Baked figs with blue cheese and walnuts make for a delicious and elegant appetizer or dessert. The combination of the sweet and soft figs, creamy and tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures!
What kind of cheese goes best with figs?
Several types of cheese pair well with figs, depending on personal taste preferences. Here are a few popular choices:
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton, is a classic pairing with figs. The creamy and tangy characteristics of blue cheese complement the sweetness of figs, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Goat Cheese: Goat cheese, whether fresh and creamy or aged and crumbly, pairs wonderfully with figs. The slightly acidic and earthy flavors of goat cheese provide a lovely contrast to the natural sweetness of the figs.
- Brie: Brie cheese, with its soft and creamy texture and mild flavor, is another excellent choice. The richness of the brie complements the sweetness and softness of the figs, resulting in a delicious combination.
- Camembert: Similar to brie, camembert is a soft and creamy cheese that works well with figs. It has a slightly stronger flavor profile, which can add depth and complexity to the pairing.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella, known for its delicate and mild taste, can also be paired with figs. Its creamy texture pairs well with the juicy sweetness of figs, creating a delightful contrast.
Do you peel figs before baking?
Normally, it is not necessary to peel figs before baking. The peel of figs is thin, tender, and edible. It adds texture and flavor to the baked dish. Most recipes for baked figs, such as stuffed figs or fig tarts, typically involve leaving the peel intact. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or find the peel slightly bitter, you can choose to peel the figs before baking. Ultimately, whether to peel figs or not is a matter of personal preference and the specific requirements of your recipe.
What are the ingredients for Baked Figs with Blue Cheese?
Here’s a description of each ingredient used in baked figs with blue cheese and walnuts:
- Fresh Figs: Figs are sweet and luscious fruits with a soft and tender texture. They have a unique flavor that combines sweetness with a hint of earthiness. When baked, figs become even more tender and release their natural juices.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, is a type of cheese known for its distinct flavor and characteristic blue or green veins. It has a creamy and crumbly texture with a sharp and tangy taste. The bold and pungent flavor of blue cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of figs.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are nutty and crunchy nuts that provide a pleasant textural contrast to the soft figs and creamy cheese. They have a slightly bitter undertone that complements the other flavors in the dish. Walnuts also offer a good source of healthy fats and nutrients.
- Honey (optional): Honey is a natural sweetener that can add a touch of extra sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. It balances the tanginess of the blue cheese and adds a lovely richness to the combination of ingredients.
How to make Baked Figs with Blue Cheese?
Cut an “X” on the top of each fig, cutting about halfway down. Stuff each fig with crumbled blue cheese, filling the cavity generously. Place the stuffed figs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Bake the figs in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the figs are slightly softened. Once baked, remove the figs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle a small amount of honey over the baked figs to add a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the figs. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch if desired. Enjoy!
If you like blue cheese, check out these recipes:
Baked Figs with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 3-5 fresh figs
- 2 oz. blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort), crumbled
- 1 tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut an "X" on the top of each fig, cutting about halfway down. Stuff each fig with crumbled blue cheese, filling the cavity generously. Place the stuffed figs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake the figs in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the figs are slightly softened. Once baked, remove the figs from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle a small amount of honey over the baked figs to add a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the figs. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch, if desired. Enjoy!
Baked Figs with Blue Cheese