Grilled Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

I am all about hosting a quality cocktail hour and I believe that cocktail party success has a formula- good quality beverages, music in the background, fresh decor (even a simple arrangement of flowers), delicious nibbles with at least one or two unique and/or hot hors d'oeuvres.  

As you well know, the cheese board has become a staple for my cocktail parties.  It is delicious, has variety of edible options and easy to assemble.  In addition to the cheeseboard, I always like to have at least one or two other special hors d'oeuvres options.  This latest creation, Grilled Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini, was inspired from the ingredients I typically like to serve on a cheese board and it is the perfect small bite to serve at your next cocktail party.  So easy, full of flavor and dare I say somewhat healthy to boot!  A definite crowd pleaser!

Ingredients

  • 1 French Baguette
  • Goat Cheese Spread (Plain)
  • Fresh Thyme
  • Black Mission Figs Sliced Vertically in Half
  • Honey
  • Balsamic Glaze
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • 2 Tbs Canola Oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit

  2. Slice Baguette into 1/4 in thick slices on the diagonal

  3. Assemble on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

  4. Brush the tops of the baguette slices with grape seed oil

  5. Sprinkle slices with salt and fresh cracked pepper

  6. Bake in the oven until golden brown (between 15 and 20min)

  7. Meanwhile - Heat 2tbs of Canola Oil in a skillet or grill pan on Med/High Heat

  8. Once the pan is hot, add Figs face down

  9. Cook for approx. 5 minutes (or until you start to see the fig start to caramelize)

  10. Flip Figs and cook for an additional 5mins then remove from heat

  11. When baguette slices are done cooking, allow to cool for approx. 5-10min

  12. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice

  13. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves

  14. Then add a grilled fig to each crostini

  15. Drizzle with either balsamic glaze, honey or both! 

  16. Serve and enjoy