Cheese And Fig Spread: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Fig spread is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create delicious appetizers, snacks, or even light meals. The dense, sweet flavour of fig spread complements a range of cheeses, from soft goat cheeses to Brie and blue cheese. It can also be used as a filling or topping for baked goods such as tarts or crostini.

Fig spread and cheese crostini

A perfect appetizer for any dinner party or a great snack, this recipe is super quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 12 baguette slices, cut about 1/4" thick
• 1 ½ cups grated cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Aged Asiago
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 jar of fig spread

Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Top the baguette slices with grated cheese, then add a teaspoon of fig spread and some blue cheese crumbles. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the baguettes are golden. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Finally, sprinkle some rosemary leaves on top and serve.

Tips:

• For a stronger flavour, use an aged, drier cheese such as Aged Asiago or Parmesan.
• If you're making these ahead of time, assemble the crostini and layer the cheese on the bread before adding the fig spread to prevent soggy bread slices.
• Choose a firmer bread like sourdough rather than a lighter French bread.
• For a crowd, you can assemble the crostini on several baking sheets and multiply the recipe according to the number of guests.
• You can also try other types of jams such as peach or apricot.

Brie with fig spread

Baked brie with fig spread is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for the holidays. The creamy texture of the brie pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fig spread, creating a delightful flavour combination. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing and serving this mouth-watering treat:

Preparation:

To prepare this appetiser, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (approximately 180°C). Place a wheel of brie in an oven-safe dish, such as a cast-iron skillet or a casserole dish. Spread a generous amount of fig jam on top of the brie, ensuring it covers the entire surface. You can also try different variations of fig jam, such as original, orange, or chilli flavour.

Toppings:

To add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavour, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the fig jam. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds are excellent choices. You can also include other toppings like dried fruits, such as dried apricots, dried cranberries, or dried figs, for added texture and sweetness. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be added for a festive touch and a boost of flavour.

Baking:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the brie is warm, soft, and gooey. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

Serve the baked brie with fig spread immediately while it's warm and gooey. Accompany it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or sliced bread. You can also offer fresh fruit on the side, such as grapes, sliced apples, or pears, to balance the richness of the brie.

Storage:

If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator. Then, pop it in the oven when your guests arrive to enjoy the warm, melted treat. After cooking, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheat in an oven-safe dish if desired.

Variations:

While brie and fig spread are a classic combination, you can also experiment with different cheeses. Soft goat cheeses, blue cheese, and Camembert are all excellent choices to pair with fig spread. Additionally, if you're looking for a quicker option, you can prepare fig and cheese bites by spreading French bread slices or crackers with fig jam and topping them with soft brie or Camembert. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an extra kick of flavour.

Fig jam and blue cheese crostini

Ingredients:

• French bread/baguette
• Fig jam
• Blue cheese
• Olive oil
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Cut the baguette into thin slices.
• Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.
• Bake the slices until they are just crispy (about 10 minutes).
• Spread the fig jam on the toasts.
• Top with a slice of blue cheese.
• Sprinkle with thyme leaves (optional).

Tips:

• You can also use peach or apricot jam.
• Blue cheese comes in various varieties, from mild to sharp—use whatever you prefer.
• You can add a few grinds of fresh pepper on top.
• You can prepare the bread slices and toast them ahead of time, but assemble the crostini right before serving so the bread doesn't get soggy.

Fig spread and goat cheese bruschetta

Ingredients:

• Fig spread or jam (the star of the show!)
• Soft goat cheese (look for "logs" at your local grocery store)
• French bread or baguette (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs such as thyme or mint (optional)

Optional additions:

• Honey
• Bacon
• Fresh chopped figs

Method:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Slice your baguette into thin, diagonal slices, as this will give you more space for toppings and a nicer presentation. Place the slices on a baking sheet and drizzle or brush olive oil on one side. Bake for 5-8 minutes, until the edges are slightly crisp and the centre is still soft with a light brown colour.

Next, prepare the goat cheese. Place the cheese in a bowl and use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip it until it becomes creamy and easy to spread (about 1 minute). If you can't find goat cheese with honey already added and you'd like a touch of sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix until combined.

Now it's time to assemble! Spread a generous amount of goat cheese onto each slice of baguette. Top the cheese with a spoonful of fig spread or jam. If you'd like to add some extra flavour and colour, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or mint leaves on top.

For an even more indulgent bite, try adding some crumbled cooked bacon to the bruschetta. You can also drizzle honey over the fig spread for added sweetness.

This bruschetta is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store the ingredients separately and consume within a couple of hours. You can also slice and toast the baguette up to 24 hours in advance and store it in a zip-top bag at room temperature.

Baked brie with fig spread

Ingredients:

• Brie cheese
• Fig spread
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Baguette or crackers
• Nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios or almonds)
• Dried fruit (such as dried apricots, dried figs, or dried cherries)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F if using puff pastry).
• Place the brie in an oven-safe dish, such as a small cast-iron skillet.
• Spread a generous amount of fig spread on top of the brie. You can also add some fresh thyme or rosemary to balance the sweetness of the jam.
• For a fancier presentation, you can bake the brie in puff pastry. Simply wrap the brie and fig spread in the puff pastry, brush with an egg wash, and bake.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. The brie is done when the edges start to collapse and melty cheese begins to peek through.
• Remove from the oven and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and settle, ensuring a gooey but not scorching hot texture.
• Transfer the baked brie to a cutting board or wooden charger, and garnish with nuts and dried fruit.
• Serve with crackers or sliced baguette on the side.

Tips:

• You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it until your guests arrive. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.
• If you want to get creative, try experimenting with different toppings and combinations. Some options include using honey or orange jam instead of fig spread, or adding different types of nuts and dried fruit.
• For a more substantial appetizer, serve the baked brie with a selection of other cheeses, meats, and crackers to create a well-rounded cheese platter.

Frequently asked questions