Roast Beef, Herb Cream Cheese, and Fig Jam Crostinis

I love how these roast beef, herb cream cheese, and fig jam crostinis balance savory, creamy, and sweet flavors all in one bite. The toasted baguette slices provide the perfect crunch, while the creamy cheese and jam create a smooth, flavorful base for tender slices of roast beef. A handful of arugula adds freshness and just the right peppery note to finish them off.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to put together. The combination of creamy herb cheese with sweet fig jam always impresses, and the roast beef makes it hearty enough for a filling appetizer. I enjoy serving these crostinis at parties, but I also make them as a quick lunch or snack when I want something special.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 French baguette white or whole wheat
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup herbed cream cheese I used Boursin, light kind
1 cup fig jam
1 cup fresh arugula
1 pound thinly sliced roast beef good quality

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. I slice the baguette into thin rounds, place them on a baking sheet, and brush with olive oil.
3. I sprinkle garlic salt over the slices and toast them in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
4. Once the crostinis cool slightly, I spread each slice with a layer of herbed cream cheese.
5. I add a spoonful of fig jam on top of the cheese, then place a slice of roast beef over it.
6. I finish each crostini with a few fresh arugula leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 crostinis, depending on the size of the baguette slices. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to toast the bread, so the total time is around 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the fig jam for caramelized onions or cranberry jam for a different flavor. If I don’t have arugula, I use baby spinach or watercress. For a richer version, I drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top. I also like trying different cheeses such as goat cheese or blue cheese for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I store the toppings separately and assemble the crostinis right before serving to keep them crisp. I don’t reheat assembled crostinis since they taste best fresh.

FAQs

Can I make these crostinis ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the toasted bread and slice the roast beef in advance, then assemble them just before serving.

Can I use another type of bread?

Yes, I sometimes use sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain baguettes for a slightly different texture and flavor.

What if I can’t find fig jam?

I replace it with apricot jam, cranberry sauce, or caramelized onions when fig jam isn’t available.

Can I use plain cream cheese instead of herbed?

Yes, I often use plain cream cheese and mix in my own herbs like chives, parsley, or dill.

Do these work as a main dish?

I usually serve them as appetizers, but if I make them with larger bread slices, they work as a light meal.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the roast beef and add roasted vegetables or grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

I always toast the baguette well and assemble the crostinis right before serving.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, I usually serve them at room temperature, but they also taste great chilled.

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Yes, I like using thinly sliced leftover roast beef from dinner for a quick appetizer.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely, I sometimes add caramelized onions, balsamic glaze, or shaved Parmesan for more flavor.

Conclusion

I really enjoy making these roast beef, herb cream cheese, and fig jam crostinis because they’re simple, elegant, and full of flavor. The mix of savory beef, creamy cheese, sweet jam, and peppery arugula always creates a perfect bite. They’re quick to prepare yet impressive enough for entertaining, which makes them one of my favorite go-to appetizers.

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