First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need a loaf of crusty bread, such as sourdough or French, thinly sliced ham, fresh figs, crumbled blue cheese, honey, and fresh thyme. You can use turkey or chicken ham if you prefer, and goat cheese or feta can be substituted for the blue cheese. Make sure your figs are ripe but not too soft, and remove the stems before slicing.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While it heats, slice your bread into ½ inch thick slices and place on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil, then add the sliced figs to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to caramelize, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove from the heat and set aside.
To assemble the tartines, place a few slices of ham on each toast. Top with the caramelized figs, then sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top. Drizzle honey over the entire tartine, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.
Pop the tartines back in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving.
These ham and fig tartines can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. They’re perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying on a lazy weekend morning. They’re also a great way to use up any leftover bread, ham, or cheese you may have in your fridge.
In addition to being delicious, this dish also offers a variety of health benefits. Figs are a good source of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and can lower cholesterol levels. They’re also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against disease. Ham is a good source of protein, while blue cheese offers calcium and probiotics.
In conclusion, ham and fig tartines are a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you’re sure to love the combination of salty ham and sweet figs. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.