Figs are a unique fruit cherished for their sweet, honey-like flavor and chewy texture. Whether fresh or canned, figs bring a luxurious touch to both savory and sweet dishes. Since fresh figs are seasonal and can be hard to find year-round, using canned figs is a great alternative to enjoy their rich taste any time. Here are five delicious fig recipes that work perfectly with fresh or canned figs, so you can savor this incredible fruit no matter the season.
1. Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Toss fresh or drained canned figs with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The figs add natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts. For canned figs, rinse lightly and pat dry to reduce syrupiness before adding to the salad.
2. Fig and Prosciutto Crostini
A quick and elegant appetizer, fig and prosciutto crostini combines toasted baguette slices topped with fig slices, thin prosciutto, and a smear of creamy ricotta or mascarpone cheese. Fresh figs bring a juicy burst, while canned figs offer a consistent sweetness—just drain well before layering. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of honey for an irresistible bite.
3. Baked Brie with Fig Compote
Elevate your cheese board by baking a wheel of brie topped with a luscious fig compote made from fresh or canned figs simmered with a touch of brown sugar and lemon juice. The compote’s sweet richness melts into the cheese, creating a gooey, flavorful treat perfect for entertaining. Use canned figs directly from the jar, chopped finely for a smooth texture.
4. Fig and Almond Overnight Oats
Start your day with wholesome overnight oats sweetened naturally with figs. Combine rolled oats, milk (or plant-based alternative), chopped fresh or canned figs, and a handful of almonds. Let the mixture soak overnight in the fridge. The figs soften and release their sweetness, making a creamy and satisfying breakfast. For canned figs, rinse to remove excess syrup for a less sweet version.
5. Fig Jam Glazed Chicken
Create a sweet-savory glaze for baked or grilled chicken using fig jam made from fresh or canned figs, combined with Dijon mustard and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, giving it a rich flavor and glossy finish. To make your own jam from canned figs, puree them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, then simmer until thickened.
Canned figs are an excellent pantry staple for those times when fresh figs aren’t available. They retain much of their natural sweetness and texture, making them perfect for cooking, baking, or spreading. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned figs when you want to reduce syrupy sweetness.
Figs are incredibly versatile and add a gourmet flair to many dishes. With these five recipes, you can enjoy figs year-round, fresh or canned. Whether you’re preparing a light salad, a decadent appetizer, or a comforting breakfast, figs bring a unique sweetness that enhances any meal.
