This Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini is a tasty snack for any gathering. The creamy goat cheese paired with sweet fig jam on crunchy bread is a delightful treat!
If you want to impress friends, this dish is a must-try. It’s super easy to make, and I love topping each one with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A French baguette is perfect for crostini. Its crusty exterior and soft interior are great when toasted. If you don’t have a baguette, use ciabatta or any crusty bread you can find.
Goat Cheese: Soft goat cheese is creamy with a tang. If you’re not a fan, try cream cheese or ricotta, although they have different flavors. Some people like adding a bit of goat cheese to cream cheese for a balanced taste.
Fig Jam: This sweet spread is key to the recipe. If fig jam is hard to find, you can substitute with any fruity jam like fig, apricot, or even a simple berry jam for a different twist.
Fresh Figs: These are optional for garnish, but they make the dish look beautiful and add extra flavor. If fresh figs aren’t available, just stick with the fig jam.
How Do I Toast the Baguette Perfectly?
Toasting the baguette slices is a crucial step to achieving that lovely crunch. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Lay the baguette slices out on a baking sheet so they are in a single layer.
- Brush each slice with a light amount of olive oil; this helps them crisp up nicely.
- Toast for about 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. You want them golden brown and crisp.
- Let them cool slightly before spreading the cheese, as they will continue to firm up a bit.
Perfectly toasted bread makes all the difference for these crostini! Enjoy making this delightful appetizer!
Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- Fresh figs, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook the crostini in the oven. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying these fantastic bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices, ensuring they come out perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Lay out the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer, so they toast evenly. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil for added flavor and crunch.
3. Toast the Baguette:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and toast the slices for about 8-10 minutes. You want them golden brown and crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning—every oven is different!
4. Spread the Goat Cheese:
Once the baguette slices are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Now, spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on each toasted slice. Don’t be shy; the creaminess is a big part of the flavor!
5. Add the Fig Jam:
Top the goat cheese with about a teaspoon of fig jam on each crostini. The sweet jam acts as a perfect counterbalance to the tangy goat cheese.
6. Garnish for Flavor and Looks:
If you have fresh figs, place a slice on top of the jam for a lovely presentation and added flavor. Then, add a small sprig of fresh thyme on each crostini for an aromatic touch.
7. Final Seasoning:
Optionally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the crostini to enhance the flavors even more.
8. Serve Immediately:
These crostini are best enjoyed fresh, so serve them immediately as a divine appetizer or snack at your next gathering. Enjoy the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and savory!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even mascarpone for a rich and creamy texture. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor but will still pair beautifully with fig jam.
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the components separately to maintain their textures. Keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store any leftover goat cheese and fig jam in the fridge. Assemble fresh crostini as needed for the best experience!
Can I Make Crostini Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the toasted baguette slices and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just add the goat cheese and fig jam right before serving to keep them fresh and delicious.
What Can I Use Instead of Fig Jam?
If fig jam isn’t available, feel free to use any fruity jam, such as apricot, raspberry, or blackberry. Each will offer a unique flavor twist that complements the cheese nicely.
