Figs in a Blanket

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Table of contents:

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How to Make Figs in a Blanket

Ingredients

• 6 large figs
• 100g serrano ham (see notes below on where to buy Spanish Serrano ham outside of Spain)
• 50g goat’s cheese
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh basil
• Honey
• Salt and Pepper to taste 

Equipment

• Small melon baller (or spoon)
• Skillet or baking sheet
• Wooden Cutting Board
• Chef Knife

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
• Cut the figs in half lengthways and remove a small section from the middle
• Fill with goat’s cheese, then wrap each half fig with a thin slice of Serrano ham. 
• Add to an oiled skillet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the serrano ham starts to crisp up.
• Remove from the oven and set aside for 5 minutes (they will be very, very hot), drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh basil. Season to taste and serve while still warm! 

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Cooking tips:

1. Choose ripe but firm figs – They should be sweet and slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. Overripe figs can fall apart during baking.
2. Use high-quality Serrano ham – Thin slices will wrap more easily and crisp up better in the oven. If unavailable, prosciutto is a good substitute.
3. Don’t overfill with goat’s cheese – A little goes a long way. Overfilling can cause the cheese to overflow while baking.
4. Secure with a toothpick if needed – Especially helpful if your ham slices are slippery or the figs are large.
5. Bake in a hot oven – The high heat crisps the ham quickly without overcooking the figs. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Let them rest before serving – They’ll be piping hot right out of the oven, and a short rest helps the flavors settle and prevents burned mouths.
7. Finish with a light hand – A drizzle of honey and a few basil leaves go far. You want to enhance, not overpower, the delicate fig flavor.

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Best type of Serrano ham to use

For Figs in a Blanket, the best type of Serrano ham to use is thinly sliced, aged Serrano ham (12–18 months cured). It has a fantastic rich, salty flavor and crisps up well around the figs. 

Thinly Sliced ham works best

• Wraps neatly around the figs without overpowering the texture
• Crisps up better in the oven without becoming tough

12–18 Months Aged (Reserva or Gran Reserva)

• Offers a deeper, more complex flavor—slightly nutty, savory, and not too salty
• Balances beautifully with the sweetness of figs and honey

Hand-cut or machine-sliced fresh from a deli counter

• Typically higher quality than pre-packaged options
• Fresher slices have better texture and aroma

🛒 Look for: Labels like Jamón Serrano Reserva or Gran Reserva. Avoid overly thick or dry slices, and steer clear of overly processed, rubbery versions.

Where to Buy Serrano Ham

Serrano ham (jamón serrano) is widely exported and can be purchased in many countries outside Spain. Here’s a guide based on region:

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🛒 General Options (Worldwide Shipping)

1. La Tienda (https://www.tienda.com)
   
   • Based in the U.S. but ships internationally.
     
   • Specializes in Spanish food imports.
     
2. Amazon
   
   • Carries various brands of Serrano ham, often whole legs or pre-sliced.
   • Check sellers’ origin and reviews—some may be substitutes, not authentic.
     
3. IberGour (https://www.ibergour.com)
   
   • Ships from Spain to most countries.
     
   • Offers both Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico, with options for whole hams or sliced packs.

Serrano ham Brands we Recommend 

• Spanish Serrano Ham Sliced Dry
• Monte Nevado Serrano Sliced Ham (24 Months Curing Time)

If Serrano ham isn’t available, Prosciutto di Parma or Speck are great substitutes with similar delicate saltiness and texture. We don’t recommend using bacon, unless you can find it cut into very thin slices.

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Cheese Recommendations

We used a goat’s cheese for this recipe. It works so well as it is creamy, melts well, and offers a mild, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the crispy serrano ham and the sweet fig. 

Not a fan of Goat’s cheese? No problem! If goat’s cheese isn’t your thing—or you just want to mix it up—here are some other cheeses that pair beautifully with figs and Serrano ham. 

🧀 Cheese Alternatives to Goat’s Cheese

Gorgonzola Dolce (or Blue Cheese)

Gorgonzola Dolce, or any mild blue cheese, is a fantastic alternative to goat’s cheese in this recipe. Its creamy, tangy flavor—paired with just a hint of funk—adds a bold, savory depth that beautifully offsets the natural sweetness of the figs. Because blue cheese has such a strong personality, it’s best used sparingly; just a small amount is enough to elevate the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.

Brie or Camembert

Brie or Camembert makes a wonderfully indulgent filling for figs, thanks to its mild, buttery flavor and rich, creamy texture. As it bakes, the cheese melts beautifully into the fruit, creating a luxurious, velvety bite that pairs effortlessly with the saltiness of Serrano ham or any savory wrapper. For the best texture, use rind-free pieces to ensure a smooth, melty center without any chewiness.

Manchego (semi-soft or aged)

Manchego, whether semi-soft or aged, brings a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of figs and the saltiness of Serrano ham—making it a natural and authentically Spanish pairing. While aged Manchego offers a firmer texture and more intense taste, both versions add a satisfying complexity to the dish. 

🧀 NOTE: Since Manchego doesn’t melt as smoothly as soft cheeses, it’s best used finely grated or shaved to ensure even distribution and better integration with the other ingredients.

Cream Cheese (plain or herbed)

• Flavor: Mild, slightly tangy
• Why it works: Crowd-pleaser; spreads easily and carries other flavors well
• Tip: Mix with chopped nuts or honey for added interest
  

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🥄 Pro Tip

Soft, spreadable cheeses tend to work best for stuffing figs since they nestle into the hollow easily and melt evenly when baked.

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Wine Pairings

This Figs in a Blanket recipe hits a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and herbal — ideal for some expressive wine pairings. Here are several excellent options across a few styles and budgets:

🥂 White Wine Pairings

1. Viognier

• Why: Aromatic and often stone-fruity, Viognier complements the fig’s sweetness and goat cheese’s creaminess without overpowering.
• Region examples: Condrieu (France), California, or Australia.

2. Gewürztraminer

• Why: Floral and slightly sweet, it’s a natural match for figs and honey, especially if you’re using a generous drizzle.
• Pro tip: Choose a dry or off-dry style to keep balance.

3. Chenin Blanc (off-dry)

• Why: Its acidity cuts through the cheese and ham, while its honeyed notes echo your drizzle.

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🍷 Red Wine Pairings

4. Pinot Noir

• Why: A light-bodied red with earthy, cherry tones that work nicely with goat cheese and salty ham.
• Avoid: Heavier styles with too much oak — they’ll clash.

5. Beaujolais (Cru level, like Morgon or Fleurie)

• Why: Fruity and fresh, with soft tannins that won’t overpower the fig or cheese.

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🧡 Rosé Pairings

6. Dry Rosé (Provence style)Why: Crisp acidity, subtle fruit, and herbaceous notes mirror your basil and balance the richness of the ham and cheese.

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Can this recipe be made vegetarian? 

This recipe can be made vegetarian with a few thoughtful swaps while still keeping it delicious and elegant.

🌱 Vegetarian Version of Figs in a Blanket

Serrano Ham Substitute Ideas:

1. Smoked Eggplant Slices
   
   • Thinly slice eggplant lengthwise, brush with olive oil, season, and roast or grill until soft and pliable. Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a similar texture.
     
2. Zucchini or Summer Squash Ribbons
   
   • Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons. Lightly grill or roast until flexible, then wrap around the figs.
     
3. Vegan “Bacon” or Plant-Based Deli Slices
   
   • Choose a high-quality, naturally smoked version. Some brands offer meatless slices with umami flavor that crisp up nicely.
     
4. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Strips
   
   • For a crispier, golden shell. Brush with olive oil or butter and bake as usual.
     

✅ Keep the Goat’s Cheese

Still vegetarian-friendly (but not vegan), goat cheese adds tang and creaminess.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based soft cheese made from cashews or almonds.

✅ Other Enhancements

• Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pistachios inside for crunch

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 5 servings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	140 kcal	7%
Total Fat	7g	9%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	350mg	15%
Total Carbohydrates	13g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	10g	—
Added Sugars	2g	4%
Protein	6g	12%
Calcium	60mg	5%
Iron	0.6mg	3%
Potassium	250mg	5%

Note: %DV values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Actual values may vary slightly depending on the exact size of the figs, brand of ham, and amount of honey used.

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