Looking for a unique appetizer idea? These whipped feta and roasted grape crostini may sound fancy but they are actually very easy to throw together!

 

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Whipped Feta and Roasted Grape Crostini

It’s the Monday after Christmas, which means we are in the Twilight Zone that occurs every year between Christmas and New Years. No one knows what day it is, calories don’t count and there are no rules on what to wear, watch or do for the whole week.

Allow me to help you focus on New Year’s Eve coming up with an appetizer idea.

Just like Christmas, this New Year’s is going to be different this year. I am assuming most people will be staying home rather than going out this year. I’ve never been a huge fan of New Years so I usually stay in. However, this year John and I decided to make a variety of appetizers and cocktails to help ring in the new year. I think it’s a great way to make the evening more fun.

These whipped feta and roasted grape crostini are a unique appetizer, but they are so easy to make and feel like a special treat.

Why Roast the Grapes?

You may be asking, why roast the grapes? Well, I’ll tell you! Roasting grapes creates a deepened flavor profile. The skin blisters and caramelizes and the inside becomes juicy and sweet.

The baguette is toasted to golden perfection, the sweet, jammy roasted grapes contrast the salty and smooth whipped feta and the toasted pistachios add some nuttiness and an extra crunch.

Ingredients

• Baguette: You will want a fresh and crusty French baguette. You may not use the entire baguette, depending on the size of baguette you use.
• Feta: You will want a block of feta for this recipe, as opposed to crumbled feta.
• Honey: The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the whipped feta.
• Red grapes: I prefer the taste of red grapes when they are roasted. They have the perfect amount of sweetness and become jammy.
• Pistachios: for a nutty crunch
• Thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Equipment

• Two baking sheets
• Food processor
• Rubber Spatula
• Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small frying pan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees (220 C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove grapes from stems and add to one baking sheet. Drizzle grapes with olive oil and season with salt.
2. Slice baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices at an angle for longer pieces. Place baguette slices on second baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Add grapes to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. 10 minutes in, add the baking sheet with the baguette slices.
4. Meanwhile, combine feta and honey in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to add olive oil to help make it creamy. If so, add 1 tbsp at a time. Blend for 15 seconds and check for consistency.
5. Over medium heat, add pistachios to a small frying pan. Toast pistachios until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Chop pistachios.
6. Lastly, assemble crostini. Take a piece of toasted baguette and spread on 1-2 tablespoons of whipped feta. Top with grapes, pistachios and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with honey.

More Holiday Recipes:

• Antipasto Wreath
• Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Pecan Pie Baked Oats
• Gingerbread Baked Oats

As always, if you make this recipe please let me know by commenting and rating below. If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram @thechowdown. I love seeing your recreations!