As the sweetness of summer gives way to the warmth of fall, our attention turns to the luscious, jam-packed beauty that is the fresh fig. Whether enjoyed as a sweet and satisfying snack or incorporated into a savory dish for added depth and complexity, these tender fruits are sure to delight even the most discerning palates. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious fresh fig recipes that cater to both sweet-tooths and savory enthusiasts alike.
From classic pairings like goat cheese and honey-roasted thyme, to innovative combinations featuring prosciutto and arugula pizza, there’s something for everyone in our collection of fig-tastic recipes. So grab a basket full of fresh figs and get ready to indulge in a world of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Tart
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh figs paired with creamy goat cheese in this elegant tart. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday dessert, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh figs, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, sugar, and salt. Arrange the mixture in a rectangle shape, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Arrange sliced figs over the cheese mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Drizzle honey over the figs and sprinkle with pepper to taste.
5. Roll out remaining puff pastry to fit the tart, pressing edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg for golden glaze.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey-Roasted Fresh Figs with Thyme
Elevate your snack or dessert game with this simple yet impressive recipe, combining the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the warmth of honey and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 fresh figs, stems removed
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
– Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the figs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the honey evenly over the figs, making sure they’re all coated.
4. Sprinkle the thyme leaves and olive oil over the figs.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the figs are tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and season with salt to taste (if using).
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fresh Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread
This sweet and savory flatbread combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the salty, crispy goodness of prosciutto. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 4-6 fresh figs, sliced
– 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: arugula leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the sliced figs on one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top the figs with prosciutto slices.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish with arugula leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Fresh Fig Salad
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the rich flavor of balsamic glaze, all tied together with a hint of creamy goat cheese. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 fresh figs, sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (see note)
– 1/2 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced figs, mixed greens, and crumbled goat cheese.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss gently to coat.
3. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Note: Balsamic glaze can be found in most specialty food stores or made at home by reducing balsamic vinegar on low heat until thickened.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Fresh Fig and Almond Clafoutis
A sweet and savory French dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the crunch of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh figs, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the sliced figs, granulated sugar, and toasted almonds to the wet ingredients; stir until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Fresh Figs with Mascarpone
This simple yet elegant dessert combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the richness of mascarpone cheese, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 fresh figs
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the stems off the figs and brush with a little water.
3. Grill the figs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with honey until smooth.
5. Once figs are cooked, place them on a serving plate and top each with a dollop of mascarpone mixture.
6. Sprinkle with salt to taste (if desired).
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Fresh Fig and Ricotta Bruschetta
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory bruschetta, featuring fresh figs and creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe figs, sliced
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and a pinch of salt.
4. Top each toasted baguette slice with a spoonful of ricotta mixture, followed by a few slices of fresh fig.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Fresh Fig Jam
This sweet and tangy jam combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with warm spices, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh figs, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped figs, sugar, water, and honey. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and ground cardamom to the saucepan. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fresh Fig and Walnut Bread
This sweet bread is a perfect combination of fresh figs and crunchy walnuts, ideal for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs (about 3-4 medium-sized)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped figs and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fresh Fig and Arugula Pizza
Fresh Fig and Arugula Pizza Recipe
Elevate your pizza game with this unique and flavorful combination of sweet and savory ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 cups arugula
– 4 fresh figs, sliced
– 1/2 cup caramelized onions
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
3. Top with arugula, sliced figs, caramelized onions, and crumbled goat cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caramelized Fresh Fig Ice Cream
Sweet Fig Delight: Caramelized Fresh Fig Ice Cream Recipe
This unique ice cream flavor combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with a caramelized twist, resulting in a creamy and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
2. Remove from heat and stir in caramel sauce until fully incorporated.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once chilled, whisk in chopped fresh figs and vanilla extract.
5. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (simmering time) + chilling time
Enjoy your Caramelized Fresh Fig Ice Cream!
Fresh Fig and Blue Cheese Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of fresh figs, tangy blue cheese, and crispy baguette.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe but firm fig, sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and toasted until crispy
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Top each slice with a fig wedge, followed by a dollop of blue cheese.
4. Drizzle a small amount of honey over the blue cheese.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Fresh Fig and Rosemary Focaccia
Fresh Fig and Rosemary Focaccia Recipe
This sweet and savory focaccia combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the herbaceousness of rosemary, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for a dinner party or everyday snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/2 cup sliced fresh figs
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and fig slices evenly over the dough. Drizzle with honey.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fresh Fig and Dark Chocolate Truffles
A sweet and savory treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the richness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh figs, chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped figs, heavy cream, and butter. Blend until smooth.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the melted chocolate.
4. Fold the fig mixture into the chocolate until well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Roll the truffle mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Fresh Fig and Pancetta Pasta
This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh figs with the savory flavor of pancetta, creating a unique and delicious pasta dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 6-8 fresh figs, sliced
– 4 slices of pancetta, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the olive oil, garlic, and sliced figs to the same skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the figs are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the fig and pancetta mixture. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fresh Fig and Yogurt Parfait
Savor the sweet and tangy combination of fresh figs, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola in this quick and easy parfait recipe. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh figs, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Arrange the sliced figs in a glass or parfait dish.
3. Spoon the yogurt mixture over the figs.
4. Sprinkle the granola evenly over the top of the yogurt.
5. Drizzle with vanilla extract (optional).
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Use fresh, ripe figs for the best flavor and texture.
– Substitute other fruits like berries or peaches if you can’t find figs.
– Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Fresh Fig and Pistachio Baklava
This sweet and savory baklava combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with the crunch and flavor of pistachios, perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine figs, pistachios, sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest.
3. Layer the mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish with honey and melted butter, ending with a layer of honey on top.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fresh Fig and Ginger Chutney
Savor the sweet and spicy flavors of this homemade chutney made with fresh figs, ginger, and a hint of citrus. Perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, cheeses, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh figs, chopped
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped figs, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, honey, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
4. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of fresh figs with these 18 delectable recipes! From sweet treats like Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Tart, Honey-Roasted Fresh Figs with Thyme, and Caramelized Fresh Fig Ice Cream, to savory delights such as Fresh Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread, Balsamic Glazed Fresh Fig Salad, and Grilled Fresh Figs with Mascarpone, there’s something for everyone. Try making Spiced Fresh Fig Jam, Fresh Fig and Walnut Bread, or Fresh Fig and Arugula Pizza for a taste of summer all year round.
