Fig Crostini

Fig crostini are a simple yet delicious appetizer that blends the sweetness of figs with ricotta (or a creamy cheese of your choice) and sometimes a hint of smoky or salty flavor from prosciutto or speck. An ideal recipe for a summer or autumn aperitif. Here’s how to prepare them with an Italian touch:

Ingredients

• Slices of homemade bread or baguette
• Fresh figs
• Ricotta or creamy goat cheese
• Prosciutto or speck (optional)
• Honey
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh thyme or other aromatic herbs to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Cut the bread into slices (if not already pre-sliced) about 1-2 cm thick.
3. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Bake the bread for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy.
5. While the bread is baking, wash the figs and cut them into slices or wedges.
6. If you choose to use prosciutto or speck, cut it into thin strips.
7. Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
8. Spread each slice of bread with ricotta or creamy cheese.
9. Place the fig slices (and prosciutto or speck if using) on top.
10. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh aromatic herbs.
11. Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve.

If you prefer, you can also add a crunchy note by lightly toasting the figs in a pan with a drizzle of oil or by lightly caramelizing them with honey before placing them on the crostini.

Curiosity

Figs are a very versatile fruit in cooking, loved in both sweet and savory preparations. Their use in crostini is a perfect example of how Italian cuisine loves to play with contrasts of flavors and textures.