Sweet and Spicy Whipped Feta Crostini with Hot Honey Magic
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this Sweet and Spicy Whipped Feta Crostini, elevated by a drizzle of hot honey magic. Creamy, tangy feta is whipped to airy perfection with a touch of sweetness and a hint of red pepper spice, then spread generously on crisp, golden baguette slices. This appetizer is an irresistible blend of textures and tastes, perfect for entertaining or a delightful snack.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
7 minutes
Total Time
17 minutes
Servings
Makes approximately 24 crostini (4-6 servings as an appetizer)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings.
- Visually stunning and impressive, yet surprisingly simple to make.
- Customizable to your preferred level of heat and sweetness.
- A sophisticated appetizer that always receives rave reviews.
Ingredients
- 225 grams (8 ounces) block feta cheese, crumbled
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) liquid honey, plus more for garnish
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large baguette (approximately 300-400 grams), sliced into 1 cm (0.4 inch) thick rounds
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese and the softened cream cheese. Process on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. This may take 1-2 minutes.
- Add the 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of liquid honey and 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes to the whipped feta mixture. Pulse a few times until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the honey is added to maintain the feta's light and airy texture.
- Arrange the sliced baguette rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each baguette slice with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the baguette slices are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Generously spread a dollop of the sweet and spicy whipped feta mixture onto each warm, toasted baguette slice. The warmth of the crostini will slightly soften the feta, enhancing its creamy texture.
- Before serving, artfully drizzle a generous amount of hot honey over each crostini. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle with a few additional red pepper flakes, if desired.
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Serving platter
Essential Success Tips
- Use block feta cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-crumbled feta can sometimes be drier.
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a silky smooth, lump-free whipped feta.
- Do not overbake the baguette slices; they should be golden and crisp, not hard or burnt.
- Taste the whipped feta before spreading and adjust honey or red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Serve the crostini shortly after assembly to enjoy the contrast of the warm baguette and creamy topping.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the flavor profile further by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the whipped feta for a bright, citrusy counterpoint.
- For an herbacious twist, finely chop fresh mint or chives and fold them into the whipped feta just before serving.
- Consider toasting a few pine nuts and sprinkling them over the crostini for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Whipped feta can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before spreading. Crostini are best assembled fresh.
- Variations: Experiment with different toppings such as a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, a dash of flaky sea salt, or a few fresh thyme leaves.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette slices for a delightful gluten-free appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped feta up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before spreading.
What kind of hot honey should I use?
Many brands offer delicious hot honey options. Mike's Hot Honey is a popular choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own by infusing honey with red pepper flakes and a touch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use crumbled feta instead of block feta?
While block feta is recommended for its superior texture and moisture content, crumbled feta can be used. Ensure it's not too dry; you might need an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk to help it achieve a smooth consistency in the food processor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per crostini (estimated): Calories: 120, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 10g. (Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free baguette. The recipe is nut-free, but check individual ingredient labels for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.
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