Description
Honey whipped feta and cranberry delight crostini brings Mediterranean charm to holiday gatherings. Creamy cheese meets tangy cranberries on crisp bread, creating an elegant appetizer perfect for sophisticated palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) block feta cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
- 2 cups (300 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1 French or sourdough baguette, sliced into 6–8 toasts
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orange juice
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) red wine
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
Spices, Herbs, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (80 grams) unsweetened coconut chips
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 grams) black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Flaky sea salt
- To serve
Instructions
- Craft the aromatic coconut chips by combining soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper in a mixing vessel. Thoroughly coat the coconut chips in the vibrant marinade, then distribute evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the coconut chips in a preheated 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform crispness. Remove and allow to cool completely, developing a satisfying crunch.
- Prepare the cranberry sauce by merging whole cranberries, orange juice, red wine, brown sugar, cinnamon, rosemary, and a delicate salt pinch in a large skillet. Simmer the mixture on medium heat, gently breaking down the cranberries and reducing until the sauce reaches a luscious, thick consistency.
- Transform the cheese mixture by blending feta, cream cheese, honey, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until the texture becomes silky smooth, periodically scraping down the sides to ensure complete integration.
- Elevate the baguette slices by brushing with olive oil and positioning under a high broiler. Toast until the edges achieve a golden-brown hue, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Construct the crostini by generously spreading the whipped feta across each toasted baguette slice. Drizzle with additional honey, crown with crispy coconut chips, and carefully top with a spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce.
- Finish the presentation by garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed appetizer.
Notes
- Craft a tantalizing appetizer that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one delightful bite.
- Layer multiple textures from crispy coconut chips to creamy whipped feta create an unexpected culinary experience.
- The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant party starter that impresses guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg