Submitted by nicole on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 02:00

Crostini with mascarpone, prosciutto, and fresh figs is a delicious sweet-and-salty appetizer. It's easy to make and is delicious at room temperature, making it a perfect party food.

Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Crostini and fresh figs on a slate serving tray.

I love fresh figs! They have a bright, delicate sweetness to them. And they just look fancy, don't they? The flavor is absolutely magical paired with creamy mascarpone cheese and salty prosciutto.

Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Bruschetta and Apple, Fig, and Brie bruschetta on a square white plate.

You can also make this into fig, prosciutto, and mascarpone bruschetta by using a larger loaf of Italian bread to make the toast.

Ingredients for Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Crostini on a wooden cutting board.

Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Crostini Recipe

one baguette, sliced
olive oil
mascarpone cheese
fresh figs
prosciutto

Sliced fresh figs on a wooden cutting board.

If you've never had fresh figs, you're in for a treat! They have a brighter and less sweet flavor than you might expect if your only experience with figs is Fig Newtons. No need to peel the figs--just wash and slice into thin pieces for this crostini recipe.

Slices of bread being toasted on a parchment lined baking sheet for making crostini.

Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Coat lightly with olive oil. I like to use my pump olive oil sprayer to get a nice, thin layer of olive oil over the bread, but you can use a brush to add the olive oil, instead. Put in a preheated 400 degree oven for a few minutes (about five) until the bread toasts and turns lightly golden around the edges.

A labeled photo of ingredients for Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Crostini showing the order for layering the ingredients.

Assembly of the crostini couldn't be easier. Spread the mascarpone on the toast, add some prosciutto, and top with fresh figs.

Four slices of Fig, Prosciutto, and Mascarpone Crostini next to two fresh figs on a white surface.

If you want to bump up the sweet and salty contrast of this appetizer, add a bit of fig jam on top of the mascarpone. It's delicious both ways, so it really depends on what you prefer.

Four pieces of fig, mascarpone, and prosciutto crostini on a slate serving tray on a wooden surface.

I love making these crostini for parties, but it's also a favorite light family meal. We make several kinds of delicious bruschetta and crostini, and everybody gets to enjoy their favorite flavors. There's not a lot of clean-up afterward, either, which is always a bonus!