Figs with Bacon and Chile

A luxurious appetizer featuring ripe figs caramelized in maple syrup, topped with crispy bacon pieces and a spicy-sweet drizzle. The combination of sweet figs, salty bacon, and spicy chile creates an elegant and flavorful dish.

4 servings

18 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•5 ounces slab bacon
•3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
•8 whole ripe fresh figs
•2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
•½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
•

Cooking Instructions

1.
Cook bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low, stirring often, until brown and crisp, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a small bowl.
10 min
2.
Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat from skillet; save for another use. Add maple syrup to skillet, swirling to combine, and heat over medium-high. Arrange figs in skillet in a single layer, cut side down. Cook, swirling liquid occasionally, until figs are slightly softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
5 min
3.
Arrange figs cut side up on a platter and press pieces of bacon onto the surface of each fig.
2 min
4.
Set the skillet over medium heat, add vinegar, and stir into juices. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until syrupy, about 1 minute. Drizzle syrup over figs, then sprinkle with red pepper.
1 min

Cooking Instructions

Cook bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low, stirring often, until brown and crisp, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a small bowl.

10 min

Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat from skillet; save for another use. Add maple syrup to skillet, swirling to combine, and heat over medium-high. Arrange figs in skillet in a single layer, cut side down. Cook, swirling liquid occasionally, until figs are slightly softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.

5 min

Arrange figs cut side up on a platter and press pieces of bacon onto the surface of each fig.

2 min

Set the skillet over medium heat, add vinegar, and stir into juices. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until syrupy, about 1 minute. Drizzle syrup over figs, then sprinkle with red pepper.

1 min