Crostini with Figs, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction

Name: Crostini with Figs, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 whole grain baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 cup balsamic vinegar; 3-4 fresh ripe figs, thinly sliced; 8 oz. goat cheese; sea salt or kosher salt, to taste; extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

Recipe GLPR499eba7a35038c

Italian

Appetizer

35 min

279 cal

Servings: 8

Oven

SNAP eligible

Crispy toasted whole grain baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh sliced figs, and a glossy balsamic reduction. This elegant Mediterranean appetizer combines sweet figs with tangy cheese and rich, concentrated balsamic vinegar for an impressive and simple-to-prepare starter.

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Ingredients

1 whole grain baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup balsamic vinegar

3-4 fresh ripe figs, thinly sliced

8 oz. goat cheese

sea salt or kosher salt, to taste

extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

Directions

Prepare the balsamic reduction by pouring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Allow the vinegar to reduce for 15-20 minutes until it has thickened and is reduced by half, becoming syrupy and coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to a squeeze bottle or storing in a covered container.
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Arrange the baguette slices on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush the top side of each slice with extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt or kosher salt.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated 425°F oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bread slices are golden brown and crispy. Watch towards the end to prevent burning.
Remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. (These can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container or zip-lock bag until ready to serve.)
To serve, arrange the cooled crostini on a serving platter. Cut the goat cheese into thin slices and place one slice on top of each crostini. Top with a thin slice of fresh fig.
Lightly drizzle each crostini with the cooled balsamic reduction using a squeeze bottle or spoon. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.25

Fresh figs are the real constraint here; outside summer months (June through August in North Carolina), they're either unavailable or $6+ per pound at specialty produce sections, forcing a trip to Harris Teeter or Kroger's upscale departments rather than ALDI or Food Lion. The remaining ingredients—baguette, goat cheese, balsamic, olive oil—stock easily everywhere. At roughly $2.50 to $3.50 per serving depending on fig season, this skews pricey for an appetizer. The stated 35 minutes is honest for slicing and reducing, but this is a same-night dish; reheating softens the bread and separates the topping. It's elegant enough for guests and requires no real technique, making it a solid entertaining move when figs are in season and your budget can absorb the per-serving cost.