Brie and Fig Crostini is a quick fall appetizer that is easy to make for any size crowd. Toasted brie cheese crostini slices are topped with honey caramelized figs, prosciutto, and fresh arugula for the perfect combination of flavors.
Below, you will find serving tips, substitution ideas, and instructions on how to make this delicious crostini with brie and fig. If you love crostini, you can also try this Peach Crostini or Tomato Bruschetta.
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Brie and Fig Crostini
Crostini may look and sound like a fancy time consuming appetizer, but don't let them fool you. This fig crostini with brie and prosciutto is about as easy as it gets and as delicious as it looks.
Sliced baguette bread is topped with brie cheese and toasted before assembling with caramelized figs, salty prosciutto, and fresh arugula. That's it. Below are simple instruction on how to caramelize figs in honey, but if you want to save the few minutes it takes you can substitute fig jam. Easy peasy!
This appetizer is easy to make for just a few people or a bigger crowd, and the figs can even be cooked ahead of time. Keep reading for more recipe variations, tips, and ideas!
Ingredients You Will Need
- Fresh Figs - you should be able to find fresh figs during the late summer and early fall. Choose plump figs that are slightly firm and not mushy. For this recipe, you will need to slice them in half lengthwise.
- Honey - there are so many options when it comes to choosing honey. Some of the higher quality or local honey will have different flavors depending on what the local bees are eating, so choose a flavor that you like best.
- Thyme - fresh thyme is simmered in the honey so that the flavor infuses. You can scrape the leaves off of each stem and add just those, or keep the entire stem in and remove it when you are done. Rosemary is another great option.
- Vanilla Extract - you only need a little vanilla to really enhance the flavors of the figs and honey.
- Crostini Bread - my favorite bread to use for crostini is a simple French baguette. It’s firm enough to hold plenty of toppings, even when sliced fairly thin. They are also the perfect appetizer size.
- Brie Cheese - brie cheese is buttery with a more mild flavor that is perfect for serving with flavors that you want to shine, like figs and honey. It also melts beautifully! Cream cheese would be a good substitute.
- Prosciutto - thinly sliced, salty prosciutto is a perfect match for sweet figs and honey. You only need a little for each crostini—about half a slice if you are using baguette bread.
- Arugula - it’s nice to finish a baked crostini with a little freshness. Peppery arugula pairs well with both sweet figs and salty prosciutto.
Substitutions and Serving Suggestions
- If you like your toasted bread to be a little softer rather than crispy, just cut the baguettes into slightly thicker slices.
- You can substitute fig jam for the caramelized figs if you want to save a little time.
- To make this vegetarian, just skip the prosciutto!
- Instead of brie cheese, try using goat cheese or even cream cheese.
How to Make Fig Crostini
- Caramelize the figs. Add the honey and thyme to a skillet over medium-low heat and cook for about 1 minute. Slice the figs in half and add cut-side down into the honey, cooking for about 4-5 minutes total.
- Toast the brie and baguette slices. Place the baguette slices onto a small baking sheet. Cut the Brie cheese in thick slices and place over the top of each baguette piece. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 6-7 minutes, then cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the crostini. On top of each, add a half slice of prosciutto, a spoonful of figs, and a drizzle of the honey, and top with fresh arugula. Stick a toothpick in top to hold everything in place, if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Even before they are caramelized, figs have a high sugar content that tastes great with more savory flavors like brie and prosciutto. Other toppings that would taste great are bacon bits, goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, toasted nuts (especially pistachios and walnuts), and herbs like thyme and rosemary.
If your figs are already super ripe, store in the fridge for up to 3 more days, depending on just how ripe they were. Or, if your figs aren’t quite ripe yet, you can store them at room temperature for a couple days and then transfer to the fridge.
You can caramelize the figs up to a few days in advance and then store in the fridge. Otherwise, do not try and assemble the crostini ahead of time or it will get soggy.
Brie and Fig Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
Caramelized Figs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 4-inch sprig thyme
- 3 large fresh figs
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crostini Toppings
- 1 small baguette bread sliced into ½" slices on a slant
- 4-6 ounces Brie cheese
- 6 slices prosciutto cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup arugula
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat, then add the honey and thyme leaves. Cook for about 1 minute, then add the fig halves cut-side down into the honey.
- Caramelize for 2-3 minutes, then use tongs to turn the figs over and saute for another 2 minutes. Remove the caramelized figs from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Place the baguette slices onto a small baking sheet. Cut the Brie cheese in thick slices and place over the top of each baguette piece, spreading to the edges if needed.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted slightly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before placing the crostini onto a platter.
- On top of each, add a half slice of prosciutto, a spoonful of figs, and a drizzle of the honey, and top with fresh arugula. Stick a toothpick in top to hold everything in place, if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Chex Party Mix
- Brie and Fig Puff Pastry Bites
- Prosciutto Wrapped Figs
- Italian Mini Kabobs
- Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
- Pesto and Sausage Flatbread
- Pesto Pinwheels
- Puff Pastry Cheese Twists
- Baked Brie and Fig Puff Pastry
- More Appetizer Recipes
- More Fall Recipes
These Brie Fig and Prosciutto Crostini are impressive, delicious, and so easy to make. Each toasted baguette slice is covered in melted brie cheese and topped with caramelized figs and arugula.
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