Fig & Walnut Feta Bites

Fig & Walnut Appetiser:

Sweet Meets Savoury

There’s a reason figs, walnuts, and feta are such a classic trio—they just work. This fig & walnut appetiser is everything sweet meets savoury & creamy meets crunchy.

The result is an appetiser that looks a bit fancy but is pretty simple to make.

These fig & walnut feta bites deliver finesse in a small, elegant package that’s perfect for any get- together.

I won’t say they are effortless, they do require some effort on your part but definitely worth it.

The Beauty of Balance

What makes this combination irresistible is the way each element complements the others.

• Figs are a top-notch ingredient that offers natural sweetness and a soft, tender texture that feels luxurious & fig paste can be a decadent condiment.

• Walnuts provide a toasted crunch and earthy flavour that balances the figs beautifully.

• Feta adds just the right amount of salty creaminess to tie everything together.

For the final flourish, drizzle the bites with honey for a touch of sweetness or balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast.

Both options enhance the flavours without overpowering them, so go with whichever suits your mood…or your menu!

Small Bites with Big Impact

When it comes to appetisers, just paying a little attention to detail can make all the difference.

This fig & Walnut appetiser strikes that perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication which makes them perfect for entertaining- whatever the occasion.

Why Fig & Walnut Paste Deserves the Spotlight

Fig paste is an absolute gem in the kitchen.

Its concentrated sweetness and velvety texture make it a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury foods.

This fig & walnut appetiser is perfect for crackers and cheese, on a platter or just with cheese alone.

Unlike fresh figs, fig paste is shelf-stable, easy to store, and available year-round, so you can enjoy its rich, fruity flavour even when figs are out of season.

In these bites, fig & walnut paste forms the foundation, offering a luscious sweetness that sets the tone for the other ingredients.

It is bold without being overpowering and serves as the perfect counterpart to the tangy feta and nutty walnuts.

Making the Most of Your Presentation

These bites don’t just taste great—they look stunning on a platter.

What makes these appetisers a stand out, is that the flavour is on the outside of the cheese just to mix things up a bit.

The amber tones of the fig & walnut paste, the snowy white of the feta, and the golden brown walnuts create a visually appealing contrast, along with the green of the cucumber.

To elevate the presentation, garnish with fresh parsley leaves or edible flowers for a pop of colour.

For serving, arrange the bites neatly on a wooden board or colourful serving plate.

This thoughtful display will make your appetiser table even more inviting.

Why They Work for Every Occasion

This Fig & walnut appetiser idea is as versatile as it is delicious.

These bites are elegant enough for formal gatherings, yet casual enough for a laid-back dinner with friends.

Serve them at holiday parties, cocktail hours, or as part of a charcuterie board for a crowd-pleasing addition.

Match these bites with a sparkling wine or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance their flavours.

For a cosy twist, try them with a rich port or a fruity red wine to complement the figs’ sweetness.

Tips for Success

To make the most of this recipe, keep these tips in mind:

• Toast the Walnuts: A quick toasting in a dry skillet or oven intensifies their flavour and makes them irresistibly crunchy.
• Experiment with Cheese: While feta is fantastic, goat cheese or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.
• Play with Flavours: Sprinkle a touch of chilli flakes for heat or add a thin slice of prosciutto for an extra layer of richness.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving, saving you stress during party prep.

Reasons to Love Them

This fig & walnut appetiser hits all the right notes. It is pretty simple to prepare, packed with lavish ingredients, and look like they took far more effort than they actually did.

The combination of sweet fig paste, salty feta, and crunchy walnuts will exceed expectations.

Fig & Walnut Feta Bites

(Serves 10 Prep 45 mins)

You Will Need:

Continental Cucumber

Continental cucumber is a long, smooth-skinned variety of cucumber with minimal seeds and a crisp texture. It has a mild, refreshing flavour & is ideal for slicing into thin rounds or ribbons for appetisers. Its subtle taste allows it to pair well with creamy and sweet elements, offering a fresh, hydrating contrast.

Danish Feta

A creamy, slightly tangy cheese made from cow’s milk, softer and less crumbly than traditional Greek feta. Its mild and rich profile complements both sweet and savoury flavours, making it perfect for pairing with figs and walnuts in appetisers.

Fig & Walnut Paste

A luxurious blend of sweet, sticky figs and nutty walnuts, creating a rich and earthy flavour profile. This paste is a balance of sweetness and nuttiness. It can be used as a spread, dollop, or filling in appetisers, pairing wonderfully with cheeses and fresh herbs. I use a Maggie Beer paste available at major supermarkets.

Finely Chopped Walnuts (plus extra for garnish)

These provide a nutty crunch and subtle bitterness, enhancing the flavour and texture of canapés. When used as a garnish, they add a touch of sophistication and a satisfying crunch. Their natural oils also complement sweet and savoury components in the dish.

Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley

An aromatic herb with bright, grassy notes that brings freshness and balance to rich and sweet ingredients. Its delicate texture makes it ideal for garnishing or folding into spreads. Parsley adds a burst of colour and a hint of herbal liveliness, elevating the overall presentation.

Instructions:

Prepare Your Workspace:

• Lay a piece of cling wrap on a clean, flat surface. Ensure it is smooth and free of wrinkles to make wrapping easier. This will serve as your base for shaping and wrapping the feta fingers.

Cut the Feta:

• Take the block of Danish feta and carefully slice it into three equal “fingers” or long rectangular pieces. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even coating and uniform presentation.

Spread the Fig Paste:

• Using a small spatula or butter knife, spread an even layer of fig and walnut paste directly onto the cling wrap. The layer should be approximately 2mm thick & wide enough to coat all sides.

Wrap the Feta:

• Place one feta finger at the edge of the fig & walnut paste-covered cling wrap. Gently lift the cling wrap to roll the fig paste around the feta, ensuring the paste adheres evenly. Continue rolling until the feta is completely coated on all sides except the ends. Repeat this process for the remaining two feta fingers.

Coat with Chopped Walnuts:

• Place the finely chopped walnuts on a shallow plate or tray. One by one, gently roll each fig-coated feta finger in the walnuts. Use light pressure to ensure the walnuts adhere firmly to the paste, creating a uniform, crunchy coating.

Slice the Coated Feta:

• Using a sharp knife, cut each walnut-coated feta finger into four evenly sized squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain neat edges.

Prepare the Cucumber Base:

• Cut the continental cucumber into 2cm thick rounds. These will serve as sturdy, refreshing bases for the feta squares & just balances out the richness of the other ingredients. Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving dish or board.

Add the Parsley:

• Place a single fresh flat-leaf parsley leaf on top of each cucumber slice. This adds a little colour and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the other flavours.

Assemble the Bites:

• Top each parsley-lined cucumber slice with a square of the walnut-coated feta. Align them neatly for an elegant presentation.

Finish with a Walnut Garnish:

• Place a single walnut half or piece on top of each feta square, pressing gently so it stays in place. This adds a finishing touch and ties the flavours together.

Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

• Any appetisers that include cucumber are best served fresh. You can prepare the cheese earlier & refrigerate, but assemble all the ingredients when you are ready to serve.

• You could eliminate the cucumber altogether if you prefer the cheese on a cracker however, I do recommend the cucumber as the cheese with the fig paste can be quite rich.

• There are other pastes you could use as an alternative- 1 example is pomegranate & you could use pecan nuts to coat.

• There are no hard and fast rules. You could swap out the parsley if you prefer another herb. The point is it is about balancing the ingredients.

• Figs are still $4-5 each in Australia which makes them a little exxy! Otherwise, I would have garnished with fresh fig slices.

Fig & Walnut Feta Bites

(Serves 12 Prep 45 mins)

Recipe

Ingredients

• 200g Danish Feta
• 100g Fig & Walnut Paste
• 1/2 cup finely chopped Walnuts (+ 12 full ones for garnish)
• A handful of Flat Leaf Parsley
• 1 Continental cucumber

Method

1. Lay a piece of cling wrap on a flat, clean surface.
2. Cut the block of feta into 3 equal fingers.
3. Spread 1/3 of the fig & walnut paste evenly over the cling wrap, about 2mm thick.
4. Wrap the paste around one feta finger using the cling wrap, ensuring all sides are covered except the ends. Repeat with the remaining 2 fingers.
5. Gently roll each fig-coated feta finger in chopped walnuts, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully coated.
6. Slice each finger into four even squares.
7. Cut the cucumber into 1-2cm thick rounds.
8. Place a fresh parsley leaf on top of each cucumber slice.
9. Top each cucumber piece with a walnut-coated feta square.
10. Finish by placing a walnut on top of each cucumber bite.

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Sauvignon Blanc

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and herbal notes complements the freshness of the cucumber and parsley while balancing the richness of the feta and fig paste. Look for options from New Zealand or Sancerre for a bright, zesty profile.

Chenin Blanc

With its combination of acidity and subtle sweetness, Chenin Blanc works beautifully. It highlights the sweet fig paste and nutty walnuts while cutting through the feta’s creaminess.

Viognier

A medium-bodied Viognier with floral and stone fruit notes pairs well with the sweetness of the fig and walnut paste while enhancing the overall creaminess of the dish.

Prosecco

Its light, fruity character and gentle bubbles make it an ideal pairing, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, nutty flavours. Look for a Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco to avoid excessive sweetness.

Champagne

The crisp acidity and fine bubbles cleanse the palate, making it a sophisticated choice for these appetisers but an excellent choice where you have rich ingredients. Choose a Blanc de Blancs style to highlight citrus and green apple notes.

Dry Rosé

A Provence-style dry rosé with notes of red berries and herbs complements the sweet and savoury components while offering a light, refreshing finish.

Pinot Noir

A light-bodied Pinot Noir with bright red fruit notes and a touch of earthiness pairs seamlessly with the walnuts and feta, without overpowering the cucumber and fig flavours. Choose one with lower tannins, such as from Oregon or Burgundy.