Flavorful Grilled Fig and Blue Cheese Crostini
An easy and elegant party appetizer featuring smoky grilled figs paired with tangy blue cheese on crispy toasted bread, balanced with a drizzle of honey and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 crostini (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 medium fresh figs, preferably ripe but firm
- 1 small baguette or rustic bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 4 ounces (115g) blue cheese, crumbled (Stilton or Gorgonzola dolce recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons raw wildflower honey
- A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C), approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Rinse and gently pat dry the figs. Cut each fig in half lengthwise. Toss them in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and about 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, coating evenly.
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides. Arrange on a baking sheet or wire rack and toast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
- Place the figs cut-side down on the hot grill or grill pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes without moving to get char marks. Flip and grill the skin side for another 1-2 minutes until soft but not mushy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese on each toasted bread slice. Top with one grilled fig half, cut side up. Drizzle each crostini with about 1/4 teaspoon honey and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish with a few fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. Serve immediately while bread is crisp and figs are warm.
Notes
If blue cheese is too strong, mix with a small spoonful of cream cheese to soften the flavor. Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure proper caramelization. Toast bread in the oven for even crispness. Assemble crostini just before serving to keep bread crisp. Leftover grilled figs can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. For vegan adaptation, use dairy-free cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: grilled figs, blue cheese, crostini, party appetizer, easy appetizer, grilled fruit, finger food, summer appetizer