Fig Slices & Candied Pecans Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy in one delightful bite, these Fig Slices & Candied Pecans atop golden roasted sweet potato rounds with creamy brie are absolute magic. Each component shines on its own, yet combined they create a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this dish turns humble ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or side that everyone will be talking about.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a balanced and beautiful dish. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and figs to the creamy richness of brie and the satisfying crunch of candied pecans, every item plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and appearance of the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose large, firm potatoes to slice into perfectly sized rounds that roast evenly into golden, tender discs.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the sweet potatoes crisp up beautifully during roasting.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes and figs.
• Brie cheese: Pick a creamy wheel that melts luxuriously for that rich, comforting touch.
• Fresh figs: Thinly sliced, they offer a delicate, juicy sweetness and soft texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Candied pecans: Roughly chopped for a sweet, crunchy contrast that also adds a lovely nutty flavor.
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional): A sprinkle adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the overall dish.
• Honey or fig jam (optional): A drizzle brings extra warmth and sweetness to finish the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans with a glossy, irresistible touch.

How to Make Fig Slices & Candied Pecans

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to give the sweet potato rounds a beautiful golden color. Lay the ½-inch thick slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. A sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper will elevate the natural sweetness. Roast the rounds for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through so they get perfectly tender and caramelized on both sides.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Brie

Once your sweet potato rounds are roasted and slightly crisp on the edges, it’s time to add one of the star ingredients. Top each warm potato round with a slice of brie cheese. Slide the tray back into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, just until that brie starts to soften and melt slightly, creating a luscious blanket of creaminess over each piece.

Step 3: Finish with Fig Slices & Candied Pecans

Now, the finishing touches that bring texture and sweetness to life. Remove the tray from the oven and adorn each brie-topped round with thin slices of fresh figs and a generous sprinkle of chopped candied pecans. If you have fresh thyme, add a few leaves on top—it adds an unexpected herbal brightness. For an extra pop of sweetness, consider drizzling warm honey or slightly thinned fig jam over everything. These Fig Slices & Candied Pecans are now ready to wow your taste buds.

How to Serve Fig Slices & Candied Pecans

Garnishes

To make these Fig Slices & Candied Pecans pop on your serving platter, fresh thyme is your best friend. It adds a fragrant, colorful accent that complements the rich cheese and sweet figs. A light drizzle of honey or warm fig jam right before serving brings a glossy finish and an elevated sweetness that ties all the flavors together harmoniously.

Side Dishes

This dish shines beautifully alongside simple green salads dressed with tangy vinaigrettes, which help cut through the richness of the brie and pecans. For a heartier meal, consider plating it next to roasted meats like pork tenderloin or autumn-spiced chicken. The natural sweetness and texture contrasts of the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans add a memorable flourish to your menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by arranging these rounds on a rustic wooden board or a sleek slate tray. For a casual twist, serve the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans in small ramekins or on decorative spoons as elegant finger foods at a cocktail party. Layer them with fresh greens or micro herbs for color contrast. You can even build them as bite-sized crostini by placing the rounds atop toasted baguette slices for added crunch and sophistication.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the sweet potatoes and toppings separate if possible, especially the candied pecans, to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh figs and melted brie. Freeze is best avoided since the texture of the sweet potatoes and the freshness of the figs can become compromised. However, you can freeze roasted sweet potato rounds alone for up to a month and assemble the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

To reheat, place the assembled Fig Slices & Candied Pecans on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through but not overcooked. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the sweet potatoes and keep the brie creamy without becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh for Fig Slices & Candied Pecans?

Dried figs can work in a pinch, but fresh figs offer a juicier sweetness and softer texture that complements the creamy brie wonderfully. If using dried, soak them briefly in warm water or a sweet syrup to soften before slicing.

How do I make candied pecans at home?

Making candied pecans is simple: toss pecan halves in a mixture of sugar and a little water or egg white, then bake at low heat until caramelized and crunchy. They add amazing flavor and crunch to the Fig Slices & Candied Pecans, and homemade pecans can be customized with flavors like cinnamon or chili powder for extra fun.

What can I substitute for brie in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of brie, creamy cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese work well. They offer a similar melt and mild tanginess that pairs deliciously with sweet potatoes and figs.

Are Fig Slices & Candied Pecans suitable for a vegan diet?

This dish as written includes brie, which is dairy. For a vegan twist, you could try a plant-based creamy cheese alternative that melts well. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift, but it can still be delicious!

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients in Fig Slices & Candied Pecans are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any packaged candied pecans or fig jam to be sure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Fig Slices & Candied Pecans bring a beautiful, elegant flair to your table without demanding complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe combines sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it a perfect choice for festive occasions or whenever you want to elevate your everyday meals. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making these golden rounds again and again!