Roasted Balsamic Fig Toast

Roasted Balsamic Fig Toast is a good gourmet toast that can be served as an appetizer or hearty brunch. Fresh figs are roasted with balsamic vinegar, honey, orange, and rosemary for a melt-in-your-mouth topping that pairs perfectly with whipped ricotta cheese and some crusty bread.

As an Italian-American we spent our childhood staring at our Nonno's fig tree in his concrete jungle of a backyard in Brooklyn, New York. It was his pride and joy. But his other pride and joy (us) never liked figs!

But don't worry, we found a way to enjoy the deliciousness of fresh figs: roast them! Roasting figs brings out their natural sweetness, and they caramelize and become gooey in the oven, soaking up all the flavors.

With bright notes of orange and a deep, sweet, caramelized texture, this roasted fig toast with creamy whipped ricotta is the solid morning treat.

Recipe run down

• Simple to make
• Easily customizable
• The roasted figs can be made in advance
• Fancy enough for entertaining
• Suited to fall

Fig toast ingredients

Fall is the solid time to find fresh figs at the market. When you see them, snatch them up.

• Figs Fresh figs come in several varieties, each with a unique flavor, texture, and color. We use Black Mission Figs for their ease of availability in the US, and their sweet taste. They can be found in farmers' markets and well-stocked grocery stores. Their season runs from late summer through the fall. When buying figs, they should be soft, not mushy, and have a deep purplish/green color.
• Balsamic vinegar Choose a good quality balsamic. Do not use balsamic glaze.
• Honey For added sweetness.
• Orange liqueur or orange juice we like to add a splash of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau to roast the figs. You can easily sub in orange juice.
• Ricotta cheese Whole milk is best but you can use part skim as well.
• Rosemary For freshness.
• Bread Use a good quality thick bread such as sourdough.
• Salt To balance out the sweetness.
• Toppings such as fresh orange zest and crushed pistachios (optional).

Step-by-step instructions

Here is a quick overview of how to make this balsamic roasted fig toast. You can roast the figs in advance to save time.

Step 1. In a small roasting pan, add the figs (cut side up). Add the balsamic, orange liqueur or juice, honey, rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat.

Step 2. Roast the figs (covered) for 15 minutes, remove the foil, and continue roasting for 5-10 minutes until soft but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

Step 3. Place the ricotta, orange zest, and salt in a food processor and process until light and fluffy. Add whipped ricotta to toasted bread slices.

Step 4. Place roasted figs on top of the ricotta, covering the bread. Drizzle the toast with some of the roasting liquid. Garnish with additional balsamic, honey, orange zest, salt, and pistachios, if using.

*These are abbreviated instructions. For the full list of directions, please see the recipe card below.

Expert tip

Save that roasting liquid to top your toast. It's loaded with good figgy, orange flavor!

Substitutions and variations

Don't have an ingredient? Check out these variations.

• Figs If you love the flavor of figs, but can't find fresh (or you're short on time), you can use dried figs. soak the figs in boiling water for 10 minutes so they can rehydrate and become soft again. No need to roast them at this point. Another alternative (although not quite the same), is to use fig jam to layer on top of the ricotta.
• Roasting liquid Try pomegranate molasses, or brown sugar in place of the balsamic.
• Ricotta You can sub in any soft cheese you would like. Cream cheese mascarpone and even goat cheese will work. You can whip them up the same as you would with the ricotta. If cheese is not your thing, try Greek yogurt or labneh.
• Herbs Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme taste the best, but feel free to use dried.

What to do with leftover roasted figs

So you made your scrumptious fig toast, and you have leftover roasted figs? No worries- those bad boys will make you smile for days!

• Top your pancakes, waffles, or French toast Roasted figs (and their juice) juice make a deliciously sweet pancake topping.
• Add it to baked goods Chop them and use them like raisins or dried fruit.
• Oatmeal Use it in overnight oats or traditional oatmeal.
• Savory uses Chop them up and add them to salads.
• Add them to a cheese or charcuterie boar d- Roasted figs and cheese? Yes, please!

Storage and prep

The figs can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. store them with the leftover roasting liquid so they stay moist. When ready to assemble the toast, remove the figs from the fridge to bring them to room temperature. Alternatively, you can gently reheat them in the microwave. Assemble the toast when you are ready to eat it.

Kitchen questions

Can we use dried figs?

Yes! soak the figs in boiling water for 10 minutes so they can rehydrate and become soft again. No need to roast them at this point.

Break out the cozy sweaters, we have these fall favorites waiting for you.

Ingredients

Makes 2 toasts

• 8 ounces fresh figs, sliced in half lengthwise
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling
• 3 tbsp orange liquer *or orange juice (*Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
• 2 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
• 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tsp orange zest, plus more for topping
• ⅛ tsp kosher or fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• 2 slices thick crusty bread such as sourdough
• 1-2 tbsp chopped shelled pistachios for topping (optional)

Equipment

• roasting or baking dish

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400℉. Place the figs (cut side up) in a baking dish large enough to hold the figs in a single layer. Add the balsamic, orange liqueur or juice, honey, rosemary (we toss the sprigs in whole), and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat. Cover the figs, and roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the cover and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, until the figs are soft but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

2. While the figs are roasting, prepare the ricotta. Place the ricotta, orange zest, and salt in the bowl of a food processor or blender, and process until light and fluffy- about 30 seconds. This step is not necessary but ensures a creamier ricotta. Set aside until ready to use.

3. Toast the bread. Top the bread slices with ricotta, then add the figs (as many as you would like- or just enough to cover the toast). Drizzle the figs with some of the roasting liquid. Garnish with additional balsamic, honey, salt, orange zest, or crushed pistachios. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

• For best results, toast the bread in a shallow pan with butter or olive oil until golden brown.

• The figs can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. store them with their leftover roasting liquid, so they stay moist. When ready to assemble the toast, remove the figs from the fridge to bring them to room temperature. Alternatively, you can gently reheat them in the microwave. Assemble the toast when you are ready to eat it.