This Fig and Blue Cheese Crostini is a tasty little treat! Crisp bread topped with sweet figs and creamy blue cheese makes for a lovely bite. It’s perfect for parties or a fancy snack!
Whenever I serve these, they disappear fast! The mix of sweet and salty is always a hit. Plus, they are super easy to make—just toast, top, and enjoy! Who knew fancy could be this simple? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or French Bread: Use a fresh baguette for a nice crunch. If you don’t have one, any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough works well too. Just keep in mind that the bread should have a sturdy texture to hold up the toppings.
Fresh Figs: While fresh figs are ideal, consider dried figs if they aren’t available. Just chop them up a bit to mimic the fresh fig look. They will offer a different flavor, slightly more sweet and chewy.
Blue Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try goat cheese or feta instead. Both will bring creaminess, but with a milder taste. Just remember, they won’t have that sharpness of blue cheese.
Fig Jam: You can substitute fig jam with honey or another fruit jam like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor twist. Each will bring its own unique sweetness to the dish, so choose based on what you have at home!
How Do I Toast Bread for Perfect Crostini?
Toasting the bread properly ensures your crostini will be crunchy and sturdy enough for the toppings. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Arrange your bread slices on a baking sheet, leaving space between them for even toasting.
- Brush both sides with olive oil for flavor and a crispy finish.
- Toast for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
Remember, the goal is golden and crisp—but not burnt! Let them cool slightly before adding toppings to avoid melting the cheese too much.
Fig And Blue Cheese Crostini
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 small baguette or French bread loaf, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 4-6 fresh figs, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fig jam or fig preserves
- Fresh sage leaves or other fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time plus about 10 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes to get these delicious crostini ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for getting your bread nice and toasty!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, take your baguette or French bread and slice it into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Arrange these slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. With a brush, lightly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil to ensure they get crispy and golden.
3. Toast the Bread:
Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven. Toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes, turning the slices halfway through. You want them to be golden and crisp, but be careful not to burn them!
4. Cool the Bread:
Once your bread is perfectly toasted, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make handling the crostini easier when you start topping them.
5. Spread the Fig Jam:
Take a small spoonful of fig jam and spread it on top of each toasted bread slice. This sweet layer will add a lovely flavor base for the toppings.
6. Add the Fresh Figs:
Add 2-3 pieces of fresh fig quarters on top of the jam. These figs will bring a delightful freshness and sweetness to every bite!
7. Sprinkle with Blue Cheese:
Now, it’s time to add the crumbled blue cheese over the figs. Don’t be shy—this creamy cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the figs.
8. Garnish:
If you like, add a small sage leaf or another fresh herb on top for garnish. Not only does it look pretty, but it also adds a nice herbal note!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your beautifully crafted crostini on a serving platter and serve them immediately. These delightful bites are sure to impress!
Enjoy this delightful combination of crispy bread, sweet figs, tangy fig jam, and creamy blue cheese! It’s a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While a baguette or French bread provides great texture, you can also use ciabatta, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread to suit your dietary preferences. Just ensure the bread can hold the toppings without getting too soggy.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Figs?
No problem! Dried figs are a good alternative. Chop them into small pieces and use them similarly to fresh figs. Keep in mind that dried figs will be sweeter and chewier, so adjust the amount of fig jam accordingly!
Can I Make These Crostini Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the toasted bread and toppings separately in advance. Store the toasted crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, and keep the toppings in the fridge. Assemble them just before serving for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the bread may lose its crispiness. To re-crisp, briefly toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before enjoying!
