Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey
When the late afternoon sun dips low and you've just poured a chilled, skin-contact Chenin Blanc, you need a snack that takes exactly zero effort. We are halving jammy black mission figs, topping them with earthy Camembert, and broiling until completely melted and blistering. A drizzle of Meyer lemon-spiked honey and a crunch of pistachios finishes the trick—it's a perfect California-meets-Paris apéro bite.
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Timeline
Ingredients
- 6 Black Mission figs(ripe but still holding their shape, halved lengthwise)
- 4 oz Camembert cheese(cold from the fridge for easier slicing, cut into 12 small pieces)
- 2 tbsp honey(a light, floral variety)
- 1 tbsp Meyer lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Meyer lemon zest(microplaned)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves(plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tbsp shelled pistachios(roughly chopped)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt(preferably Fleur de Sel or Maldon)
Instructions
- 1
Turn your oven's broiler to high and arrange an oven rack in the top third position. Line a small quarter-sheet pan with foil. Arrange the halved 6 Black Mission figs cut-side up on the pan. They should fit snugly but not overlap.
2 min
Tip: Lining the pan with foil is non-negotiable here; melted cheese and broiled fruit sugars are a nightmare to scrub off a bare pan.
- 2
While the broiler preheats, make the citrus drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Meyer lemon juice, 1 tsp Meyer lemon zest, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2 min
Tip: Meyer lemons have a floral sweetness that regular lemons lack, which perfectly bridges the gap between the honey and the thyme.
- 3
Top each of the fig halves with a piece of the sliced 4 oz Camembert cheese. Press the cheese down very gently so it adheres to the flesh of the fig.
1 min
Tip: Keeping the cheese cold right up until you slice it makes portioning much easier.
- 4
Place the pan under the broiler. Keep a very close eye on them—broil until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling violently, and just beginning to blister with brown spots. Depending on your broiler, this takes exactly a few heartbeats.
3 min
Tip: Do not walk away from the broiler! Natural sugars in the fruit will caramelize and then burn extremely quickly.
- 5
Carefully transfer the warm figs to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared lemon-thyme honey. Scatter the 2 tbsp shelled pistachios over the top, and finish with a generous 1 pinch flaky sea salt.
2 min
Tip: Serve these immediately while the cheese is still molten. Provide little cocktail forks or toothpicks for your guests.
Chef's Notes
Don't stress if you can't find Camembert; a ripe Brie or even a pungent washed-rind cheese works beautifully. The key is contrasting that sweet, jammy fig with a little earthy funk. Pour something slightly chilled and very alive in the glass to wash it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey take to make?
Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey takes about 8 minutes total. That includes 5 minutes of prep and 3 minutes of cooking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What skill level is needed for Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey?
This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.
What ingredients do I need for Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey?
The main ingredients are: Black Mission figs, Camembert cheese, honey, Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, fresh thyme leaves, shelled pistachios, flaky sea salt.
What type of meal is Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey?
Broiled Black Mission Figs with Melted Camembert & Meyer Lemon Honey is categorized as: snack, appetizer.
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