Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by Lisa Keys
Caramelized figs with cheese and balsamic glaze is my favorite summer appetizer. Figs, when caramelized in butter, transform. Their centers become warm with a concentrated sweetness and jammy texture. The intense sweetness cuts through the richness and saltiness of a variety of cheeses. As the warmth of the fig softens the cheese it becomes the perfect bite.
Good Grief
But, before we get to the delicious recipe a bit of grief to get off my heart.
This morning I wake with tears in my eyes.
It's the same old dream. A 4 a.m. wake-up call:
Me: When are you coming home, William? He just stares.
Me: It doesn't make sense. What happened that night? He just stares
The loss of a child. It will never make sense. No matter an accident, an illness, a miscarriage. A loved child gone too soon is just plain heart wrenching and tragic. Sometimes it's best to accept what one cannot control. To find some resolution and in the words of my sweet boy, "Get over it". But there is no getting over the loss of a child, but instead the acceptance of things that cannot be changed.
How to Caramelize Figs with cheese
Caramelizing figs is among the simplest and easiest cooks to do. It only takes 4 ingredients.
- First, wash and slice the figs in half.
- Second, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Next, add the figs to the pan, cut-side down. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until they are deeply golden brown.
- Then, flip them cut-side up and top with a dollop of goat cheese. Turn the heat off and let the cheese soften for a minute.
- Finally, transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with balsamic syrup.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect on a cheese board
- Serve on top of a cracker, crostini or even an endive spear for an elegant bite.
- Add to a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
- Try a dessert pairing with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
- Use as a sandwich filling for an amazing grilled cheese sandwich.
Caramelized figs with cheese (goat cheese for me) and balsamic syrup is the best summer appetizer. Share your favorite fig and cheese pairing in the comments below.
Figs with cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 6 Fresh firm ripe, figs, stems removed and sliced in half, lengthwise
- ¼ cup Goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze or syrup
Instructions
- Melt some butter in a non-stick pan (just enough to coat the bottom of the pan) over medium heat.
- Place figs, cut-side-down, in pan. Cook figs a few minutes or until they begin to turn a light golden brown.
- Flip them over and place a teaspoonful of goat cheese on each one.
- Cook another minute or until goat cheese is warmed through and begins to melt.
- Transfer figs to a serving plate and drizzle with balsamic syrup.
Daryl
You are an amazing writer.
lisakeys64
Thanks...from the heart
Peter
Figs will make anyone forget for a while ! My favorite !!!!!
lisakeys64
the fig tree you gave me is doing well--hope to get it through another winter
Laurie Lufkin
thinking of you my friend
lisakeys64
...and I am thinking about you competing and winning the Pillsbury Bake-Off--good happy thoughts!!
Danielle
<3 this look like a recipe to end summer with!
lisakeys64
it is a nice combination of salty sweet and sour
Lori Cripe McLain
You always amaze and uplift me ! Your recipes have your heart right in the middle of them ! This one is awesome....love figs...love summer ! xxoo
lisakeys64
Happy to hear that a positive message somehow makes its way through the sad parts
Nancy
A beautiful last day of summer recipe. Wishing you sweet dreams.
lisakeys64
Love your wish--I will take sweet dreams every night. Hope yours are the same
Mary H
Thinking of you, Lisa
lisakeys64
Thank you, Mary. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods
Sallie Smith
Lisa you can say it all my friend. Peace and happiness will come. Autumn is a beautiful time of year. A time of reflection. xo
lisakeys64
Just going to fill my bucket with happy times like Charlotte's & Ben's beautiful wedding.