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Looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a sophisticated snack? This Gorgonzola Fig Toast with Parma Ham and Honey is a delicious blend of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a quick but indulgent snack, or want a unique side dish, this easy-to-make toast is a standout. The recipe combines rich gorgonzola, fresh figs, Parma ham, roasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey on crispy sourdough. Trust me; it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds!
Why This Recipe Works
This toast brings together a medley of textures and flavors that elevate it beyond a typical appetizer. Here’s why each ingredient shines:
- Gorgonzola Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it forms the perfect base for the other ingredients.
- Parma Ham: Adds a salty, savory depth that complements the sweetness of the figs and honey.
- Fresh Figs: With natural sweetness and slight acidity, figs enhance the flavor profile and add a juicy freshness.
- Roasted Walnuts: The nuts provide a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the gorgonzola.
- Honey Drizzle: This little touch of honey ties all the flavors together, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the saltiness and tang.
Serving Ideas
- Appetizer: Serve these toasts as individual appetizers at a dinner party. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
- Snack: Treat yourself to one or two of these toasts for a midday snack. They’re filling and indulgent without being too heavy.
- Side Dish: Pair the toasts with a fresh green salad or a hearty soup for a well-rounded meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Toasting the Bread: A light drizzle of olive oil adds flavor to the toast, but make sure to heat the pan on medium to prevent the bread from burning. For an extra-crispy texture, you can toast the bread under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after assembling.
- Roasting the Walnuts: Roasting the nuts before chopping intensifies their flavor and adds warmth to the dish. Keep an eye on them while roasting, as they can burn quickly!
- Figs Slicing Tip: Slice the figs into quarters (or even sixths for a thinner slice) to help distribute their sweetness throughout the toast without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Honey Drizzle: Add the honey just before serving to keep it from soaking into the bread. A little goes a long way, so start with a small drizzle and add more if needed.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What can I serve with this toast?
This toast pairs well with a fresh, lightly dressed green salad or a creamy soup. It’s also fantastic as part of a larger appetizer spread with olives, cheese, and cured meats.
Can I substitute the figs with something else?
Yes, if fresh figs aren’t available, dried figs, pear slices, or even thinly sliced apples make great substitutes. They’ll still provide the sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the Parma ham. The toast will still be delicious with gorgonzola, figs, walnuts, and honey!
How can I make this toast gluten-free?
Substitute the sourdough with a gluten-free bread of your choice. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
More Toast Recipes You Might Enjoy
Spicy Honey Halloumi Avocado Toast
Burrata and Grilled Peach Toast
Gorgonzola Fig Toast with Parma Ham
Equipment
- Frying pan for toasting the bread and roasting the walnuts
- Butter knife for spreading the gorgonzola
- Cutting Board for slicing figs and chopping walnuts
- Knife for slicing figs and chopping walnuts
- Tongs optional, for handling bread or Parma ham
Ingredients
- 1 slice of sourdough bread
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 25g gorgonzola cheese
- 2 fresh figs, quartered
- 4 slices of Parma ham
- 2-3 roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Toast the Sourdough: In a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toast the sourdough bread until both sides are golden and crispy. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Roast the Walnuts (if not already roasted): In the same skillet, add walnuts and toast them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool slightly and chop.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread a generous layer of gorgonzola on the toasted sourdough. Next, lay the Parma ham slices over the cheese, then place the quartered figs on top. Sprinkle with roasted walnuts for crunch.
- Finish with Honey: Drizzle a touch of honey over the toast to balance the savory and sweet flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy this delicious toast as an appetizer, snack, or side dish!
