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Figs with Bacon and Chile

A white plate with figs bacon some chile peppers and maple syrup.
Photo by Alex Lau

This figs recipe is sweet, salty, sticky, and acidic—everything you want in a one-bite appetizer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 servings

Ingredients

5

ounces slab bacon, sliced 1/2 inch thick, then sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

3

tablespoons pure maple syrup

8

ripe fresh figs, halved lengthwise

2

tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

1

/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, finely chopped

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 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.

    Step 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.

    Step 3

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

    Step 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.