Fresh Figs with Cheese on Italian Bruschetta
Introduction
When late summer arrives here at Mama Florence, few things are as perfect as fresh, sweet figs. This simple Italian bruschetta recipe celebrates that fleeting moment, transforming a few key ingredients into an elegant appetizer that feels straight out of a Tuscan kitchen. The combination of rich, savory cheese, juicy figs, and a perfectly toasted slice of bread is a harmony of textures and flavors. It's proof that sometimes, the most delicious things are also the simplest.
Ingredients
- Figs 8
- Bread (Slices) 16 cup
- Salt and Pepper as needed
Preparation
Prepare Figs and Bread
Cut the figs in 4 slices, longways.
If the figs are big, 2 slices per bread-slice should be enough. If they are small, you might need one fig per slice.
Cut the bread and toast it: you can either use a toaster, or set the slices in the pre-heated oven at 100C for a couple of minutes.
Be sure to have the chosen cheese and cut figs ready to be served quite fast: the bread mist still be warm.
Choose the Cheese!
What cheeses go best with the sweetness of figs? Find out here and you won't go wrong!
Goat's Cheese: The slight bitterness and extra-saltiness of goat's cheese is absolutely perfect with figs.
Pecorino Cheese: Absolutely perfect, especially if you add a slice or 2 of thinly cut prosciutto between the cheese and the figs.
Gorgonzola: how could we not mention gorgonzola? Its strong flavor makes it perfect to accompany the delicate sweetness of figs.
Mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese is perfect as it will melt perfectly, and if you feel adventurous place an anchovy fillet on the mozzarella.
Extra tips
The skin of the fig, if properly washed, is packed with nutrients and amazing in taste, but you can take it off and simply spread the inside on the fig on top of the cheese if you prefer.
We suggest always slightly seasoning the figs with salt and black pepper once they're cut in slices. This will enhance the taste and sweetness of the figs.
For the saltiest cheeses (goat's cheese, pecorino etc), you can add a couple of drops of balsamic vinegar on the bread: you will absolutely love the sweet addition!
