If it’s early June, the end of August, or early September, drop everything, it’s fig season! Run, don’t walk, to your nearest farmer's market or grocery store to grab some of these deliciously strange and mysterious fruit that are only available a few weeks out of the year. Not only are they great for enjoying as is, we also love them in everything from summery desserts to fall side dishes. Once you’ve got your hands on some, check out our 12 fig recipes for ideas—that is, if you can keep from just biting right in.
Figs come in a number of varieties, but you’ll most often find black mission figs, brown Turkey figs, or green Adriatic figs. They’re all soft and squishy on the outside, varying shades of pink on the inside, with slightly crunchy seeds. When ripe, they’re extremely juicy and sweet, with a flavor reminiscent of floral honey. They’re great for sweet applications, like our fig jam or our fig compote and cheese breakfast pastry pockets, but don’t stop there. Figs are GREAT in savory recipes too, adding a bit of sweetness to cut through salty or bitter flavors. Try fresh figs paired with meat in our fig & ham tapas toast, or pair fig jam with cheese, like in our baked goat cheese with caramelized onions or our ultimate holiday cheese board.
And since the season is SO short, we’ve also included a number of dried fig recipes too. Not unlike raisins, they can add a delicious sweetness to desserts and savory dishes. Try them out in everything from chicken recipes, like our chicken tagine with couscous; homemade bread recipes, like in our fig, olive oil, and sea salt challah; or in healthier desserts, like our fig bars.
Want even more fruit inspiration? Check out our strawberry desserts, peach recipes (sweet and savory), and pear desserts too.
Fig Jam
Nothing upgrades your cheeseboard like fig jam. Delicious with pretty much any type of cheese, from creamy Camembert to salty Gouda, this jam has become a permanent fixture in our charcuterie spread.
Get the Fig Jam recipe.
Fig & Ham Tapas Toast
Sweet fig jam and salty Serrano ham come together perfectly for this simple, delicious toast. Add a little Gouda and some arugula, and you've got a recipe you'll return to again and again.
Get the Fig & Ham Tapas Toast recipe.
Fig Compote and Cheese Breakfast Pastry Pockets
These homemade pastry pockets are filled with fig compote and light cream cheese for a treat that works any time of day. We used SPLENDA sweeteners, but feel free to swap out for regular sugar if you like.
Get the Fig Compote and Cheese Breakfast Pastry Pockets recipe.
Figgy Pudding
Contrary to the name, figgy pudding isn't pudding (at least not by America's definition). "Pudding" in this case refers to the British style of a steamed dessert similar to a bundt. Our recipe is super-moist and so delicious you'll want to make it year-round (though it's traditional for Christmastime).
Get the Figgy Pudding recipe.
Fig Bar
We're big fans of “grandma” cookies like Fig Newtons: there’s an undeniable allure to the dark jammy filling surrounded by a soft, seemingly wholesome cake. Follow our tips too to make sure yours turn out just like store-bought (but without all the mystery ingredients!).
Get the Fig Bar recipe.
Fig, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt Challah
Go gourmet on Rosh Hashanah, or really any time of year, with this subtly sweet and salty challah bread. Got leftovers? This would make for superb challah French toast.
Chicken Tagine with Couscous
This sweet (thanks to dried figs!) and savory Moroccan dish is a nice way to make your regular chicken dinner feel a little extra fancy without any extra legwork.
Get the Chicken Tagine with Couscous recipe.
Ultimate Holiday Cheese Board
A cheese board is one of the best appetizers to serve at a holiday gathering because it's easy to execute, shareable, and totally customizable. What's better than a gorgeous wooden board piled high with a variety of high-quality cheeses, cured meats, silky spreads (like fig jam!), nuts, fruit, and more?
Get the Ultimate Holiday Cheese Board recipe.
Slow-Cooker Whole-Grain Porridge
Packed with whole grains (oats, quinoa, barley), this hearty, hands-off recipe will become your morning go-to. Switch it up with any of our sweet and savory flavor combos. One of our favorites? Definitely fig, pistachio, nutmeg, and honey.
Baked Goat Cheese With Caramelized Onions
This is the dip of fancy dinner party dreams—caramelized onions combine with fresh thyme, goat cheese, and fig jam for an incredible appetizer that'll wow your guests.
Brussels Sprouts with Pepitas and Figs
Figs bring a natural sweetness to this Brussels sprout side dish. Pumpkin seeds add an autumnal crunch we love, but feel free to swap for walnuts or pecans.
Get the Brussels Sprouts with Pepitas and Figs recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
We're kind of obsessed with fig jam—it tastes SO good with funky blue cheese. Try it on these easy toasts, or put some on a homemade pizza with arugula and prosciutto.
Get the Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
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