How to make goat cheese fig and prosciutto crostini

Hello there, Elaina here! I’m delighted to welcome you back to Flavour food and wine, where we explore the world of culinary delights from my sweet little city, Winnipeg, nestled in the heart of the Canadian prairies. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recent culinary adventure with a sophisticated dish – Goat Cheese, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini. This journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to dive into the details with you. So, let’s embark on this gastronomic exploration together, showcasing the elegant and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine!

Goat cheese fig and prosciutto crostini

Goat cheese, fig & prosciutto crostini

Meaning “little toasts”, crostini is an Italian appetizer of toasted or grilled sliced bread, topped with meats, cheeses and/or herbs. And of course, this appetizer is most often presented and enjoyed with wine!

This past weekend, I got together with an old friend that I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Something special was definitely in order…Italian cuisine and wine! We often cook together and when we do, we cook with love. We take our time. We savour the moment, the food and the wine. A typical dinner time for us, at the earliest, would be 22.30 – 23.00…oh the pleasure of true “slow cooking”.

Flavour: the word itself is the essence of balancing tastes; sweet, sour, bitter, salty. Inspired by a recipe on The Italian Dish, the appetizer I made for our Italian evening was this lovely little crostini of goat cheese, fig and prosciutto, topped with fresh basil. Here we have it…the sweetness of the figs playing off the tart, sourness of the goat cheese, with an added touch of salt from the prosciutto and the herbacious bitterness of the fresh basil. What a combination…so delicious! Pair with a rich and bold Sicilian red wine, as we did, and you won’t be disappointed. 

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3 people

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• fresh foccacia baguette
• extra-virgin olive oil
• course sea salt
• fresh goat cheese
• sliced figs fresh or preserved if not available/in season
• italian prosciutto thinly sliced
• fresh basil leaves

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Cut baguette into 1/2 inch slices and place in a single layer on a baking sheet
• Drizzle good quality extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle sea salt over each piece. Bake until toasty golden brown
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly
• Over each crostini, spread a generous amount of goat cheese (see I told you you’d see a lot of cheese on my blog!)
• Top with sliced figs, a curl of prosciutto and a fresh sprig of basil.

Video

Keyword foccacia baguette, goat cheese, olive oil, sliced figs

About Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

Goat Cheese, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini is a sophisticated dish that’s popular in Italia cuisine. This dish features crispy crostini topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and salty prosciutto. The result is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that truly embodies the elegance and diversity of home cooking.

Cooking Tips for Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

• Quality of Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients. High-quality goat cheese, ripe figs, and premium prosciutto can significantly impact the taste of your crostini.
• Preparation Process: Toast the crostini to a perfect crispness to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
• Balancing Flavors: The key to this dish is the balance of flavors – the creaminess of the goat cheese, the sweetness of the figs, and the saltiness of the prosciutto should complement each other.

Serving Suggestions for Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

• Appetizer or Snack: These crostini make a great appetizer or snack for parties or gatherings.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine or rosé can complement the flavors of this dish.
• Presentation: Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.

FAQs About Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

• What Makes Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini Special? Goat Cheese, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini is special due to its combination of contrasting flavors and textures, creating a balanced and sophisticated dish.
• Can I Use Other Types of Cheese or Fruit? While you can experiment with other types of cheese or fruit, using goat cheese and figs is traditional and recommended for this dish due to their unique flavors.
• How Can I Store Leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume them immediately after preparation.
• Can I Make It Vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the prosciutto for a vegetarian version. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added flavor!

In conclusion, Goat Cheese, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition that reflects the elegance and diversity of home cooking. The process of making it involves careful preparation and balancing of flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, I hope these tips and suggestions inspire you to try making your own Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini at home. Happy cooking!