Description
Ina Garten’s fig & cheese toasts combine Mediterranean elegance with rustic charm. Creamy goat cheese, sweet fig preserves, and crisp crostini create a simple yet sophisticated appetizer perfect for intimate gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (450 grams / 16 oz) country bread, halved and sliced crosswise ⅜ inch (1 cm) thick
- 1 jar (240 grams / 8.5 oz) fig spread, such as Dalmatia
- 225 grams / 8 oz plain creamy cheese, such as goat cheese or cream cheese
- 2 fresh figs, ripe, halved and thinly sliced lengthwise
- Microgreens
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Balsamic vinegar, syrupy
Instructions
- Toasting: Slice bread into uniform pieces and crisp under broiler at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crunchy.
- Layering Foundation: Spread warmed fig jam evenly across toasted bread, creating a smooth fruity base.
- Cheese Preparation: Gently microwave goat cheese or cream cheese for 30-45 seconds until soft and spreadable, stirring midway to ensure consistent texture.
- Cheese Application: Delicately spread warmed cheese over fig jam, allowing subtle hints of jam to peek through.
- Fig Arrangement: Thinly slice fresh figs and artfully layer across cheese surface for visual and textural contrast.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle flaky kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate flavor complexity.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle aged balsamic reduction in elegant patterns and garnish with delicate microgreens or herb leaves.
- Serving: Cut toasts diagonally into bite-sized triangles and let rest at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to harmonize flavors before presenting.
Notes
- Prep Perfectly: Toast bread evenly to achieve a crisp, golden base that supports delicate toppings without becoming soggy.
- Warm Cheese Wisely: Microwave cheese carefully to reach spreadable consistency, stirring midway to prevent uneven heating and maintain smooth texture.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to create thin, translucent fig slices that maximize visual appeal and distribute flavor evenly.
- Final Flourish: Rest toasts briefly at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and ensure optimal taste and temperature for serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg