These Crostini with Whipped Feta, Roasted Strawberries, Black Pepper & Cranberry Hot Honey are an elegant appetizer featuring crispy toasted baguette, creamy whipped feta, sweet roasted strawberries, tangy cranberries, and a spicy hot honey drizzle. Finished with fresh thyme and lemon zest, these gourmet crostini are perfect for holiday entertaining, brunch, summer parties, or an impressive dinner appetizer.
π Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 16 pieces
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Whipped Feta:
- 8 oz feta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Roasted Strawberry & Cranberry Hot Honey:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh lemon zest
- Extra freshly cracked black pepper
π©βπ³ Instructions
1. Toast the Crostini
Preheat the oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 8β10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
2. Roast the Strawberries
Spread the strawberry halves in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast for 15 minutes, or until softened, juicy, and lightly caramelized.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Hot Honey
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, dried cranberries, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
Simmer gently for 2β3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and the mixture becomes glossy.
Fold the roasted strawberries into the hot honey mixture and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the Whipped Feta
In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable.
5. Assemble the Crostini
Spread a generous layer of whipped feta over each toasted crostini.
Top each with a spoonful of the roasted strawberry and cranberry hot honey mixture.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh thyme leaves, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, and additional cracked black pepper for a bright, flavorful finish.
Serve immediately while the crostini are crisp and the topping is slightly warm.
β±οΈ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 8 (2 crostini per serving)
π₯ Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
