Fig and Prosciutto Crostini with Cheese

Why does hosting often feel a little overwhelming for so many of us? Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a casual get-together with friends, I always seem to find myself dashing around the kitchen, trying to finish up the gluten-free lasagna or coq au vin blanc before anyone arrives. In the hustle, I sometimes lose sight of what really matters—spending quality time with the people I care about.

But with age, sometimes comes wisdom and learning to lean into a few simple strategies: asking for help, inviting others to join me in the kitchen, and always having a quick, no-fuss appetizer ready to go for those moments when the main dish is running behind.

One of my go-tos? This crostini with prosciutto. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes. It buys me some extra time and keeps dinner guests happy (and not hangry) while I put the finishing touches on the meal.

Honestly, it’s so good I sometimes make a batch just for a light lunch or an easy weekday snack. Try it for yourself—then sit back and relax, knowing you’ve got a delicious start to your gathering.

Prosciutto crostini will have you feeling like you’re dining in a fancy Italian restaurant, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s my secret to elevate any meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Flavor: The combination of salty prosciutto, sweet figs, creamy cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these crostini come together in under 15 minutes. The only real cooking is toasting the bread!
• Versatile: Whether you’re using fresh figs or fig jam, swapping out cheeses, or adding nuts for extra crunch, this recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand and always tastes great.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These elegant little bites are always a hit at parties, making them the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or wine nights with friends.
• Pairs Perfectly: Serve with a crisp white wine, a sparkling Prosecco, or even a bold red for a restaurant-worthy pairing to impress your guests.

• Baguette: For the best results, use a gluten-free French-style rustic baguette. My favorite gluten-free baguettes are made by New Cascadia Traditional. If you are local to the Portland-Vancouver Metro area, their baguettes can be found at their bakery or these local grocery stores.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Brush this over the bread pieces to add rich flavor and create a beautiful crisp exterior.
• Cheese: I recommend using soft or semi-soft cheese like Port Salut or Brie.
• Fig spread: Use your favorite store-bought fig spread for a sweet taste that balances the salty prosciutto. Brand suggestion: Dalmatia Fig Spread
• Prosciutto: This is a type of dry-cured or cooked Italian ham that is rich, salty, and oh-so-tasty. You can typically find it in the meat section or near the specialty cheese section in your local grocery store.
• Arugula: This adds a pop of color and nutrients, meaning this snack is good for you, right?
• Balsamic glaze or reduction: The finishing touch, balsamic glaze enhances the salty, cheesy flavors and adds a sweet, tangy flavor that takes the crostini from good to gourmet. Brand suggestion: Nonna Pia's Balsamic Glaze

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

As mentioned, prosciutto crostini is super versatile. So, feel free to go crazy in the kitchen experimenting with different variations. Some fun ways to switch it up include:

• Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheese, or creamy burrata for a different flavor and texture.
• Fig Alternatives: Use fresh sliced figs instead of fig spread for a more natural sweetness. You can also use a blueberry jam or raspberry jam, or swap the spread for honey.
• Meat: Swap the prosciutto with capicola, pancetta, or thinly sliced salami. Or, skip the prosciutto completely, and add roasted walnuts, toasted almonds, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, candied pecans, or crispy fried shallots on top for added texture.
• Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for a bright, herbaceous taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot honey or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Citrus Twist: A touch of orange or lemon zest adds brightness and balances the rich ingredients.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center position. Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned on both sides, 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Spread cheese on each bread slice. You can also just place a slice of cheese on the bread without spreading it. I like the cheese a little smooshed though.

Step 3: Add about a teaspoon of fig jam on top of the cheese.

Step 4: Top each slice of bread with a folded slice of prosciutto. I use only half a slice of prosciutto on each slice.

Step 5: Top each slice with several arugula leaves.

Step 6: Finish the crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top. Then pour a glass of wine and enjoy!

And that's it! They're a little sweet, a little salty, a little savory, and will satisfy your dinner guests (while also saving your sanity).

Then all you have to do is pull out the pre-made store-bought backup turkey from your fridge and covertly warm it up in the microwave for a super successful, stress-free holiday meal.

Oh, wait, you've never done that?

Um...yeah...me neither...♡