These Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini are a perfect snack or appetizer! Crispy bread topped with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam makes a tasty combination that everyone loves!
They’re so easy to make that you can whip them up while waiting for your guests to arrive! I love to serve them at parties, and I always hear “Yum!” from everyone! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A crusty baguette gives the best crunch. If you can’t find one, a ciabatta or any crusty bread works well too. You can even use gluten-free bread if needed!
Goat Cheese: Soft and spreadable goat cheese is ideal. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can also work, providing a different but tasty flavor.
Fig Jam: This provides sweetness. If fig jam is hard to find, try using any fruity jam like raspberry or apricot for a nice alternative.
Fresh Figs: While they add elegance, they’re optional. If you can’t find fresh figs, you can skip them or replace them with dried figs that have been rehydrated for softness.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but fresh is much better for flavor!
How Can I Ensure My Crostini Are Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting the bread properly is key for a great crostini. You want them crispy but not burnt. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven before you start toasting. This helps achieve even cooking.
- Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Too much can make them soggy!
- Keep an eye on them as they toast. Check for a golden color after about 6-8 minutes.
- If you want, turn them halfway for an even toast.
Let them cool just a bit before adding toppings to maintain their crispiness!
Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese (soft and spreadable)
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- Fresh figs, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes for toasting, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty treat, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a simple snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your crostini toast evenly and come out nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Baguette Slices:
Place the sliced baguette rounds on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out so they toast evenly. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to help them become crispy and flavorful when baked.
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and remove the bread when it’s golden and crisp. If you prefer an extra crunch, you can toast them a bit longer.
4. Cool and Spread the Goat Cheese:
Once toasted, take the baguette slices out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. While they’re still slightly warm, spread a generous layer of soft goat cheese onto each slice. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly into the warm bread!
5. Add the Fig Jam:
Now, spoon a small amount of fig jam on top of the goat cheese on each crostini. Feel free to add as little or as much as you like—it’s a sweet contrast to the creamy cheese.
6. Optional Garnish:
If you have fresh figs, top each crostini with a slice for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. They look lovely and add a fresh element!
7. Final Touch:
Garnish each crostini with a fresh sprig of thyme. It gives an aromatic touch and boosts the dish’s flavor profile.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful crostinis are best served immediately while the bread is still warm. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delicious snack together!
This recipe creates a perfect blend of creamy, tangy goat cheese paired with the sweetness of fig jam on crunchy toasted bread—ideal for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese is deliciously creamy and tangy, you can also use cream cheese, ricotta, or even mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese is spreadable for easy application!
What if I Don’t Have Fig Jam?
No problem! You can substitute fig jam with any fruit preserves or jams you enjoy, like raspberry, apricot, or even honey. They’ll add a nice sweetness to complement the cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover crostini are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one day. However, the bread may become soggy. It’s best to keep the toasted bread and toppings separate and assemble just before serving for optimum freshness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free baguette or any gluten-free bread that you like. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’ll turn out just as delicious!