Honey and Figs: A Timeless Pairing for Breakfast, Cheese and Dessert

Figs in history

Figs were among the first cultivated fruits, grown in the Middle East thousands of years ago. They appear in Greek, Roman, Jewish and Islamic traditions, often alongside honey. The pairing has lasted because it is simple and delicious.

Our article on honey in the Quran and our journal pieces explore the cultural roots of honey.

Fresh versus dried figs

Fresh figs are delicate, with soft skins and a jammy interior full of tiny seeds. They spoil quickly, so eat them within a day or two. Common varieties include Black Mission, Brown Turkey and green Calimyrna.

Dried figs are chewy, concentrated and keep for months. They are naturally sweet, so a little honey goes a long way with them.

Roasted figs with honey

Halve fresh figs and place cut side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with honey and a little olive oil, add a sprig of thyme, and roast at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes until soft and bubbling. Serve warm with yogurt, ricotta, ice cream or a crack of black pepper.

• Fresh figs, halved
• Drizzle of honey
• A little olive oil
• Thyme or rosemary sprig
• Roast 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F

Honey and figs on a cheese board

Figs and honey flatter almost every cheese. Fresh figs with goat cheese or burrata; dried figs with aged cheddar, manchego or blue cheese. Add walnuts or almonds and a small dish of honey for drizzling.

Our honey and cheese pairing guide has more combinations.

Breakfast ideas

Top Greek yogurt with sliced figs, honey and pistachios. Stir chopped dried figs into oatmeal with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. Spread ricotta on toast and add figs and honey for a quick, elegant breakfast.

Our article on honey and ricotta has more toast ideas.

Fig and honey salad

Toss arugula with sliced fresh figs, crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of honey. Add prosciutto for a savory touch.

Baking with honey and figs

Dried figs and honey shine in quick breads, muffins, bar cookies and tarts. Fig and honey galettes, with sliced figs on a simple pastry brushed with honey, are an easy dessert. When baking with honey, lower the oven temperature by about 25°F so the edges do not over-brown.

Our baking with honey guide explains substitutions.

Which honey suits figs

Raw Buckwheat Honey, harvested in New York State, has a malty depth that pairs with dried figs and blue cheese. Raw Orange Blossom Honey, from Florida, brings citrus notes that brighten fresh figs and soft cheese.

Wildflower honey is a versatile middle ground for both.

A little nutrition context

Figs provide fiber, potassium and some calcium. Dried figs are more concentrated in sugar and calories than fresh. USDA MyPlate counts whole fruits toward daily fruit goals. Honey adds sweetness, so keep drizzles modest.

Choosing and storing fresh figs

Choose figs that are soft but not mushy, with a sweet smell and intact skin. Store them in a single layer in the fridge and eat within a couple of days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Stuffed dried figs

Slit dried figs and stuff each with a walnut half or an almond and a little goat cheese. Drizzle with honey and warm briefly in the oven. They make a lovely snack or dessert.

Fig and honey compote

Simmer chopped dried figs with water, a strip of orange peel and a cinnamon stick until soft. Stir in honey off the heat. Serve over oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt or ice cream.

The takeaway

Honey and figs are a simple, ancient pairing that works from breakfast to dessert. Match bold honeys with dried figs and strong cheese, floral honeys with fresh figs and soft cheese.

Honey and figs for holidays

Figs and honey have a special place on festive tables. In many Mediterranean homes, a plate of dried figs, walnuts and honey is set out for guests during winter holidays. A baked brie topped with fig jam, honey and toasted pecans is an easy party dish that disappears quickly.

For a gift, layer dried figs and walnuts in a clean jar and pour honey over them. Eat within a few weeks and keep the jar sealed.

Honeys for your figs

Try Raw Buckwheat Honey and Raw Orange Blossom Honey side by side with figs. Save with a 3 or 6 jar pack, and orders over $50 ship free, in our shop.