smooth consistency. You can also add a little drizzle of honey to the goat cheese at this point for extra sweetness and richness.
Wash and slice the fresh figs thinly. If you’re using dried figs, chop them into small pieces instead of slicing them. Fresh figs are ideal for this recipe because they offer a juicy texture and vibrant flavor, but dried figs can be used as a substitute if fresh figs are out of season.
Once the toasted baguette slices have cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble your crostini. Spread a generous layer of the creamy goat cheese on each slice of toasted bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface, as this will help the figs stick to the crostini.
Top each crostini with a few slices of fresh figs (or a small spoonful of chopped dried figs). Arrange the figs evenly on each piece to ensure every bite has a bit of fruit.
After the figs are placed, drizzle a small amount of honey over each crostini. The honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances the tangy goat cheese. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over the crostini for richness and depth of flavor.
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of fresh thyme leaves over the crostini for a herbal note that complements the figs and goat cheese. Season the crostini with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a little extra flair, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the crostini for added complexity.
Arrange the crostini on a serving platter, and they’re ready to serve. These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept at room temperature for a short time before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Protein: 3g