Fig Recipes: 30 Sweet and Savory Combinations

What are the best varieties of figs?

There are countless varieties of figs: if ichi can be round, flattened, or oblong, green, white, or purple, with a thin or slightly thicker skin. The delicious, sugary interior appears deep red, blood-red in some varieties, like the fichi a sangu typical of the Itria Valley; or paler, a pale pink, like the fico troiano; but all are incredibly sweet and irresistible, perfect for our recipes. Hundreds of varieties are grown throughout Italy, and numerous Slow Food Presidia are included, including the dried figs of Prignano Cilento, Atessa, and Carmignano, and the almond-flavored figs of San Michele Salentino.

How to pair fresh figs?

You can't go wrong with the great classics. Fresh figs pair perfectly with cured meats like prosciutto or bresaola, but also with many cheeses. Fresh goat cheeses are perfect with figs: the tartness of the goat cheese perfectly offsets the sweetness of the fig. Another winning combination is figs with dried fruit, enjoyed as is or in spreads.

Figs in savory recipes

The natural sweetness of figs can be the starting point for original savory recipes, especially when balanced with savory or tart ingredients. Try them with prosciutto, speck, and pancetta, but also with mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, and more mature or blue cheeses like gorgonzola. They're also perfect for enhancing salads, focaccia, and appetizers, perhaps with the addition of dried fruit, herbs, or a spicy note.

How to preserve fresh figs

Fresh figs are delicate and should be consumed quickly. Once purchased, it's best to store them in the refrigerator, preferably in a container that allows air to circulate, avoiding stacking them to avoid spoiling them. Before eating, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes: this will restore their aroma and sweetness. If you have plenty of them, you can make jam, caramelize, or dry them to preserve their flavor even beyond their season.

How to use fresh figs in cooking

Natural, caramelized, sweet and sour, dried, or preserved, figs are always fantastic, and their versatility allows us to enjoy them in different shapes and textures year-round. So if your love for figs is boundless, we recommend stocking up on them and making them the centerpiece of your summer dishes—and beyond. With proper planning, they become a must-have for all four seasons.

Starting with appetizers, paired with cured meats and cheeses, even in the form of compote, or as a filling for pizzas, focaccias, and original bruschetta. Moving on to first courses, as a filling for ravioli and casoncelli, a winning move that will leave your guests pleasantly surprised. In short, figs never disappoint, they can transform even a simple salad into a majestic dish and are at their best in sweets and desserts, covered in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut powder, chopped pistachios, or, for the more daring, chili pepper. In tarts, puff pastry tarts, biscuits, plum cakes, and sweet ravioli. What are you waiting for? Below are our best recipes, some very easy to make, for preparing sweet and savory fig-based dishes to bring to the table and amaze your guests.