Crostini with Prosciutto Fig (Printable version)

Toasted bread with prosciutto and fresh figs for a flavorful Italian appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices baguette or rustic Italian bread
02 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

→ Toppings

03 - 8 thin slices prosciutto
04 - 4 fresh figs, sliced
05 - 2 ounces soft goat cheese or ricotta, optional
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
07 - Fresh thyme leaves or arugula for garnish, optional
08 - 1 to 2 teaspoons honey for drizzling, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
02 - Toast in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
03 - Spread a thin layer of goat cheese or ricotta on each crostini if using.
04 - Top each crostini with one slice of prosciutto and several slices of fresh fig.
05 - Season with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or arugula.
06 - Drizzle lightly with honey if desired for added sweetness and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes barely 20 minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen impressing people.
  • The interplay between salty prosciutto and sweet figs is one of those flavor combinations that just works, no explanation needed.
02 -
  • Toast your bread just before assembling, or it'll soften and lose that satisfying snap that makes this dish special.
  • Don't skip cooling the crostini slightly—putting cold toppings on scalding hot bread is less elegant than it sounds, and the cheese (if using) won't spread properly.
03 -
  • Invest in good quality prosciutto from a real deli counter—it makes an enormous difference in taste and texture compared to pre-packaged versions.
  • If your figs are slightly firm, let them sit at room temperature for an hour before slicing; they'll be sweeter and easier to work with.
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