Irresistible Cambozola Stuffed Figs with Toasted Walnuts & Honey: The Ultimate Fall Appetizer

As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the cozy hues of autumn, there’s one seasonal delight that truly captures the essence of early fall: fresh figs. These sweet, jammy fruits, when paired with the creamy richness of Cambozola cheese, the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and a delicate drizzle of honey, transform into an irresistible appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations, these Stuffed Figs are a culinary masterpiece that promises to delight every palate.

The Allure of Fresh Figs: A Brief, Beloved Season

For many food enthusiasts, the arrival of fresh figs at the market heralds a special time of year. There’s an undeniable allure to these delicate fruits, perhaps amplified by their fleeting season. Unlike apples or citrus, figs are a precious commodity available only for a short window, making each harvest feel like a treasure hunt. This scarcity often leads to an almost instinctive desire to acquire them whenever they appear, fearing they might vanish before you’ve had your fill.

From the moment the first ripe figs grace the produce aisles, a sense of urgency kicks in. You simply must have them, savoring their unique sweetness and tender texture. As September draws to a close, this feeling intensifies, knowing that each display might be your last chance to indulge in their exquisite flavor until next year. This deep affection for figs is a shared experience, as many fellow food lovers have expressed their “fig problem” with equal enthusiasm, some even proclaiming a desire to “die in a pool of figs!” It’s a testament to the fruit’s captivating charm, a title I’d proudly embrace as the “Fig Queen.”

Cambozola Stuffed Figs: The Epitome of Fall Appetizers

While a perfectly ripe fig is a delight on its own, its true potential often shines brightest when paired with complementary flavors. For me, figs are an indispensable component of any late-summer or early-fall cheese board, often forming the basis of a simple yet satisfying lunch alongside a favorite cheese and crusty bread. However, when it comes to truly elevating the fig experience, stuffed figs stand in a league of their own.

Imagine this: luscious figs, gently warmed in the oven until their natural sugars caramelize, cradling a molten core of rich, creamy cheese. Add a scattering of crunchy nuts and a sweet kiss of floral honey, and you have an appetizer that’s nothing short of perfection. This harmonious blend of textures and tastes—the soft, jammy fig, the gooey cheese, the crisp nuts, and the golden syrup—creates a culinary symphony that’s both sophisticated and incredibly comforting.

Choosing Your Figs: Varieties for Perfect Stuffing

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While specific fig varieties offer distinct characteristics, the most important rule is to use whatever fresh figs are available and look their best at your local market. The figs featured in this article are Brown Turkey figs, chosen for their appealing size and delicious sweetness.

Brown Turkey figs are an excellent choice for stuffing due to their slightly larger size compared to Black Mission figs, allowing for a generous cube of cheese. The vibrant yellow-green Sierra figs are another fantastic option for their robust shape and mild flavor. Truthfully, I’ve yet to encounter a fresh fig that didn’t shine when stuffed, so feel free to experiment with any variety you find!

When selecting figs, look for plump, soft fruits with unbroken skin. Avoid any that are overly hard or have sour odors, as these indicate they are either underripe or past their prime. Fresh figs are delicate and highly perishable, so it’s crucial to use them within a day or two of purchase for optimal flavor and texture. Plan your fig adventure around when you intend to enjoy them.

Discovering Cambozola Cheese: A Symphony of Flavors

For those who appreciate the decadent luxury of triple-crème cheeses and the distinctive tang of blue cheese, Cambozola is a true revelation. This German cow’s milk cheese beautifully marries the best qualities of both worlds. Visually, it resembles a wheel of Brie, complete with a bloomy rind, but a closer look reveals the delicate blue veining characteristic of Gorgonzola.

The name “Cambozola” itself is a clever portmanteau, combining “Camembert” and “Gorgonzola” – a nod to its dual inspiration. Upon tasting, Cambozola delivers a delightful contrast: the buttery, mushroomy notes of a creamy triple-crème cheese are perfectly balanced by the subtle, piquant bite of blue. This makes it an ideal cheese for entertaining, particularly for guests who enjoy the flavor of blue cheese but might be deterred by more pungent or “stinky” varieties. Cambozola offers a milder, more approachable blue cheese experience without compromising on depth of flavor.

If you’re new to blue cheeses or simply seeking a more refined option, Cambozola is your ticket to a delicious new discovery. Its balanced profile ensures it complements the sweetness of figs without overpowering them, creating a harmonious and memorable bite.

Crafting and Serving Your Stuffed Figs: Effortless Elegance

One of the most appealing aspects of these stuffed figs is their incredible simplicity, making them an ideal choice for entertaining. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying your guests rather than being tethered to the kitchen. Here’s how to create these delightful morsels:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) with a rack in the middle position.
Gently wash the figs and pat them dry. Carefully cut off the stem ends.
Using a small paring knife, make an “X” incision at the top of each fig, extending about two-thirds of the way down. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom, as you want the fig to hold its shape and act as a natural vessel for the cheese.
Gently open the fig petals, revealing its sweet interior.
Place a cube of Cambozola cheese into the center of each fig. The size of the cheese cube should be proportionate to your fig, typically around 1/3 of an ounce, ensuring a good cheese-to-fig ratio.
Arrange the stuffed figs in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan or a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for a mere 5-8 minutes, just until the Cambozola cheese begins to soften and become gooey but hasn’t completely melted out. The goal is a warm, yielding cheese, not a runny mess.
Immediately remove the figs from the oven.
Generously sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts and lightly drizzle with honey. The warmth of the figs will help the honey melt and coat the fruit beautifully.

Serve these exquisite stuffed figs immediately after warming. The contrast of the warm, soft fig and cheese with the crisp walnuts and cool honey is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. They can be savored with just a fork, allowing the pure flavors to shine, or served alongside slices of warm, crusty bread, which acts as a perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of cheesy, jammy deliciousness.

For an impeccable pairing, consider a glass of Pinot Noir as an appetizer, its earthy notes complementing the figs beautifully. These stuffed figs would also make a delightful dessert course when served with a glass of Port. For a touch of celebratory flair, Prosecco or Champagne are always excellent choices, adding a sparkling counterpoint to the rich flavors. No matter how you serve them, these Cambozola Stuffed Figs are guaranteed to be a hit!

More Delightful Fig Appetizer Ideas

If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh figs or simply can’t get enough of their wonderful flavor, here are a few more appetizer ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Baked Brie Bites with Figs and Prosciutto
Fig Salad with Goat Cheese and Baby Arugula
Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey
Gorgonzola Pizza with Fig Jam Drizzle
Brown Sugar Fig Bubbly Cocktail

drizzling honey over baked Cambozola stuffed figs with a honey dipper

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 12 votes

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Stuffed Figs with Cambozola, Walnuts, and Honey

by Amanda Biddle

Make the most of fresh fig season with these warm, cheesy stuffed figs. They’re the perfect early-fall appetizer for entertaining.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Servings: 6 people (2 figs each)

Ingredients

12 large figs (e.g., Brown Turkey)
3-1/2 ounces Cambozola cheese, cut into cubes*
¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Honey, for drizzling the stuffed figs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with the rack in the middle position. Cut the stems off of the figs. Use a paring knife to cut an “X” in the top of each fig, stopping about 2/3 of the way down.
Gently open the fig and stuff with a cube of Cambozola. Place stuffed figs in an ungreased baking pan or a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes, until cheese is just beginning to soften.
Remove figs from the oven, sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts, and lightly drizzle with honey. Serve immediately, either on their own or with slices of crusty bread.

Notes

*The size of your cheese cube will depend on the size of your fig; I usually cube mine around 1/3 of an ounce, or a little larger.

To Toast Walnuts:

Heat a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add walnuts to the pan in a single layer. Cook, stirring often, until the walnuts begin to lightly brown and are aromatic. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool.

Variations:

You can stuff these figs with other cheese styles of your choosing; try cubes of Brie, goat cheese, or your favorite crumbled blue cheese.

Nutrition Estimate

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About our recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cambozola Stuffed Figs are more than just an appetizer; they are a celebration of seasonal flavors and effortless elegance. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your fall entertaining repertoire:

Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cook time, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests or a quick weeknight treat.
Gourmet Appeal: Despite its simplicity, the combination of sweet figs, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and honey feels incredibly sophisticated and impressive, sure to garner compliments from all who try it.
Seasonal Delight: It makes the most of fresh fig season, allowing you to savor one of autumn’s most cherished fruits at its peak.
Harmonious Flavors: The interplay of textures and tastes—the soft, jammy fig, the rich, slightly piquant Cambozola, the earthy walnuts, and the golden sweetness of honey—creates a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Versatile Pairing: Whether served as a starter with wine, as a light lunch, or even as a unique dessert, these figs adapt beautifully to various occasions and courses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Figs

Can I prepare these figs ahead of time?

While these stuffed figs are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can do some light prep work in advance. You can wash and cut the figs, and even cube the Cambozola cheese, a few hours before you plan to bake them. Store the prepped figs and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just before serving, stuff and bake as directed to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and the figs are warm and jammy.

What other cheeses can I use for stuffing figs?

The beauty of stuffed figs lies in their versatility. If Cambozola isn’t available or you prefer a different flavor profile, many other cheeses work wonderfully. Consider soft, creamy options like Brie or goat cheese (chèvre) for a milder, tangier note. For a more intense blue cheese flavor, a crumbly Gorgonzola or Roquefort can be used. Even a fresh mozzarella or a mild, smoked provolone could offer an interesting twist.

What are the health benefits of figs?

Figs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help with satiety. Figs also provide essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, as well as vitamins K and B6. Their natural sweetness means they can satisfy cravings while offering nutritional benefits, making them a healthier alternative to many processed sweets.

Are there any specific types of honey that pair best?

While any good quality honey will be delicious, experimenting with different varietal honeys can add another layer of complexity. Lighter, more floral honeys like orange blossom or acacia complement the figs without overpowering them. For a richer, deeper flavor, try a buckwheat or chestnut honey. A local wildflower honey is always a fantastic choice, as its flavor will reflect the regional flora.

Embrace the bounty of fall with these exquisite Cambozola Stuffed Figs. They are a simple yet sophisticated testament to the joy of seasonal eating, promising a memorable culinary experience for you and your loved ones. We hope you enjoy crafting and savoring this delightful appetizer!