Goat Cheese and Fig Toast

My go-to bread is a loaf of pre-packaged whole wheat bread (such as Nature’s Own) from a local grocery store that costs around $2-3. Although it’s not the best, it freezes extremely well and contains its moisture. With that being said, I occasionally purchase the good quality loaf that costs more than $5 and only lasts for a few days before it becomes rock hard. I simply cannot eat that much bread in a few days, so I recommend purchasing these breads when you can serve to more people than just yourself. These artisan breads are SO worth it and make foods taste much better.

Using an artisan bread changes the game for sandwiches, avocado toasts, bread puddings, and so much more. I just wish there were ways so that the bread could retain all its moisture. With that being said, I purchased a $6.50 Italian load from Easy Tiger in Austin, TX and had toast for almost every meal! On a relaxing Saturday, I made this gorgeous goat cheese, fig, and honey toast which, when heated for a few minutes in the oven, is absolutely delicious.

Goat cheese is commonly paired with fruits and liquid sweetener, so this combination is well-known. I am sharing this simple and flavorful recipe that honestly does not require measurements, but I am including them for reference. This entire recipe took less than 5 minutes to make and is extremely filling and flavorful. If you do not have the following ingredients, you may use the following substitutes:

• For goat cheese: brie cheese or cream cheese
• For honey: any liquid sweetener such as agave or maple syrup
• For figs: any dried fruit such as dried apricots, dates, or plums

Ingredients:

• Sourdough, French, or Italian bread
• 2 dried or fresh figs (4 slices per fig)
• 2-3 tbsp. Goat cheese
• Honey
• Herbs

Directions:

1. Cut two slices of bread and crumble or spread on the goat cheese.
2. Place in an air fryer or oven to toast the bread and melt the goat cheese slightly for 2-3 min. At 400 F. The oven will require more time than an air fryer.
3. Remove the bread from the oven and add on the sliced figs. Drizzle the top with honey and sprinkle with herbs.

The bread is best eaten right out of the oven because the heat will lightly soften the goat cheese, but not all the way. I have served this when I hosted brunches and it is an instant hit! I recommend splurging on some good bread, but it is very it! I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did and feel free to leave some bread recommendations, as I am always open to trying new breads!