Looking for an appetizer that’ll impress your dinner guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all evening? We’ve all been there – trying to balance hosting duties while also wanting to serve something that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. That’s where these prosciutto wrapped figs with goat cheese come in handy.
These little bites are exactly what you need: they’re quick to put together, require just a handful of ingredients, and somehow manage to taste both fancy and comforting at the same time. Plus, they’re the kind of appetizer that works just as well for a casual get-together as they do for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Prosciutto Wrapped Figs
- Quick appetizer – These elegant bites come together in just 10-15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a quick starter.
- Simple ingredients – With just 5 main ingredients, these figs are proof that sometimes less is more – each component brings its own perfect flavor to the mix.
- No cooking required – There’s zero cooking involved – just assemble and serve. It’s as simple as wrapping and plating.
- Perfect party food – These little bites work great for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy cocktail parties, and they can be assembled right before guests arrive.
- Sweet and savory combo – The sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and creamy goat cheese create that perfect balance of flavors that makes everyone come back for seconds.
What Kind of Figs Should I Use?
Fresh figs are the star of this recipe, and you’ve got several tasty options to choose from. Black Mission figs are a popular choice with their deep purple skin and pink flesh, while Brown Turkey figs offer a milder, less sweet flavor that works really well with prosciutto. If you can find them, Green Kadota figs are another great option – they’re known for their light sweetness and bright flesh. When shopping for figs, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, and avoid any with bruises or splits. Since fresh figs have a short season (usually early summer and again in late summer/early fall), you’ll want to use them within a few days of purchase while they’re at their peak ripeness.
Options for Substitutions
This elegant appetizer can be adapted with several substitutions if needed:
- Figs: Fresh figs are ideal, but when they’re not in season, you can use dried figs that have been soaked in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them. Dates or ripe pears can also work as alternatives.
- Goat cheese: Not a fan of goat cheese? Try cream cheese, mascarpone, or even blue cheese if you want something with more punch. For a dairy-free option, try a soft cashew cheese spread.
- Prosciutto: While prosciutto gives the best flavor, you can use thin-sliced serrano ham or even regular ham. For a different twist, try thinly sliced smoked duck breast. Just avoid thick-cut meats as they won’t wrap as nicely.
- Fresh thyme: Out of fresh thyme? Use dried thyme (about 1/2 teaspoon), or try fresh rosemary or sage instead. Each herb will give its own nice flavor to the dish.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar work great as alternatives. You could also try fig jam or a balsamic glaze for a different sweet note.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when preparing prosciutto-wrapped figs is choosing figs that are either too ripe or not ripe enough – look for figs that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy, as overripe ones will turn to mush during cooking.
Temperature control is crucial when broiling these delicate bites – keep a close eye on them as they cook since prosciutto can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds, usually taking no more than 3-4 minutes under the broiler.
When wrapping the figs, avoid pulling the prosciutto too tight or it will tear and unravel during cooking – instead, wrap it with just enough tension to hold together while leaving a little room for the fig to expand as it heats.
For the best flavor combination, make sure to bring your goat cheese to room temperature before using, as cold cheese won’t spread easily and could tear the figs – plus, room temperature cheese delivers a creamier texture and better mingles with the honey drizzle.
What to Serve With Prosciutto Wrapped Figs?
These prosciutto wrapped figs make a perfect appetizer for any party or gathering, but they really shine as part of a larger spread. Try serving them alongside a cheese board with different types of cheese, nuts, and fresh fruits to create an impressive appetizer spread. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a glass of prosecco pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty combination. For a complete appetizer menu, add some crusty bread, olives, and maybe some fresh arugula dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice – the peppery greens complement the sweet figs and salty prosciutto perfectly.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These prosciutto wrapped figs are best enjoyed right after they’re made, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The prosciutto might lose some of its crispness over time, but they’ll still taste good!
Make Ahead: If you want to prep these in advance for a party, you can stuff the figs with goat cheese and wrap them in prosciutto up to 4 hours before serving. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and drizzle with honey and add the fresh thyme right before serving.
Serve: These appetizers taste best at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the goat cheese to soften slightly and the flavors to really come together.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
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Ingredients
- 8 figs, trimmed and sliced in half
- 1 to 2 ounces goat cheese (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 strips prosciutto di parma, cut lengthwise in half
Step 1: Prepare and Top the Figs
Start by cutting the figs in half, if they are not already prepared.
Crumble goat cheese over the top of each fig half, ensuring each piece is adequately covered.
Then, sprinkle a few thyme leaves over the goat cheese to enhance the flavor.
Finally, drizzle about half of the honey over the fig halves.
This step does not need to be done with precision; simply aim to get a nice sweet coating on each.
Step 2: Wrap the Figs with Prosciutto
Take each fig half, now topped with goat cheese and honey, and gently wrap it with a slice of prosciutto.
Wrapping can be done tightly or loosely, depending on personal preference and how much prosciutto you want on each fig.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Place each wrapped fig on your chosen serving platter.
For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle the remaining honey over the figs.
Once all figs are arranged and garnished, it’s time to enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Serve them immediately as a savory, sweet treat that your guests will love.
