Kamil Perry
Blue cheese and figs are a classic combination that can be used to make appetizers. The salty and tangy blue cheese pairs well with the sweetness of figs. This combination can be used to make appetizers like blue cheese-stuffed figs, fig and blue cheese tarts, and fig and blue cheese bites. These appetizers can be served at room temperature and are perfect for a cocktail or dinner party.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 3 |
| Type of cheese | Blue cheese |
| Type of fruit | Figs |
| Additional ingredients | Honey, balsamic vinegar, chives, orange, marmalade, cream cheese |
| Preparation method | Baking, frying, broiling, stuffing |
| Ideal serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Serving suggestions | Napkins, champagne, red wine, dry white wine |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese-stuffed figs with honey drizzle
To make this appetiser, you will need fresh figs, blue cheese, and honey. You can use any variety of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, Saint Agur, or Shropshire Blue. For the honey, a light, floral variety like lavender honey is recommended, but any local honey will do.
Start by cutting a vertical slit into the side of each fig. Then, stuff each fig with about 1/2 teaspoon of blue cheese. Larger figs can take more cheese, while smaller figs will hold less. If desired, you can secure the cheese with a toothpick through the lower half of the fig to keep them together during cooking.
Next, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Spray or brush the figs with a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola, and place them in the pan. Cook the figs, turning them as needed, until they are lightly browned on all sides.
Once the figs are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle with honey. You can also add a few flakes of finishing salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper for extra flavour. Serve these blue cheese-stuffed figs at room temperature with napkins on the side, as they can get a little messy!
This appetiser pairs well with Champagne or any crisp, dry white wine. Enjoy the combination of sweet figs, salty cheese, and floral honey in every bite!
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Figs with blue cheese and balsamic reduction
To prepare this appetizer, start by slicing fresh figs in half. You can grill the figs for a warm appetizer or serve them raw. If grilling, place them on a warm grill until the figs are heated through and the cheese melts. For a broiled version, wrap the fig halves with partially cooked bacon and secure them with a toothpick before broiling.
Next, arrange some crumbled blue cheese on top of the figs. The salty and tangy blue cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet figs. You can use either a soft or hard blue cheese, depending on your preference. If you're using a soft blue cheese, you can simply crumble it with your hands, while a hard blue cheese will require a cheese grater or microplane.
Finally, top the figs with the balsamic reduction. To make the balsamic reduction, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Let the vinegar simmer until it reduces by half and becomes thick and syrupy. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool before drizzling it over the figs and blue cheese.
You can also add other ingredients to this appetizer, such as a drizzle of honey, minced chives, or a dash of ground black pepper, to enhance the flavors even further. This appetizer pairs well with red wine, Champagne, or any crisp, dry white wine. Enjoy the combination of sweet figs, salty blue cheese, and tangy balsamic reduction!
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Blue cheese and fig bites
Ingredients:
- Figs
- Blue Cheese
- Pie Crust/Dried Figs/Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Butter Flake Crescent Rolls
- Honey/Balsamic Vinegar
- Chives (optional)
Method:
If you are using pie crust, unroll it onto a clean surface and roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Cut 2-inch circles out of the dough with a biscuit cutter and place them in the prepared muffin cups, gently pressing the dough into the bottom and sides. Prick the dough with a fork and bake until lightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of fig jam to each cup, then top with 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled blue cheese. Bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until hot. Let it cool for 10 minutes and sprinkle with chives, if desired.
Alternatively, you can stuff dried figs with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle honey over the top. You can cook the honey-drizzled, blue cheese-stuffed figs in a toaster oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
If you prefer a more savoury option, you can try the blue cheese and fig bites with a balsamic glaze. Simply slice the figs in half, top them with blue cheese, and drizzle with balsamic reduction. To make the balsamic reduction, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it simmers and reduces by half, becoming thick and syrupy.
For a more substantial appetizer, you can also try making fig and blue cheese appetizer tarts using Pillsbury™ crescent rolls. Mix cream cheese and blue cheese in a small bowl and set aside. In a saucepan, stir marmalade and vinegar over low heat until mixed, then add figs and cook until softened. Cut the crescent dough into slices, place them on a cookie sheet, and press the centre of each slice to make an indentation. Fill each indentation with the cheese mixture and top with the fig mixture.
These blue cheese and fig bites are perfect for a holiday party or a cocktail party, and they pair well with champagne, white wine, or red wine. Enjoy!
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Balsamic glazed dried fig and blue cheese crostini
Figs and blue cheese are a classic combination, and a great way to bring them together is through a crostini. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for a holiday party, Thanksgiving, or a dinner party. Here is a recipe for balsamic glazed dried fig and blue cheese crostini:
Ingredients:
- Dried figs
- Blue cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Baguette
- Olive oil
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into thin, round pieces.
- Drizzle olive oil over the baguette slices and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Toast the baguette slices in the oven until they are golden and crisp, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the balsamic glaze by pouring balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Heat the vinegar over medium-low heat and bring it to a simmer. Continue simmering until the balsamic vinegar reduces by half and becomes thick and syrupy. Then, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.
- Spread a layer of blue cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the blue cheese.
- Top each crostini with a slice of dried fig.
- Optionally, you can add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
Your crostini is now ready to serve! This appetizer is best enjoyed at room temperature, so it can be prepared ahead of time and arranged on a platter before your guests arrive. It pairs well with red wine or Champagne.
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Fig and blue cheese tarts
Ingredients:
- Figs (any kind, fresh or dried)
- Blue Cheese
- Honey
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Rosemary
- Puff Pastry or Pie Crust
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive Oil
Optional Ingredients:
- Pine Nuts
- Pancetta or Prosciutto
- Chives
- Thyme
- Shallots
- Crème Fraîche
- Cream
- Butter
- Eggs
Method:
Begin by preparing your pastry. You can make your own puff pastry or use a pre-made pie crust. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/4-inch thick. Create a border by folding over a 1/2 inch on each side, as the tart can get a little drippy.
Next, stem and halve the figs, arranging them cut-side up on the dough. You can create any pattern, but ensure the figs are nestled tightly together. Brush the figs with rosemary oil and sprinkle with salt. Drizzle honey and balsamic vinegar over the figs, ensuring each one gets a splash of both.
Crumble the blue cheese over the figs and rosemary. You can also add pine nuts for some extra crunch. Drape the rosemary stems over the tart.
Bake the tart until it's crispy, brown, and bubbling, which should take around 25 minutes. If the figs need more colour, cover the edges of the dough with tin foil and place the tart under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions:
This free-form tart is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a crisp green salad with a powerful vinaigrette, or a glass of red wine or champagne.
You can also serve it as a finger food appetizer, but be sure to provide napkins, as the honey and balsamic vinegar can make it a little sticky!
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Frequently asked questions
Candied pecans, crackers, toasts, and chives are all great additions to a fig and blue cheese appetizer.
Figs and blue cheese pair well with champagne, crisp white wine, or red wine.
Blue cheese can be stored in the fridge for three to four weeks. Fig jam can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for two to three months.
Slice figs in half, top with blue cheese crumbles, and add a balsamic reduction.
Cambozola is a mild, creamy cow's milk cheese that is similar to Camembert or Brie in texture. It is a great option for those who are new to blue cheese.
