Fresh Fig, Ricotta & Honey Appetizer Bites

These Fresh Fig, Ricotta, and Honey Appetizer Bites prove that delicious does not need to be complicated. Simple pairings of fresh seasonal, quality ingredients offer a quick and easy appetizer, or “amuse bouche” for your guests. They are healthy, beautiful, and come together so fast.

VEGETARIAN ✓ LOW CARB ✓ KETO ✓ GLUTEN-FREE ✓

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Recipe Notes

There is nothing better than enjoying fresh seasonal ingredients when they are at their peak. Fresh figs exemplify this, and need little more to make them shine. That being said, I do tend to think that cheese makes everything even better. Fruit and cheese are a favorite pairing of mine and one I love to play with.

The Ingredients

Figs are a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and abundance. They are a good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health, and are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Fresh figs are in season from August through October in the United States.

Ricotta Cheese is a deliciously creamy, slightly grainy cheese which is a “whey cheese”. A “whey cheese” is, you guessed it, a cheese made from whey, not milk. Whey is a liquid byproduct left over from the production of other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone. Ricotta is known for its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall growth and development.

Honey is one of my favorite natural sweeteners. Produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, honey is all natural. It contains primarily glucose and fructose, but also trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. It is fabulous with cheese, and as a drizzle. In the shop I carry a line of Jams Made From Honey, Not Sugar

Marcona Almonds are native to Spain, primarily cultivated in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia. These almonds are shorter, rounder, and softer than the more common California almonds. They are either pan-fried in oil or roasted, which intensifies their nutty, sweet flavor. Their mild, sweet taste and tender texture make them one of my favorite additions to the cheese board.

What Is An Amuse-Bouche?

An amuse-bouche, pronounced “ah-MOOZ boosh,” is a French term that translates to “mouth amuser” or “palate teaser.” It is a tiny, bite-sized hors d’oeuvre served before the main course to awaken your taste buds, excite your senses, and set the stage for what’s to come. Amuse-bouche can be savory, sweet, or even a combination of both.

This recipe for Fresh Fig, Ricotta & Honey Appetizer Bites lands on the sweet side.

How To Style These Bites

Fresh figs are a beautiful fruit, whether whole or halved (which is one of the reasons I use them whenever I can for cheese boards and recipes). These bites have a natural, free-form style with the casual dollop of ricotta and the drizzles of honey. I grouped them into rows to give the presentation some unity. I added some fresh rosemary and whole figs to decorate the platter. To further dress it up, consider adding a small bowl of honey. It helps explain the dish, and also allows the sweet tooths to add more if they like.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few things that might help:

Serve these bites fairly soon after making them. If you want to prepare them in advance, wait until serving to drizzle with honey and add the Marcona almonds and salt – otherwise the honey and salt absorb into the ricotta and can cause the cheese to weep (give off liquid).

Fresh Figs are in season from August through October. I have found them at my local co-ops, Trader Joe’s, and also large chain grocery stores.

Substitutions

Here are some suggested substitutions to make this appetizer a better fit for your palate, preferences, and diet. If you are looking for specific substitutions, let me know in the comments below!

• Fig Alternatives: Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Strawberries,
• Ricotta Cheese Alternatives: Blue Cheese, Brie Cheese,
• Make It Dairy Free: Try a vegan ricotta cheese (here’s a recipe to make your own).
• Other Add-Ins: Pistachios, toasted walnuts.
• Make It More Keto-Friendly: Reduce the amount of honey or do not use. Each Fig, Ricotta & Honey Bite has about 10 grams of net carbs – without the honey it has about 5.8 grams of net carbs.

More Appetizer & Amuse Bouche Recipes To Try

Roasted Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites

Brie & Roasted Grape Appetizer Bites

Jammy Blue Cheese & Almond Endive Appetizer Bites

Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad Wedges With Feta

If you make these Fig, Ricotta & Honey Appetizer Bites be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. And if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

How To Make: Fresh Fig, Ricotta & Honey Appetizer Bites

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