Fig and Walnut Mascarpone Crostini

A luxurious blend of creamy mascarpone, sweet fig jam, and crunchy toasted walnuts creates a perfect balance of textures and a sophisticated, slightly sweet flavor profile. This crostini is an ideal appetizer for any gathering, celebrating the versatility and flavor of nuts.

Cheese & Dairy

Ingredients

1 baguette, thinly sliced
4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
1/4 cup fig jam or preserves
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Pinch of sea salt
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes minutes, or until golden and crisp.
In a small bowl, gently combine the softened mascarpone cheese with a pinch of sea salt.
Once the crostini are cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture onto each slice.
Top each mascarpone-covered crostini with a dollop of fig jam.
Sprinkle the toasted and chopped walnuts over the fig jam.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For an excellent pairing, serve this crostini with a glass of dry sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, as the bubbles cut through the richness of the mascarpone. Alternatively, a late-harvest Zinfandel will complement the sweetness of the fig jam.

From the Tini Crostini Collection