Cheese And Fig Spread: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Fig spread and cheese is a classic combination that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The dense, sweet flavour of fig spread pairs exceptionally well with a diverse range of cheeses, offering endless opportunities for creating delightful flavour combinations. For instance, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert provide a luscious base that complements the sweet and fruity notes of fig spread. Tangy and slightly acidic cheeses such as goat cheese and feta offer a pleasing contrast to the spread's sweetness. Meanwhile, semi-hard and aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda bring a nutty richness that harmonizes beautifully with the spread's flavours.

Blue cheese, brie, and honey on a baguette

To make this tasty treat, start by preheating your oven. While the oven heats up, cut a French baguette into thin slices. You can brush the slices with olive oil for some extra flavour and texture. Place the slices in the oven and toast them until they are golden brown.

Once the bread is toasted, it's time to assemble! Spread some blue cheese on each slice, being generous with the portion. Then, add a layer of brie on top of the blue cheese. The mild and creamy texture of brie pairs beautifully with the stronger flavour of blue cheese. Drizzle honey over the cheeses, allowing it to drip down the sides. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil on top.

This combination of flavours and textures is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests! The salty, tangy blue cheese and the mild, creamy brie create a delightful contrast, which is enhanced by the sweet honey. The crunch of the baguette brings it all together, making it a perfect bite.

Ricotta on toast with honey

When it comes to cheese and fruit spreads, there are many wonderful combinations to try. For instance, Dalmatia Fig Spread goes well with cheddar, gouda, manchego, goat cheese, brie, and gorgonzola. You can also try pairing fig spread with a milder cheese, such as fontina or swiss.

Now, if you're looking for a delicious and simple recipe, you can't go wrong with Ricotta on Toast with Honey. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an appetizer. Here's a detailed guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Bread: Sourdough bread is a great option, but you can use any type of bread you prefer. For a heartier texture, go for artisanal sourdough or whole-grain bread. If you want to add a bit of crunch, try a seedy grain bread.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for brushing on the bread.
• Ricotta: Go for part-skim ricotta that tastes fresh, creamy, and has a thick texture. If it's a bit watery, strain it with a cheesecloth before spreading.
• Honey: A good-quality honey to drizzle over the ricotta.
• Toppings (optional): You can add chopped pistachios, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or mint.

Instructions:

• Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush the bread slices lightly with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes until toasted.
• Spread the Ricotta: Let the toast cool down for a couple of minutes so you can handle it comfortably. Divide the ricotta evenly among the slices of toast and spread it out smoothly.
• Drizzle with Honey: Generously drizzle honey over each slice of ricotta-topped toast.
• Add Toppings (optional): If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some chopped pistachios and a pinch of flaky sea salt. You can also add some freshly chopped herbs for an extra flavour boost.
• Serve: Enjoy your delicious Ricotta on Toast with Honey! It's perfect on its own or paired with a side of fruit or a glass of wine.

Variations:

While the classic combination of ricotta, toast, and honey is delightful, you can also experiment with different variations:

• Fruity Twist: Add some fresh fruit slices like pears, figs, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots also pair beautifully.
• Savory Option: For a savory twist, add some prosciutto or other salty cured meats.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: Try a combination of ricotta, honey, and fresh thyme or mint. This creates a delightful balance of flavours that is perfect for brunch or as a snack.

Prosciutto, fig, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Figs and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many types of cheese that go well with fig spread, such as cheddar, gouda, and goat cheese. For a stronger flavour, blue cheeses like gorgonzola and roquefort are a good option. Harder cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano also pair well with fig spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh fig
• 2 thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma
• 1 ounce Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

• Quarter the fig lengthwise.
• Cut the prosciutto slices in half, producing four slices.
• Wrap each piece of fig with a slice of prosciutto.
• Shave the Parmigiano Reggiano into a fine snow using a microplane.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add the prosciutto-wrapped fig wedges to the pan and cook on both sides until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Place the warm fig wedges on the Parmigiano-covered plate. The cheese will stick to the warm wedges.
• Serve with toothpicks.

This recipe is easy to adjust for the number of guests you are serving, and it makes for a perfect cocktail appetizer. The sweetness of the ripe fig contrasts nicely with the savoury flavours of the prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano.

You can also try baking the prosciutto, fig, and Parmigiano Reggiano combination in the oven. Simply arrange the figs on a baking tray, top them with prosciutto slices, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven until the cheese starts to turn golden.

Another option is to make a crostini by spreading fig jam on a baguette slice, topping it with shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, and then baking it in the oven until the cheese melts. You can also add other ingredients like blue cheese, honey, and rosemary for extra flavour and texture.

The salty prosciutto and savoury Parmigiano Reggiano complement the sweetness of the fig, creating a delicious and elegant appetiser or snack that your guests are sure to enjoy.

Goat's cheese and fig jam crostini

Fig jam and goats' cheese crostini is a delicious combination of sweet and salty flavours. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for a dinner party or get-together and can be made in advance. Here is a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 small baguettes or 1 large baguette
• 80g soft goat's cheese
• 40g cream cheese
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup arugula/rocket
• Lemon juice from 1/4 lemon
• 1/3 cup fig jam

Method:

• Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. You should have around 18 slices in total.
• Grill or bake the baguette slices. If baking, heat the oven to 360°F (180°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
• Mix the cream cheese and goat's cheese together.
• Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture on each slice of toasted baguette.
• Add some fig jam (about 2/3 teaspoon) on top of the cheese and spread it.
• Top with a couple of arugula leaves and a drop or two of lemon juice on each crostini.

This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste. You can substitute the fig jam with fresh figs and honey, and the goat's cheese with ricotta or labneh. If you want to add some extra flavour, sprinkle some fresh pepper on top or garnish with thyme sprigs.

Enjoy your delicious fig jam and goats' cheese crostini!

Camembert and fig jam bites

A rich and indulgent combination of flavours, these Camembert and fig jam bites are a great go-to appetizer for parties, a quick snack, or even a light lunch. The sweetness of the fig jam is a perfect match for the creamy, salty Camembert, and the dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• Camembert or Brie Cheese
• Fig Jam/Spread
• Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional)
• French Bread/Baguette or Crackers
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Cut the French bread into thin slices. If you prefer to use crackers, opt for a mild variety like water crackers, which won't overpower the other flavours.
• Spread each slice or cracker with a generous amount of fig jam.
• Top with a slather of soft, creamy Camembert or Brie cheese.
• For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle with some chopped fresh thyme leaves and a grind of black pepper.
• Arrange the bites on a platter and serve.

Tips:

• If preparing in advance, cover the bites with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature to keep the cheese nice and melty.
• For a warm, gooey treat, pop the bites into a warm oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
• Get creative with your garnishes! Try nuts, dried fruit, candied ginger, grapes, sliced apples or pears, or fresh berries.
• For a fun twist, use different types of jams or preserves, such as peach, apricot, or even bacon jam!

Where to Buy Fig Jam:

Fig jam is widely available, especially during the holidays. Check your local supermarket or gourmet food store, or try specialty cheese shops. For a more affordable option, look for fig jam at World Market or ethnic markets.

So, the next time you're hosting a get-together or craving a tasty snack, why not give these Camembert and fig jam bites a try? They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Frequently asked questions