I never even tried a fig until I lived in Europe. What a pity. Baked Figs with Goat Cheese drizzled with honey. Nature at its finest! They are good.
I know they have figs in the states, but I grew up in the desert, and they might have been available at some of the fancy grocers, but I never saw a fresh one until I moved to Barcelona. Such a unique flavor.
Are you a fan of figs, the ancient fruit that has been enjoyed for thousands of years?
Do you love the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese, the versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes?
If so, you will adore this baked figs with goat cheese recipe, a simple but elegant appetizer or dessert that combines these two ingredients in a delicious way.
Baked figs with goat cheese are fresh figs that are stuffed with honey goat cheese, sprinkled with walnuts and sage, and drizzled with honey.
They are then baked in the oven until soft and caramelized, creating a sweet and savory treat that is irresistible.
The History of Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
Figs originated in China and were later introduced to Persia, Greece, Rome, and other parts of Europe and Asia by traders and travelers..
Figs were also a staple food for the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used them in various dishes, such as salads, cakes, jams, and wines.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a cheese made from goat’s milk, which has a distinctive flavor and texture.
Believed to have originated in the Middle East, it then spread to Europe, especially to France, where it became a popular and diverse cheese with many varieties and flavors.
The combination of figs and goat cheese is believed to have originated in Mediterranean countries, where these two ingredients are abundant and complement each other in taste.
Figs are wonderfully sweet while goat cheese is creamy and slightly tangy.
Why Baked Figs with Goat Cheese Works:
- Figs are a delicious fruit that have a unique texture and flavor. They are soft and chewy, with a slightly crunchy interior from the seeds.
They are also naturally sweet, with a hint of floral and earthy notes. - Goat cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese that pairs well with figs. It adds a savory and salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
- Honey is a natural sweetener that enhances the flavor of the figs and the goat cheese. It also creates a sticky and caramelized glaze that coats the figs and makes them more appealing.
- The natural sweetness of the figs is enhanced when baked, while the creamy, tangy goat cheese adds a sharp contrast. The texture of the figs becomes soft and jammy when baked, making for a delightful mouthfeel. When combined with the crumbly, creamy goat cheese, it’s no wonder this dish is so beloved.
- They can be served as an appetizer or a dessert
Baked Figs with goat cheese - Tips and Tricks:
To make the best baked figs with goat cheese, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Choose ripe, fresh, and firm figs that have a sweet aroma and give slightly when pressed. Avoid overripe, bruised, or mushy figs, as they may fall apart or become too watery when baked.
- Leave the skin on the figs, as it helps to hold their shape and adds some color and texture to the dish. The skin will also soften and become edible when baked.
- Use honey goat cheese, which is soft and spreadable, and has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the figs. You can also use plain goat cheese, and add some honey to the filling if you prefer.
- Cut off the stems and make an X cut in the top of each fig half way through. This will make it easier to stuff the figs with the cheese, and allow the heat and honey to penetrate the fruit.
- Bake the figs in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end, to brown the cheese and nuts.
Other Ideas
Here are some more ideas on what to pair figs with:
- Try to substitute goat cheese with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella or blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton
- Adding capers or olives highlights the sweet taste of figs and adds an extra savory note
- A drizzle of lemon juice over figs will add a tangy touch to your figs
- If not vegetarian, try wrapping figs in prosciutto ham and bake
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction pairs nicely with figs
- Try using almonds, pistachios or pecans instead of walnuts
- Substitute sage for rosemary, thyme or basil
- Try adding warm spices like star anise, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg or cinnamon
- Serve figs as an addition to your cheese plate and don’t forget the wine!
Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized figs
- 90 grams goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped sage *Optional, but good
- 2 tablespoons honey
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set the oven temperature to 200 °C or 390 °F and let it heat up. Remove the stems from the figs and slice an X shape on the top of each one, halfway down.
- Use a teaspoon to fill the figs with soft goat cheese. Top them with chopped walnuts and sage, and drizzle honey over them. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like. I baked them in a Le Creuset rectangular dish that fit them perfectly.
- Broil for about 5 minutes or until they look soft and release juice. Serve them warm or cold with a glass of wine. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Baked Figs with Goat Cheese Pairs well with:
