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Home » Healthy Appetizers & Hors D'Oeuvres » Fig Toast with Basil Oil

Fig Toast with Basil Oil

Aug 31, 2023 · by Valentina · 20 Comments

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Fig Toast is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate the peak of fig season. It's easy to put together, loaded with bright flavors, contrasting textures, and it's really beautiful!

Three pieces of fig toast on dark bread, sitting on top of big bright green fig leaves.

If you want to make a stunning, incredibly delicious and impressive appetizer, lunch or dinner with figs, this Fig Toast is the answer.

While more often than not, I serve this as an appetizer, much like my Avocado Tomato Toast, it can definitely stand on its own as a satisfying meal.

Crunchy bread, soft cheese and sweet figs, all drizzled with a subtly sweet, earthy basil oil.

You can make the basil oil ahead, and put everything together in a few minutes when you're ready to serve.

The Key Ingredients

About a dozen Black Mission Figs on bright green fig leaves and basil.
  • fresh figs - Choose plump figs that have a little bit of give when pressed lightly. They should not be too soft. Black Mission figs are featured here, though you can use any variety you like. Several fig varieties are described here.
  • fresh basil - Choose bright green perky bunches. The basil is used for basil oil which is drizzled over the figs.
  • fresh mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and its texture is soft and sliky-smooth. I would not try using a hard mozzarella -- if it's not fresh, it won't be soft and it would take away from the delightful eating experience. Fig toast is also excellent with goat cheese. If you substitute the fresh mozzarella with it, spread a nice, thick layer of it on top of the basil oil. A thin slice of a soft Brie or Feta would be very tasty, too, though stronger in flavor.
  • bread - Use any bread you like that's going to be firm enough to hold the ingredients. Sturdy yet soft is perfect. I use large slices of bread (imagine a typical loaf of sourdough in terms of shape and size) and cut them into thirds. I like to use a darker bread, like Squaw, which you can find in most grocery stores. I love the delicious deep flavor and it's beautiful with the figs.

How to Make Fig Toast

- Add the washed and dried basil leaves to a blender with the oil, salt and sugar. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Fresh basil leaves in a blender with olive oil.
Basil oil in a blender with a small ladle holding some up.

Recipe Tip: The recipe will likely make more of the basil oil than you'll need. It won't blend properly in the blender if you use less of the ingredients. Save any extra for salad dressing or to drizzle over chicken, fish, or anything you desire.

- Once the figs are washed and dried, cut them into fairly thin wedges. The number of them will depend on the size of the figs. (In the instructions, I list the weight needed because of this.)

Recipe Tip: I like to slice the figs into wedges (see images), but you can also slice them into rounds.

- Cut the mozzarella into thin slices (about ¼-inch).

Black Mission figs cut into small wedges on a cutting board.
Several slices of fresh mozzarella on cutting board.

- After the slices of bread are toasted, drizzle them with the basil oil, about 1 ½ tablespoons each. Then distribute the cheese slices evenly among them, followed by the fig wedges. Drizzle each with more of the basil oil, about 2 teaspoons.

Two slices of dark bread with thick basil oil spread on top.
Two large slices of fig toast with figs cut into wedges and drizzled with basil oil.

- Now you can either leave the fig toast as is, or cut each one in half or into thirds, which is what you'll want to do if you're serving this as an appetizer.

Fig toast cut into triangles on a cutting board, about 6.

Pro Tip: If you happen to have a fig tree, use some of the fig leaves to place on your serving plate, beneath the toast. They're gorgeous!

Variations

  • To give recipe a sweeter vibe, drizzle it with honey. You can use it instead of the basil oil, or with it.
  • It's also delicious to make this with pesto. My favorite is Basil and Lemon Verbena Pesto. It would replace the basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and sugar.
  • Sprinkle it with nuts! Roughly chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are my top choices.
  • Using other fruits. Of course this recipe is all about figs, but you can also make it with fresh strawberries, peaches, nectarines, mangoes, whatever suits you that can be sliced nicely.
  • Vegan? For a vegan version of this fig toast, swap the cheese with a spread of plain hummus, or this super special Roasted Macadamia Nut Hummus. You can also use your favorite vegan cheese or plain yogurt. Hummus will change the overall flavor, but it will still be wonderful.
  • Gluten-free? Just use your favorite gluten-free bread that gets crisp when toasted.
  • For a non vegetarian version. Prosciutto is excellent with figs! Add a few very thin slices beneath them, over the cheese, or instead of it.
Close up of fig toast on dark bread on top of a fig leaf on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

  • As I said, this easy Fig Toast recipe can stand on its own, but it's also lovely with other dishes. I would suggest Watermelon Basil Salad, Grilled Little Gem Salad or Papaya Salad with Avocado.
  • At a brunch it would also be fantastic alongside Egg White-Potato Frittata or Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs.
  • And it's an amazing appetizer when the fig toast is cut into smaller pieces.

More Recipes with Figs

  • Fig cake with one slice being llifted from whole cake
    Upside Down Fig Coffee Cake
  • fresh fig preserves in small wooden spoon over small white bowl
    Fig Preserves Recipe with Vanilla
  • a few dried figs with cheese wrapped in prosciutto with toothpicks
    Fig Appetizer with Manchego and Prosciutto
  • Large ceramic serving bowl full with Watermelon Basil Salad with feta, avocado, and balsamic reduction.
    Watermelon Basil Salad with Avocado

Can you make it ahead?

You can make the basil oil up to a couple of days ahead of time, but everything else should be done close to the time you'd like to serve.

Three pieces of fig toast on dark bread, sitting on top of big bright green fig leaves on a white narrow plate, placed diagonally.

Fig season is generally May through November, depending on the variety and weather conditions. Peak season is August to October.

I hope you love this easy and beautiful fig toast!

Close up of fig toast on dark bread on top of a fig leaf on a white plate.

Fig Toast Recipe

Valentina K. Wein
Fig Toast is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate the peak of fig season. It's easy to put together, loaded with bright flavors, contrasting textures, and it's really beautiful!
5 from 4 votes
Print
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 as an appetizer
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups lightly packed basil leaves (about 3-ounces) washed and dried
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • pinch Kosher salt
  • slightly over-flowing ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese
  • about 4 ounces fresh figs (I use Black Mission)* washed and dried
  • 3 large slices of bread (I use a large round loaf of Squaw bread)* toasted

Instructions
 

  • Make the basil oil. Add the washed and dried basil leaves to a blender with the oil, salt and sugar. Blend until smooth and set aside. (You will likely have more than you need.
  • Prepare the figs. Once the figs are washed and dried, cut them into fairly thin wedges. The number of them will depend on the size of the figs.
  • Assemble. After the slices of bread are toasted, drizzle them with the basil oil, about 1 ½ tablespoons each. Then cut the mozzarella into thin slices (about ¼-inch), and place a few on top of the basil oil on each toast. Distribute the fig slices evenly among them, and drizzle with more of the basil oil, about 2 teaspoons on each one.
  • Serve. Leave the fig toast as is, or cut each one in half or into thirds, which is perfect for an appetizer.

NOTES

* For the large slices of bread, imagine a typical loaf of sourdough in terms of shape and size.
* You can use a fig variety of your choice. I like the Black Missions because they are especially sweet.
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

NUTRITION

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords best fig recipes, fresh fruit appetizers
Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marissa

    September 01, 2023 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    You are so right, Valentina - I DO want this toast. It looks absolutely luscious!

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:46 pm

      Thanks, Marissa. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  2. David Scott Allen

    September 01, 2023 at 10:16 am

    I definitely want this — I need to check out the neighbors’ fig treats and see where we stand!

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:39 pm

      Yes, check the trees! My dad's tree is overflowing. Thanks, David and enjoy. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  3. mimi rippee

    September 01, 2023 at 1:57 pm

    Beautiful photos! You're not going to believe this, but I'm not a super fan of fresh figs. I love them dried. I this would be great with peaches!!

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 12:31 pm

      Hi Mimi, I do believe it. I find a lot of people aren't into figs -- unless they're dried or in a Fig Newton. 😉 And yes, this would be fantastic with peaches! Enjoy. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  4. sherry

    September 01, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    this sounds like a great place to start as I am not a fig fan but strawbs would be great instead as you suggest. I have literally just read a post on Not Quite Nigella's blog with a recipe for strawberry and basil toast (with peanut butter I think it was) - also sounds fab.

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      Ooooh, Sherry, that also sounds delicious. And so pretty. Thanks for visiting. 🙂 ~Vaentina

      Reply
  5. Eha

    September 01, 2023 at 6:04 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, I would so love this for breakfast! In my case at the moment this means patience as I have about five months to wait for our brief fig season - shall not forget 🙂 !!!

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you, Eha. I hope you love it . . . . in 5 months. 😉 ~Valentina

      Reply
  6. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

    September 03, 2023 at 8:20 am

    These fig toasts sound amazing and look terrific. What an interesting combination of flavors. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for fresh figs.

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:50 pm

      Thanks, Jeff. I've been seeing figs (especially Black Mission) everywhere right now. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  7. Frank | Memorie di Angelina

    September 10, 2023 at 5:26 am

    Looks and sounds exquisite, Valentina! And the pairing sounds perfect. Now if I could only find sweet figs where I live. I bought some last week and they were... disappointing... I absolutely love figs when they're full of flavor.

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:18 pm

      Hi Frank. Thank you. I hope you find some delicious figs! You can make this with other fruits, too. Peaches, plums, berries . . . 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  8. Dawn

    September 11, 2023 at 11:36 am

    5 stars
    No doubt about it, I could easily make a meal out of just this fig toast! Paired with mozzarella and basil oil? Talk about yummy!! Hopefully I can get my hands on some fresh figs because this needs to happen soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:16 pm

      Thanks, Dawn. I hope you love it! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  9. Raymund | angsarap.net

    September 13, 2023 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    This Fig Toast recipe sounds like a perfect way to celebrate fig season! 🌿🍞 The combination of fresh figs, basil oil, and mozzarella on crunchy bread is making my mouth water. And I appreciate the tips and variations you've shared. Can't wait to try this delicious creation! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2023 at 8:43 pm

      Hi Raymund, Thanks for checking out this recipe. I hope you love it! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  10. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

    August 28, 2024 at 7:15 am

    This sounds delightful. I love figs with cheese. I've not had them with herbs, nor on toast, but I love the idea!

    Reply
    • Valentina

      September 18, 2024 at 3:35 pm

      I hope you give it a go, Jeff. Enjoy and thanks for checking out the recipe. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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