Description
Smooth Mediterranean magic happens with this spicy feta delight crostini, blending creamy cheese and zesty flavors into a perfect appetizer. Crisp bread topped with rich feta and a honeyed finish will make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 toasted baguette slices
- 1 4-ounces (113 grams) feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) cottage cheese
Toppings:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped pecans
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary, torn
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce and Seasoning:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) honey
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) hot sauce (Sriracha or similar)
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Craft a tantalizing hot honey infusion by gently heating a blend of honey, apple cider vinegar, fiery hot sauce, aromatic garlic, and vibrant red pepper flakes in a small saucepan until it just reaches a delicate simmer.
- Allow the spicy honey mixture to cool completely, developing its rich, layered flavor profile.
- Transform the feta cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese into a velvety smooth mixture using a food processor, blending until the texture becomes luxuriously creamy and uniform.
- Carefully scrape the processor’s sides during blending to ensure a perfectly integrated whipped cheese spread.
- Toast baguette slices until they achieve a golden, crisp exterior with a delicate crunch.
- Generously spread the whipped feta mixture across each toasted baguette slice, creating an even, luxurious layer.
- Artfully arrange the prepared crostini on a serving platter, creating an inviting presentation.
- Scatter chopped pecans across the crostini, adding a nutty, textural dimension to the appetizer.
- Delicately sprinkle fresh rosemary over the prepared crostini, introducing an aromatic herbal note.
- Finish the dish by drizzling the cooled, spicy honey over the crostini, melding all the complex flavors into a harmonious bite.
Notes
- Prepare the hot honey ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a complex sweet-spicy blend that elevates the entire dish.
- Whip the feta cheese mixture until completely smooth for a luxurious, creamy texture that spreads effortlessly on crispy baguette slices.
- Toast baguette slices just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and prevent sogginess, ensuring a delightful textural contrast.
- Use fresh rosemary and quality feta for an authentic, vibrant flavor profile that transforms this appetizer from simple to spectacular.
- Store leftover hot honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, perfect for drizzling on other dishes or quick snacks.
- Choose toasted pecans for an added nutty crunch that complements the creamy feta and provides a delightful textural element to the crostini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg