mohamed shili This Crostini with Prosciutto, Figs, and Mint is an elegant and easy recipe, which is made with salty prosciutto and sweet fresh figs. It’s the perfect late summer or early fall appetizer, ready in just 15 minutes.
Crostini – prosciutto, figs and mint Ingredients
A simple, sophisticated combination for a perfect sweet and salty appetizer.
For the Crostini Base:
- 4-6 thick slices of ciabatta or sourdough bread
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and cut in half
- Good-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
For the Topping:
- 6 large ripe figs
- 12 slices of quality prosciutto
- 1 small bunch of fresh mint
- Good-quality balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Crostini – prosciutto, figs and mint
A step-by-step guide to this quick, elegant, and flavorful appetizer.
- Toast the Bread: Heat a griddle pan or a barbecue to a high heat. Grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are crisp and have beautiful char marks.
- Prepare the Base: While the slices are still hot, rub them gently with the cut side of the garlic clove. Drizzle generously with good-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of sea salt.
- Assemble the Topping: Tear the ripe figs in half. Drape a slice of prosciutto over each hot crostini, then gently squash a half-fig on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each crostini with a few fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately with a final light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few drops of balsamic vinegar, and a crack of freshly ground black pepper.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly balanced crostini.
- How to choose the best figs? For this recipe, you want figs that are ripe, soft, and sweet, but still firm enough to hold their shape. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Mission or Brown Turkey figs are both excellent choices.
- What’s the best prosciutto to use? A high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto, like Prosciutto di Parma, will provide the best salty, savory flavor and delicate texture to contrast with the sweet figs.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This appetizer is at its absolute best when assembled and served immediately, while the bread is still warm and crisp. If you need to prep ahead, you can have all your toppings ready to go, but always toast the bread and assemble the crostini just before serving.
- What if I can’t find fresh figs? When fresh figs are not in season, a fantastic alternative is to spread a thin layer of good-quality fig jam or fig preserve on the crostini before adding the prosciutto.
What To Serve With Prosciutto and Fig Crostini
Simple accompaniments for this fresh and elegant dish.
This delicious crostini is a perfect appetizer to start a meal or to serve at a party with drinks. It pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of crisp, cold Prosecco or a light and fruity rosé wine
- As part of a larger antipasto or cheese board
- A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette
How To Store Crostini
This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
- Best Eaten Fresh: Crostini are all about the contrast between the crisp, warm toast and the fresh topping. They should always be assembled and eaten right away. Leftover assembled crostini will become soggy and are not recommended for storage.
Crostini – prosciutto, figs and mint Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per slice.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 12 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use mint?
No. While the fresh mint adds a lovely, bright contrast, fresh basil leaves or even a small sprig of fresh thyme would also be delicious pairings with the fig and prosciutto.
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Absolutely. A crusty ciabatta, a rustic country loaf, or thick-cut slices of a good quality baguette would all be delicious substitutes for the sourdough.
Should I use balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze?
You can use either. A few drops of a good quality, aged balsamic vinegar will provide a sharp, tangy contrast. A balsamic glaze, which is thicker and sweeter, will add a more syrupy, sweet-and-sour element. Both are delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Crostini – buffalo mozzarella and chilli Recipe
- Crostini (small toasted bread) Recipe
- Hot cross bun and butter pudding Recipe
Crostini – prosciutto, figs and mint Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy12
10
minutes5
220
kcalAn incredibly simple, quick, and elegant Italian appetizer featuring the classic sweet and salty combination of ripe fresh figs and delicate prosciutto, served on a crispy, garlic-rubbed crostini.
Ingredients
1 loaf of ciabatta or sourdough bread (for 12 slices)
6 large ripe figs
12 slices of quality prosciutto
1 small bunch of fresh mint
1 clove of garlic
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cut the bread into 1cm thick slices and toast them on a hot griddle pan until crisp and charred.
- While the bread is still hot, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over the surface of each slice and drizzle with olive oil.
- Drape a slice of prosciutto over each crostini.
- Tear the figs in half and gently press a half onto each piece of prosciutto.
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves.
- Finish with a final light drizzle of olive oil, a few drops of balsamic vinegar, and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using high-quality ingredients is key to this simple recipe—good bread, ripe figs, and thinly sliced prosciutto will make all the difference.
- The secret to authentic flavor is rubbing the hot toast with the raw garlic clove.
- Assemble these at the very last minute to ensure the bread stays perfectly crisp.
- If fresh figs are not in season, a thin layer of fig jam is a great substitute.