Sweet, savory, and salty, this fig and prosciutto crostini recipe is my go-to appetizer for holiday parties and special occasions. Made with just seven ingredients in 15 minutes or less, it’s super customizable, easy to prepare, and always a showstopper!

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.
Jump to:
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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.
🛒 Ingredients & Suggestions

- 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.

🥖 Possible Variations
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-By-Step Instructions

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!

💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t skip the olive oil! When cooked, it creates a barrier on the bread, preventing the fig spread from soaking in and causing it to become soggy.
This recipe is best served right away. However, you can prepare it up to a day in advance, and store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
I don’t recommend it! The crostini are likely to become soggy and unappetizing once thawed.

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...♡
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Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a star rating below! I greatly appreciate your feedback and it is also so helpful for other PMST readers who are thinking about making the recipe. Remember to snap a photo and tag @passmesometasty on Instagram so I can see!
📖 Recipe
Fig and Prosciutto Crostini with Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: about 16 slices
Description
Sweet, savory, and salty, this fig and prosciutto crostini recipe is my go-to appetizer for holiday parties and special occasions. Made with just seven ingredients in 15 minutes or less, it’s super customizable, easy to prepare, and always a showstopper!
Ingredients
- 1 gluten-free French-style rustic baguette, sliced slightly on the diagonal into ½ inch slices (*see notes below)
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 oz. soft or semi-soft cheese (such as Port Salut or Brie)
- ⅓ cup fig spread
- 3 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto
- 2 cups arugula
- balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center position.
- Toast bread: 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.
- Assemble: Place the cooled crostini in a single layer on a serving platter. Top each crostini with a slice of cheese, then add about a teaspoon of fig spread. Next, layer on a folded piece of prosciutto (I use half a slice per crostini), followed by a few fresh arugula leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for that perfect final touch. Then pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy!
Equipment

Notes
If you live in the Portland-Vancouver Metro area, New Cascadia Traditional gluten-free baguettes can be purchased at either their storefront or at these local grocery stores.
This recipe is best served right away. However, you can prepare it up to a day in advance, and store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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Elizabeth says
Skvělé, great
Jeanette says
Love balsamic and cheese together. It's perfect 🙂 These Crostinis look like a great choice for New Year's Eve this year for us 🙂 I made last year some other Crostinis as appetizers, but I should try these this year.
Amanda Mason says
Absolutely beautiful! Love these pictures, love the recipe - LOVE!
Shannon says
Thanks so much Amanda! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Erin says
For some reason I always get out of hosting Thanksgiving. Might have to make these for myself instead.
Mark says
What a gorgeous looking meal this is. Love the combination of those ingredients. The figs and the cheese are a real highlight.