Ripe, fresh figs topped with a dollop of goat cheese (chèvre) mixed with a little honey make the perfect bite of sweet and savory flavors and they’re great as a stand-alone appetizer or as an addition to a cheese platter.
You can also serve them along with other easy-to-make appetizers like fresh melon wrapped in prosciutto and cucumber slices topped with smoked salmon for a stress-free gathering with friends and family.
Essential Ingredients
Because of its simplicity, this appetizer recipe relies on quality ingredients to be a success. Here are a few notes on what you’ll need to make it.
- Fresh figs: Figs are in season in early summer, and again in late summer through the fall. They don’t ripen off the tree, so when shopping for them, looks for ones that yield to gentle pressure and are free from soft spots and bruises. Don’t wash figs until you are ready to use them. You can store them for up to two days at room temperature or up to four in the refrigerator.
- Goat cheese (chèvre): Soft goat cheese, or chèvre (which means goat in French) has a tart, grassy flavor that sets it apart from cow’s milk cheeses and contrasts the rich, sweet flavor of the figs nicely. For this recipe, ricotta would be an acceptable substitute.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey topped with a light sprinkling of sea salt is the perfect finishing touch for this appetizer.
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Bites
Here’s an overview of how to make this dish. The complete ingredient list, quantities, and detailed instructions are in the printable version of the recipe below.
- Trim the stems from the ends of the figs and halve them lengthwise. Press the tip of a teaspoon into the center of each fig half to make a slight depression to hold the goat cheese and arrange them on a serving tray.
- Combine the goat cheese and 1 teaspoon of the honey until blended. Mound a small amount of the mixture in the center of each fig.
- Use a fork to drizzle a small amount of honey over the figs. The goal is to add just a touch of sweetness, so be conservative and don’t get it on the sides of the figs or your guests will have sticky fingers!
- Top each fig with a tiny pinch of sea salt and serve.
Make Ahead Tips
This appetizer can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated, but for the best flavor and texture, be sure to bring it to room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator about 45 minutes before you’re ready to serve.
Fig and Goat Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 18 fresh black mission figs
- 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese, chèvre
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Trim the stems from the ends of the figs and halve them lengthwise. Press the tip of a teaspoon into the center of each fig half to make a slight depression to hold the goat cheese and arrange them on a serving tray.
- Combine the goat cheese and 1 teaspoon of the honey until blended. Mound a small amount of the mixture (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each fig.
- Use a fork to drizzle a small amount of honey over the figs. The goal is to add just a touch of sweetness, so be conservative and don’t get it on the sides of the figs or your guests will have sticky fingers!
- Top each fig with a tiny pinch of sea salt and serve.
Kristi Lance says
Sooooo easy! And tasty.
Lynne Webb says
Glad you liked it Kristi!