Description
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries is a delightful Mediterranean appetizer combining creamy, tangy whipped feta and cream cheese with sweet, caramelized roasted strawberries. This easy-to-make dish features a perfect balance of flavors enhanced by honey, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs, served with crostini or crackers for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Roasted Strawberries
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (light sprinkle)
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped fresh mint or basil (optional)
- Crostini or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Roast the Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle lightly with salt to enhance their flavor. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the strawberries are tender and slightly caramelized, which deepens their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the Whipped Feta: While the strawberries roast, combine crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of black pepper in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything blends evenly for a perfect whipped texture.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the whipped feta mixture into a serving dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Allow the roasted strawberries to cool slightly once out of the oven to avoid melting the cheese mixture. Spoon the strawberries generously over the whipped feta layer.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle additional honey over the top for extra sweetness and garnish with chopped fresh mint or basil if using. Serve immediately with crostini or your preferred crackers to enjoy this elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute goat cheese in place of cream cheese for the whipped mixture.
- You can roast the strawberries ahead of time and refrigerate them. Assemble the dish just before serving to keep the whipped cheese fresh.
- This appetizer pairs excellently with toasted sourdough bread or seeded crackers for added texture and flavor variety.
