Fig season is upon us, and this recipe is a true celebration of those sweet, juicy fruits! It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a simple appetizer or even a unique savory dessert. Have you ever tried the magic combination of black Mission figs with tangy goat cheese? The contrast between the sweetness of the figs and the creamy richness of a soft goat cheese is quite irresistible. This is not a baked figs recipe, but they are warmed a little under the broiler (oven grill for my U.K. friends) which helps to also warm the goat cheese and it browns a little just to increase the flavor and taste better warm or room temperature.
Fig Varieties
The most popular types of figs are black Mission, Brown Turkey (which look similar) and green skinned figs like Adriatic and Kadota. Any of these common fig types can be used for this recipe.
Choosing the Perfect Fig
For the most delicious flavor, using ripe figs is essential. Here’s how to tell if yours are ready to enjoy:
The Gentle Squeeze: Give your figs a light squeeze. Ripe figs will have a slight give, but shouldn’t feel mushy. You don’t want overly squishy figs. Look and Feel: Ripe figs will have a plump and slightly wrinkled appearance. They should also feel soft to the touch, but not bruised.
Balsamic Glaze: A Versatile Sweet and Tangy Sauce
Balsamic vinegar is a pantry staple, but its uses extend far beyond salad dressings! Here’s where balsamic glaze comes in: a magical ingredient made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a rich, syrupy sauce. It can be used as a marinade (as I did for my Balsamic Rosemary Roasted Pork Tenderloin). It’s perfect as a finishing sauce, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sophistication to my Grilled Flatbread with Figs, Prosciutto and Arugula.
Balsamic Glaze Hack
If you don’t want to take the time to make your own balsamic glaze, there are many high-quality store-bought options available
The Many Ways to Enjoy Figs with Goat Cheese
Appetizer Perfection: Serve them whole, like in this photo, for an elegant and impressive presentation. Their upright posture makes them easy to pick up and enjoy. Sliced and Diced: For a more casual approach, slice the figs in half (as pictured below). This format works beautifully in salads, adding a delightful burst of sweetness and contrasting textures.
Not a Fan of Goat Cheese? No Problem!
While the classic combination is goat cheese and figs, this recipe is all about flexibility. Here are some delicious substitutions to create your perfect bite:
Spread the Love: Cream cheese offers a milder and tangier alternative, while blue cheese adds a bold and funky kick. Sweeten the Deal: Want to enhance the natural sweetness of the figs? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of floral or mapley goodness. Nutty Variations: While pistachios are a classic choice, feel free to explore other chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. Each nut adds its own unique flavor profile, so have fun experimenting!
If you’ve made my Warm Figs with Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Balsamic Glaze, please leave a star rating. You can also leave a comment or ask a question. Grilled Flatbread with Figs, Prosciutto and Arugula
