Description
Easy Crostini with Whipped Feta and Strawberries are crisp, colourful appetizers made with golden toasted baguette, creamy whipped feta, juicy strawberries, fresh basil, crunchy nuts, and a touch of honey for a delicious sweet-and-savoury combination.
Ingredients
1 baguette (about 250 g), thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup (80 g) Greek yogurt
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp honey
1–2 tbsp water, as needed
1 1/2 cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped pistachios or walnuts
Fresh basil leaves
Extra honey, for drizzling
Lemon zest, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and a small pinch of salt.
2. Bake the baguette slices for 7–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3. Add the feta, Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to create a soft, spreadable consistency.
4. Place the finely diced strawberries in a small bowl. Add the honey, lemon juice, chopped basil, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavours can blend.
5. Spread a generous layer of whipped feta over each toasted baguette slice, making sure the feta reaches close to the edges.
6. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the whipped feta. Leave most of the excess strawberry juices in the bowl so the crostini stay crisp rather than becoming soggy.
7. Sprinkle the crostini with chopped pistachios or walnuts. Add fresh basil leaves, then finish with a light drizzle of honey and optional lemon zest.
8. Serve immediately while the baguette is crisp and the whipped feta is creamy. These crostini are best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
Use ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavour and texture.
Don’t add the strawberry topping too early. Assemble the crostini shortly before serving so the toasted bread remains crisp.
Blend the feta thoroughly until completely creamy for the smoothest spread.
Start with the recommended amount of honey and adjust according to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Lightly toasted pistachios or walnuts add extra flavour and satisfying crunch.
Toast the baguette until properly crisp, but avoid over-browning the slices.
Drain excess liquid from the strawberry mixture before spooning it onto the whipped feta.
The whipped feta can be prepared ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator.
The toasted baguette and strawberry mixture can also be prepared separately ahead of time. Assemble shortly before serving for the best texture.
Peaches, nectarines, figs, pears, or fresh raspberries can be substituted for strawberries.
Soft goat cheese can be used instead of feta for a slightly tangier and creamier spread.
Pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work well as toppings.
If you don’t have a food processor, use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to blend the feta mixture. The result may be slightly less smooth but will still be delicious.
Serve as an appetizer before dinner, at brunch, or as part of a summer grazing board with cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, and crackers.
For an elegant presentation, use smaller baguette slices and garnish each crostini individually with a basil leaf, chopped pistachios, and a tiny drizzle of honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean