Ingredients
Scale
- 4-6 slices artisan bread (sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta)
- 4-6 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened to room temperature
- 4-6 fresh figs, sliced (or 8-10 dried figs, thinly sliced)
- 2-4 teaspoons honey (or to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Optional: ¼ cup crushed walnuts or pistachios
- Optional: flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: small handful of fresh arugula
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your toaster/toaster oven. If using oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove goat cheese from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften for easier spreading.
- Toast the Bread – Place bread slices on baking sheet (if using oven) or in toaster. Toast until golden brown and lightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes in the oven, turning once, or 3-4 minutes in a toaster. The bread should be golden with a slight crunch but not hard or burnt. You want sturdy toast that can support toppings!
- Prepare the Figs – While bread toasts, wash and dry fresh figs. Remove the stems and slice figs into quarters or thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. If using dried figs, slice them as thinly as possible. The presentation is prettier with uniform slices!
- Spread the Goat Cheese – Once bread is toasted, let it cool for 1-2 minutes. Generously spread softened goat cheese over each slice – about 1-2 tablespoons per toast, or more if you’re feeling indulgent! Spread all the way to the edges. The layer should be thick and creamy. Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula for smooth spreading.
- Arrange the Figs – Artfully arrange fig slices over the goat cheese. You can overlap them in neat rows, create a pretty fan pattern, or arrange them naturally. Press figs very gently into the cheese so they nestle in and won’t slide off. Make sure each bite will have fig!
- Drizzle with Honey – Drizzle honey over the figs and goat cheese – about ½-1 teaspoon per toast. Use a light hand; you want to enhance, not overwhelm. The honey should create beautiful glossy streams across the toast.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over everything. Just a pinch per toast is perfect – you want to taste the herb but not overpower the other flavors. Strip the tiny leaves from the stems before sprinkling.
- Optional Finishing Touches – If using, now add: a drizzle of balsamic glaze (creates beautiful contrast), crushed nuts for crunch, a crack of black pepper, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, or a few fresh arugula leaves for color and peppery bite.
- Serve Immediately – Transfer to a beautiful serving platter or wooden board. These toasts are best served within 10-15 minutes while the bread is still warm and crispy. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor!
- Enjoy – Eat with your hands for casual entertaining, or serve with a fork and knife for more formal occasions. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, honey, and herbs is absolutely divine!
Notes
- Goat Cheese Texture: Room temperature goat cheese spreads smoothly without tearing bread.
- Fig Season: Fresh figs are best late summer/early fall. Use dried figs other times of year.
- Bread Choice: Quality bread matters! Use artisan bakery bread for best results.
- Serving Size: Recipe easily scales up for larger gatherings.
- Make it Vegan: Use cashew cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh; don’t assemble more than 15 minutes ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg