Crostini with Figs and Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe
This tasty appetizer recipe came from a Harvest Lunch Event at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg, California. This farm-to-table interactive cooking event was a wonderful experience. And this entire meal started off with this wonderful Crostini with and Goat Cheese and Fig Appetizer. The sweet, fresh figs counter the tart, tangy flavor of the creamy goat cheese This easy appetizer is simple to make but looks much more impressive at your cocktail party.
Simple Ingredients For An Elegant Appetizer
- French Baguette: It starts with delicious baguette slices toasted to a golden brown for the base. You can toast the crostini ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
- Fresh Ripe Figs: The texture of the fig and the sweetness combine so well with the cheese, but fresh figs are not always easy to find. You want to buy them ripe and the best time is early fall. You could substitute fig preserves or a sweet fig jam.
- High Quality Goat Cheese: Tangy goat cheese is the foil for the sweetness of the fig. You could try other creamy cheese or a formage blanc.
- Pancetta: This adds a saltiness to the bit. Look for a thin slice of pancetta then crisp it up in a pan. If you don’t have pancetta, try a salty prosciutto.
- Fresh Herbs: make a combination of fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, or even fresh tarragon to sprinkle on top as a garnish.
Steps For This Perfect Appetizer
Slice your baguette and brush both sides with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and toast until a golden brown. This usually takes about 8 minutes in the oven. Allow your goat cheese to come to room temperature, this makes it easier to spread. Crisp the pancetta in a pan on the stove top and allowing to cool on a paper towel then crumble. Quarter the figs and set aside. Spread a generous spoonful of cheese on top of each crostini. Top with the fig slices and sprinkle the crispy pancetta. Return to the oven and quickly warm under the broiler until just warm. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. You could even drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you like.
Crostini appetizers are easy to serve and are a go-to appetizer when entertaining. Although these are great in the late summer and early fall, this recipe could be perfect at any time of year. For more recipes from the Harvest Lunch menu, check out my post, Wine Country Harvest Meal At Jordan Winery. For additional wine country events, check out my post, Top Wine Tasting Events and Food Experiences.
Crostini with Figs and Goat Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette cut into 1/4″ thick slices
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 4 oz. pancetta
- 1 pint fresh ripe figs
- 8 oz. goat cheese or a good quality fromage blanc softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs finely chopped (tarragon, basil, parsley work well)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven until just crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Cut pancetta into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer to a sauté pan in a single layer. Cook over medium-low heat to render the fat and brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool.
- Clean and remove the tips of the figs. Cut in halves or quarters, depending on size.
- To each crostini, spread a generous spoonful of goat cheese. Top with a piece of fig and a few pieces of pancetta. Place on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to warm. Sprinkle with the herbs and a drizzle of olive oil and server.
