Figs with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Juicy fresh figs roasted until soft and caramelized, topped with creamy tangy goat cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts. A drizzle of honey brings it all together for an elegant appetizer that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prep the figs.
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2.Slice each fig in half lengthwise and arrange cut-side up on the baking sheet. - prep · ~3 min
Toast the walnuts.
Spread chopped walnuts in a small dry pan over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
TIPWatch the walnuts closely — they go from toasted to burnt in seconds. - assemble
Stuff the figs.
1.Place a small dollop of goat cheese (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of each fig half.2.Drizzle the figs lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt and black pepper. - roast · ~12 min
Roast until figs soften and caramelize.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, until the figs are soft, warmed through, and beginning to release their juices.
- garnish
Garnish and serve warm.
1.Transfer roasted figs to a serving platter.2.Scatter toasted walnuts over the top.3.Drizzle with honey and finish with fresh thyme leaves.4.Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose figs that are ripe but still firm to avoid them turning mushy during roasting.
- 2Bring goat cheese to room temperature before stuffing for easier dolloping and creamier texture.
- 3Toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, then remove immediately to prevent burning.
- 4For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of roasting.
- 5Arrange figs cut-side up with just a small gap between them so they soften evenly.
- 6Serve immediately after roasting; the figs lose their appeal as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace goat cheese with a plant-based cashew cream or almond ricotta and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version.
Savory HerbSavory-Herb
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting for an herbaceous or spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
Balsamic GlazeBalsamic Glaze
Drizzle figs with a balsamic reduction instead of honey for a tangy-sweet, deeper flavour that pairs beautifully with goat cheese and walnuts.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Swap walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch while eliminating tree nuts for allergy-friendly serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Fresh figs provide dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Calcium
Goat cheese offers a generous dose of calcium for bone health, especially beneficial for those who prefer goat milk over cow milk.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidant Boost
Figs and walnuts both contain antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served fresh from the oven, but you can prep the figs and toast the walnuts up to a day ahead. Assemble and roast just before serving.
