Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible

Celebrate fig season with these creamy mascarpone & ricotta crostini. Fresh-picked flavor, simple elegance & perfect for sharing—grab figs while you can! 

Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible

Fig season is fleeting, but oh, what a delicious few weeks it is. Over the past two weeks, I’ve shared my Late Summer Fig Salad with Cucumbers & Feta for a light, savory bite and Rustic Fig & Banana Bread – A Freshly Picked Delight for cozy, sweet mornings. Now, with our backyard fig crop about two-thirds harvested, I’ve been picking 8–10 figs each day, sharing the bounty with friends and family—and savoring them in every way possible.

The best way to enjoy these jewel-like fruits? Sometimes, you don’t need to cook at all—just take a bite. And that’s exactly the idea behind today’s recipe: Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible. Crispy baguette slices, creamy mascarpone and ricotta, a touch of fig jam, and fresh figs on top create a simple, elegant bite that’s perfect for sharing before the short season slips away.

Enjoy!

What You Need to Make This Dish

• Rustic French baguette – forms the crispy base for the crostini

• Olive oil – for brushing the bread to achieve golden, toasted slices

• Mascarpone cheese – adds rich, creamy texture

• Ricotta cheese – balances the mascarpone with light, fluffy creaminess

• Fig jam – provides a sweet, fruity layer

• Fresh figs – the star ingredient, for fresh, juicy topping

Substitutions & Variations

Don't have an ingredient?  Here are a few substitutions or variations you can use to make this your own.

• Bread: Swap the baguette for sourdough, ciabatta, or crackers for a different texture.

• Cheese: Use cream cheese or a soft goat cheese in place of mascarpone/ricotta.

• Fruit: If figs aren’t available, try fresh peaches, plums, or ripe berries.

• Sweet touch: Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped toasted nuts for extra flavor.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Choose ripe figs: They should be soft but not mushy, with a deep color and fragrant aroma.

• Prep ahead: Toast the bread in advance and store in an airtight container; assemble just before serving to keep them crisp.

• Cheese tips: Let mascarpone and ricotta come to room temperature so spreading is effortless.

• Short season: Fresh figs are fleeting—grab them from your backyard or local markets while available.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—fresh figs shine best when you don’t overcomplicate them.

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💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried this recipe? What is one of your favorite summer fruits that you can't get enough of? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Fresh, vibrant, and ready in 30 minutes! This Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta recipe is perfect for summer nights, featuring sweet farmers’ market tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan for a light, flavorful dinner.

No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Walking through the farmers' market is heaven lately as there has been an irresistible abundance of fresh produce spilling out of their buckets. Last weekend, I came home with a bag with the most luscious cherry tomatoes, each one bursting with sweetness and sun-ripened flavor. I knew I wanted to celebrate their natural freshness—no heavy sauces, no long hours at the stove, just a dish that feels like summer in every bite.

Enter this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta, a recipe that proves dinner can be light, bright, and satisfying—without heating up the whole kitchen. The tomatoes are left to marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper, creating their own luxurious sauce while you boil the pasta. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely perfect for an alfresco dinner on the patio or a breezy poolside evening when all you want is something fresh and easy, but carries a flavor punch.

One twirl of this pasta, with those juicy marinated tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ll know—it’s the kind of dish that makes summer taste like heaven.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini) – Light and delicate, perfect for soaking up the fresh tomato marinade.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes from the farmers’ market for peak flavor.

• Shallot & Garlic – Finely sliced and chopped to add a fragrant bite to the marinade.

• Fresh Basil – Brings bright, herbaceous notes; slice some extra for garnish.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

• Lemon Juice – Adds zingy freshness and keeps the dish light.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High-quality oil makes a difference—this is your sauce base.

• Parmesan Cheese – Shaved for a salty, nutty finish that melts into the warm pasta.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Pasta – Substitute spaghetti or thin linguine

• Tomatoes – Use heirloom cherry or grape tomatoes

• Cheese – Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite

• Basil – Try fresh parsley for a twist

Variations

• Add Protein – Top with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or slices of grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

• Mediterranean Style – Add kalamata olives, capers, or crumbled feta for extra tang.

• Garlic-Lovers Edition – Roast the garlic before adding for a mellow, sweet depth of flavor.

• Zoodle Swap – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a light, low-carb variation.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Marinating Time – Give the tomatoes at least 10 minutes to release their juices for a natural “sauce.”

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Angel hair cooks quickly; keep it al dente so it doesn’t break apart.

• Reserve Pasta Water – If the mixture feels dry, a splash of starchy pasta water helps everything come together.

• Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the tomatoes are vibrant and the Parmesan just begins to melt.

    "Set the Mood"    

Picture this: a golden summer evening, a table set outdoors, a cool breeze carrying the scent of basil and lemon through the air. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water, maybe a small plate of marinated olives on the side. This dish is meant for alfresco dining—by the pool, on the patio, or wherever the season feels most alive. Pair with a crisp salad, crusty bread, and the simple joy of lingering over a meal that tastes like pure summer.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Easy Late-Summer Veggie Sauté – Zucchini, Corn & Cherry Tomatoes

Celebrate late-summer produce with this quick veggie sauté! Zucchini, corn, and cherry tomatoes shine in a light, fresh side dish topped with basil & feta.

Easy Late-Summer Veggie Sauté – Zucchini, Corn & Cherry Tomatoes

Just because the calendar says late summer doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to vibrant, fresh vegetables. In fact, this is one of the best times of year to enjoy them! Farmers’ markets are still overflowing with zucchini, sweet corn, plump cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil—each one tasting like sunshine on a plate.

This Easy Late-Summer Veggie Sauté brings those flavors together in one quick, colorful dish. A light sear in olive oil enhances their natural sweetness while keeping them crisp and bright. Finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of creamy feta, it’s the perfect side dish to celebrate the season.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a juicy steak for a balanced summer dinner. It also pairs beautifully with simple pasta, rice, or quinoa for a fresh, vegetarian-friendly meal that’s light yet satisfying.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear.

• Yellow Squash & Zucchini – A classic summer pairing with mild, tender flavors.

• Corn on the Cob – Sweet and crisp, adding texture to the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy pops of color and tang.

• Fresh Basil – Brings a fragrant, herby note that brightens everything.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing flavor.

• Feta Cheese – A creamy, salty finish that complements the veggies.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Oil – Swap olive oil for avocado oil or butter for a richer flavor.

• Herbs – Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme can be used if basil isn’t available.

• Cheese – Goat cheese, parmesan, or dairy-free feta are great alternatives.

Variations

• Add Garlic – A clove or two, sautéed at the start, for extra aroma.

• Make It Spicy – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds heat.

• Mediterranean Twist – Add Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.

• Grilled Version – Grill the veggies for smoky depth before tossing with basil and feta.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – A single layer helps the vegetables caramelize instead of steam.

• Use Fresh Corn If Possible – It adds natural sweetness and crunch. Frozen corn works in a pinch.

• Choose Block-Style Feta – Crumble pieces from a block for a creamier texture and fresher flavor compared to pre-crumbled feta.

• Serve Immediately – The dish tastes best while the veggies are warm and the feta slightly melts.

• Prep Ahead – Slice vegetables in advance for a quick weeknight side dish.

"Set the Mood"

Picture a warm evening where the sun lingers just a little longer, and dinner is all about simple pleasures. 

Serve this colorful vegetable sauté family-style on a rustic platter with grilled chicken or fish, a crisp white wine or sparkling water, and maybe a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious juices. 

Whether it’s a weeknight meal on the patio or a casual backyard dinner with friends, this dish brings late-summer freshness to the table in the most effortless way.

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💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried this side dish? What are your favorite summer side dishes or vegetables to cook? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!