If you regularly check in with us here at CookingChew, you might already have built up an impressive appetizer repertoire.
You might have already tried your hand at making some of our favorite appetizers, including crowd-pleasers such as delicious stuffed mushrooms and these yummy Caprese skewers.
Why not add one more amazing appetizer choice?
This quick and easy roasted figs recipe is sure to be another appetizer that you will make on a regular basis, especially if you love the taste of figs.
Fresh figs are already scrumptious little morsels, but when you roast them in the oven with a little honey and mascarpone, you’re elevating your fig game!
Yes, you can freeze roasted figs!
If you plan to store the figs after roasting them, make sure to roast them with honey only.
Do not add other ingredients such as the mascarpone, as mascarpone does not freeze well.
The addition of the mascarpone will also change the texture and consistency of the figs themselves.
After roasting the figs, cool them down to room temperature and store them in an airtight container.
We prefer using glass jars or Mason jars(hey Will please use the same mason jar link from previous posts) to prevent the figs from getting freezer burn.
In fact, you cannot freeze fresh figs because freezing fresh fruits causes the cell walls of the fruit to burst, resulting in pulpy, mushy fruits.
Freezing can also cause discoloration of the skin.
When you are ready to serve the figs, simply allow them to thaw to room temperature, and place them back in the oven for 10 minutes at 300⁰F.
If the figs have become too mushy, you can puree them and use them as a dessert topping instead.
How to roast figs with honey?
When making roasted figs, you need to use fresh figs in season, as well as pure honey to get that proper caramelization and taste.
You also need to use the right bakeware.
For this recipe, make sure to rimmed baking sheets so that the fig juices don’t spill over and create a mess in your oven!
Note: If you are out of honey, here are our honey substitute suggestions.
How to serve roasted figs?
You can serve roasted figs as either an appetizer or as a dessert!
This recipe will result in roasted figs that you can serve as a warm appetizer.
However, you can also place a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream on top of the figs and serve them as a dessert at the end of a meal.
What to eat with roasted figs?
Roasted figs are a great appetizer because they work so well with other classic appetizers, such as a creamy cheese ball.
There’s a reason why cheese platters traditionally include figs!
The natural sweetness of figs works so well with creamy, nutty cheeses.
If you want to add a tangy component to the dish, you can drizzle a little bit of balsamic reduction on top of the figs before serving them.
When are figs in season?
In the USA, figs are in season during two periods through the year.
There’s the “breba” season, which is during the first few weeks of June.
The second season is the “new wood” season, which runs from August to October.
What do figs taste like?
Ripe figs have a rich, sweet taste that’s reminiscent of caramel with hints of berry.
The flesh is pulpy and jelly-like.
Our CookingChew Tip:
When choosing figs, the best varieties of roasting Here are our picks for best fig varieties for roasting:
Brown Turkey
This is the most common type of fig that you can find on the market.
Brown Turkey figs are large, with a dull, purplish-red color that becomes bright green towards the top.
They have a mild, pleasant flavor that intensifies when roasted.
Black Mission
Black Mission figs are small, inky in color, and soft and tender when ripe.
When roasted, they have a sweet and jam-like flavor with a mineral-y undertone.
Calimyrna
You can distinguish Callimyrna figs by their grassy-green skin and rosy flesh.
They have a strong, buttery, and nutty flavor when roasted.
Tiger
Tiger figs are not quite as common as the other figs on this list, but if you find them on the market, you’ll be able to identify them by their pale-yellow skin with dark green stripes and their deep purple flesh.
When roasted, Tiger figs have a superb balanced flavor that’s equal parts sweet and tangy.
Adriatic
Considered to be the granddaddy when it comes to roasted figs, Adriatic figs are the sweetest type of fig when roasted, with the sweetness offset by a hint of acidity.
These figs are green with a reddish-violet flesh.
Honey-Roasted Figs
Fresh figs are already delicious by themselves, but when you roast them up with a bit of honey and mascarpone, you’ve got yourself an elegant appetizer!
This delicious recipe works best with fresh figs so that you get that wonderfully jam-like consistency when you roast them, coupled with the creamy mascarpone and the crunchy pistachios.
They’re the perfect finger food!
Honey-Roasted Figs
Honey-Roasted Figs- This delicious recipe works best with fresh figs so that you get that wonderfully jam-like consistency when you roast them, coupled with the creamy mascarpone and the crunchy pistachios.
Ingredients
- 8 large ripe figs
- 2 c. mascarpone cheese, softened
- 3 T. pure honey, divided
- ¼ c. whole pistachios
Instructions
- Wash and dry figs thoroughly. Cut them in half, lengthwise and set aside.
- Place pistachios in a food processor and pulse them until finely chopped. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop them using a sharp knife.
- Pre-heat oven to 350⁰F.
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the figs on the prepared tray, cut side up. Make sure that they are side by side and that there is space between the figs so that they roast properly.
- Drizzle the tops of the figs with 2 T. of honey.
- Place baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Top each fig with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Drizzle with additional honey.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 775Total Fat: 71gSaturated Fat: 41gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 203mgSodium: 672mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 27gProtein: 9g
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese as long as they are creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy!
You can use ricotta cheese, goat’s cheese, or simple cream cheese.
How do I know if the Figs are Done?
Figs are done roasting when they are soft, slightly browned, and the skin has puckered slightly.
If you want to give this recipe a bit more brightness, you can grate a little bit of orange or lemon zest on top or squeeze fresh lemon juice.
The floral acidity of citrus works so well with the figs and cheese and ties the dish together.