Description
Delight in the perfect appetizer with these Goat Cheese & Fig Crostini topped with sweet caramelized onions. Crispy baguette slices layered with creamy goat cheese, savory-sweet caramelized onions, and luscious fig jam make for an irresistible combination that’s elegant yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 crusty long French baguette, fresh
Spreads and Toppings
- 3 ounces goat cheese
- 3 ounces fig jam
- thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Caramelized Onions
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Peel and slice the medium yellow onion as thinly as possible, using a mandolin slicer if available for uniform slices.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and toss to coat in the oil. If the pan looks dry during cooking, add an additional tablespoon of oil. Stir the onions every 10 minutes, allowing them to slowly cook and caramelize for 20-30 minutes. This slow cooking releases natural sugars making the onions sweet without burning them.
- Prepare the crostini: While onions caramelize, slice the baguette into ¼ inch thick slices. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the crostini: Once the onions have cooled slightly and the crostini is crisp, spread a layer of goat cheese evenly over each slice. Top with a spoonful of caramelized onions and finish with a dollop of fig jam.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an herbal note. Serve within 2 hours to enjoy the optimal crunchiness of the crostini.
Notes
- Use fresh baguette for best texture and flavor.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat is key for sweetness and prevents burning.
- Serve crostini soon after assembling to maintain crispiness.
- Thyme leaves add a lovely fragrance but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Can be made dairy-free by substituting goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
