Description
These Caramelized Onion Crostini with Fig Jam and Blue Cheese are a perfect appetizer combining the sweet, nutty flavor of slowly caramelized onions with the rich tang of blue cheese and the fruity sweetness of fig preserves, all served on crisp toasted baguette slices and garnished with fresh rosemary and black pepper.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large Vidalia onion (about 12 oz), peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Crostini Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ⅓ cup fig preserves
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, torn or roughly chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning or crisping in spots.
- Slow cook the onions: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Continue cooking the onions for about 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes. If they start sticking or burning, add a splash of water or broth and scrape the bottom to incorporate caramelized bits. The onions will become soft, golden, and jammy with a nutty aroma.
- Add balsamic vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking, then remove the skillet from heat once the onions are caramelized.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Assemble the crostini: Spread 1-2 teaspoons of fig preserves on each baguette slice. Top each with a spoonful of caramelized onions and a few crumbles of blue cheese.
- Toast the crostini: Bake the assembled crostini in the oven for 4-5 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese begins to soften.
- Garnish and serve: Remove crostini from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Vidalia or another sweet onion for best caramelization results.
- Stir the onions regularly to avoid burning and to promote even caramelization.
- If you prefer a milder blue cheese flavor, reduce the amount used or substitute with goat cheese.
- Serve these crostini warm for the best texture and flavor.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
