Figs and prosciutto are a winning combination in my Bruschetta with Figs, Prosciutto & Arugula!
“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Bryant
Ahhhhh…. Autumn! With all that autumn has to offer……..pumpkins and apples, cider and wine, comfort and slow-cooked, mums and falling leaves, candles and hearthside eating…I can barely contain my enthusiasm!
Yes, this is my favorite time of year!
And what better way to ring in the new season than with Bruschetta with Figs, Prosciutto & Arugula?!
Bruschetta —->grilled crusty bread rubbed with fresh garlic and brushed with olive oil, can be prepared quite simply on a charcoal or gas grill, grill pan, in the oven, or with a toaster (if you’re really desperate). Every method here works just fine to create that gratifying crunch and little bit of char that makes bruschetta bruschetta.
I was desperate to include figs in a recipe…fresh figs have a very short growing season, usually late spring through mid-fall, so when you see ’em – you gotta snatch ’em!
I used Black Mission Figs for this recipe though you’ll find that other varieties work just as well! Black Missions have a mildly sweet berry flavor with a gorgeous purple skin that plays beautifully off the pink of the prosciutto and emerald of the rocket. I was craving something that was as pretty to look at as it is delicious to eat!
I gotta say – I’m pleased with the result.
PLUS – toast. End of story.
Not really – I said that for dramatic purposes.
I have more to say.
There are so many combinations of toppings for bruschetta. More than we can count! But here are just a few suggestions:
- Grilled eggplant with chopped tomatoes and fresh basil
- Roasted zucchini with chopped parsley and pine nuts
- White beans (A CCB oldie but goodie! Plus a great memory from our time in Italy… Don’t mind the photos…yikes…)
- Feta, sliced tomatoes and chopped basil
- Caramelized onions and shredded fontina
See…and this is just scratching the surface. Ahhhh – bruschetta makes me happy. I mean, I’d eat it without the toppings. Who’s with me?
Okay, friends…it’s time to pack away those swimsuits and shake out our cozy woolens…time to bid sweet summer arrivederci and bid cool, crisp autumn ciao!
Buon Appetito!
PrintBruschetta with Figs, Prosciutto & Arugula
- Category: Appetizer
Description
Figs and prosciutto are a winning combination in my Bruschetta with Figs, Prosciutto & Arugula!
Ingredients
- 6 slices dense Italian bread
- 2 large cloves garlic cut in half, lengthwise
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 figs, sliced vertically into fourths
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 12 thin slices prosciutto
- Arugula
Instructions
- For the bruschetta, prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or barbecue for direct grilling.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the grill rack.
- Once they are golden crispy and a little bit charred around the edges, flip them. (3 – 4 minutes per side.)
- Transfer bread to a platter and immediately rub the garlic halves over one side of the bread and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Build the bruschetta by layering the arugula, prosciutto and figs.
- Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and serve.
*And because my daughter has always had a more sophisticated palate than I – she thought that a little shmear of goat cheese would be a gorgeous complement to the flavors we have going on here. So, if you’re a goat cheese lover – go for it!!
CIAO!!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
What a lovely appetizer! I love the saltiness from the prosciutto along with the sweetness from the figs. This is all I really need for dinner!
Annie says
I agree! dinner is served! 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Looks so delicious! I love figs and that grilled bread looks so perfect.
Annie says
Thanks, Kelly!! 🙂
Bill says
I do love bruschetta. It’s such a great palette to paint on. And if you get tired of it, you can make crostini. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this one, Annie. (And I’ll vote for the goat cheese too!)
Annie says
Yes – either way – you can’t go wrong!! Let’s hear it for the toasted bread!! Thanks, Bill!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I love to eat bruschetta as a meal rather than an appetizer! It’s so good! love the addition of figs, yum!
Annie says
It’s the best for that very reason!! Thanks, Manali!
Annie says
Never too much! Thanks, Amanda! 🙂