Savory Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini with Crispy Sage
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with our Savory Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini, featuring rich goat cheese topped with sweet fig jam and crispy fried sage leaves. This elegant appetizer offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal treat for festive gatherings or intimate dinners paired with a glass of bubbly. The crostini can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by creamy goat cheese and a hint of earthiness from the sage, creating a tasting experience that will impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baguette
1 (sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (divided)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Sage Leaves
20 (fresh, for frying)
Goat Cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Fig Jam
1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Slice the baguette on a diagonal into approximately 20 pieces, each about 1/2-inch thick, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the bread slices, then use a brush or your hands to lightly coat each side. Sprinkle salt over the tops to enhance flavor.
4
Bake the crostini in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
5
Prepare the fried sage: In a small frying pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-low heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add 2 to 3 sage leaves at a time.
6
Fry the sage leaves for about 1 minute or until they darken in color and the bubbling has diminished. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried leaves and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7
Continue frying the remaining sage leaves in batches until all are cooked. Set them aside to cool.
8
Assemble the crostini: Spread about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese on each toasted slice, followed by a generous 1/2 teaspoon of fig jam. Top each crostini with a crispy fried sage leaf for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini recipe?
It is an elegant fall-themed appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crispy fried sage leaves.
How many pieces of crostini does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 20 individual crostini pieces.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the bread?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How thick should the baguette slices be?
Each slice should be approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What is the best way to slice the baguette?
The baguette should be sliced on a diagonal to create longer, elegant pieces.
How long do the baguette slices need to bake?
Bake them for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.
How much olive oil is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil, which is divided between coating the bread and frying the sage.
How do you prepare the sage leaves for frying?
Use 20 fresh sage leaves and fry them in olive oil over medium-low heat until they darken.
How many sage leaves should I fry at once?
It is best to fry 2 to 3 sage leaves at a time to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
How long does it take to fry the sage leaves?
Each batch takes about 1 minute or until the bubbling in the oil has diminished.
What should I do with the sage leaves after frying?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
What kind of cheese is used in this crostini?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of softened goat cheese.
Can I use store-bought fig jam?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade fig jam for this recipe.
How much goat cheese should I put on each slice?
Spread about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
How much fig jam goes on each crostini?
Each piece should get a generous 1/2 teaspoon of fig jam.
Can this appetizer be prepared in advance?
Yes, the components can be prepared in advance to allow flavors to meld, though the bread is best when fresh.
How should I store the finished crostini?
If not serving immediately, store them in an airtight container.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of sweet fig jam, savory goat cheese, and earthy fried sage.
What is the texture of the sage leaves after frying?
The fried sage leaves become delicate and crispy.
What beverage pairs well with these crostini?
They are ideally paired with a glass of bubbly, such as Champagne or Prosecco.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, salt is sprinkled over the oiled bread slices before baking to enhance the flavor.
Should the goat cheese be cold or softened?
The goat cheese should be softened to make it easier to spread on the bread.
What heat level should I use for frying the sage?
Use medium-low heat to fry the sage leaves to prevent them from burning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: baguette, olive oil, salt, sage leaves, goat cheese, and fig jam.
How do I know the bread is ready to come out of the oven?
The bread is ready when it is golden in color and firm/crisp to the touch.
Is this recipe considered a seasonal dish?
While it can be enjoyed year-round, its flavor profile is specifically designed to celebrate the flavors of fall.
How do I apply the olive oil to the bread slices?
Drizzle the oil over the slices and use a brush or your hands to ensure both sides are lightly coated.
What is the final assembly step?
The final step is to top each prepared crostini with one crispy fried sage leaf.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
A standard baguette is the best choice for making these crostini.
What makes this appetizer suitable for guests?
Its elegant presentation and sophisticated balance of sweet and earthy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for parties.