If you’re searching for a standout appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy into every single bite, look no further than Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini. This festive bite is a gorgeous assembly of golden baguette, a cloud of honey-laced whipped feta, jewel-toned cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts and fresh thyme. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a fun Friday night in, these crostini promise pure flavor fireworks in less than 30 minutes—proof that a short ingredient list can deliver big, beautiful results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple but specially chosen ingredients, Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini delivers big flavor and a stunning burst of color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, and overall experience, making every single bite pop.
- Baguette: Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds to create the perfect, sturdy base for all the toppings.
- Olive oil: Brushed onto each slice so they toast up golden and crisp in the oven, not soggy.
- Feta cheese: The backbone of the creamy whipped spread—its saltiness and tang bring the whole crostini to life.
- Cream cheese: Softens the feta and adds a lovely, rich creaminess to the whipped mixture.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness, balancing the tang and pulling together the dairy and berries.
- Lemon zest: Just a little boost of citrusy brightness makes the flavors sing.
- Cranberry sauce: For jewel-like color, sweet-tart punch, and a gorgeous finish—whole berry is especially lovely.
- Toasted walnuts (optional): For nutty crunch and even more richness; toast them for extra flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves: A final herbal pop that makes each crostini feel a little bit gourmet.
How to Make Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini
Step 1: Toast the Crostini
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange your baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, and brush them lightly on both sides with olive oil. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp. Let them cool completely so your whipped feta doesn’t melt on contact.
Step 2: Make the Honey Whipped Feta Spread
While the crostini cool, add the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, honey, and lemon zest to a food processor. Blitz everything together, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and irresistible. This is where the magic happens—the spread becomes so dreamy and light!
Step 3: Build the Crostini
Once your toasted baguette rounds are room temperature, spread each one generously with the honey whipped feta mixture. You want a nice thick layer so every bite is creamy and satisfying.
Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon a dollop of cranberry sauce onto each crostini, letting some of that gorgeous ruby color spill over the edge. If you’re using store-bought or homemade, whole berry cranberry sauce is ideal for extra texture and visual appeal.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Time for the finishing touches! Sprinkle each crostini with a handful of toasted chopped walnuts for crunch, then drizzle with a bit more honey for sweetness. Finish with a few delicate fresh thyme leaves—now you’ve got Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini worthy of any gathering.
How to Serve Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini
Garnishes
Elevate your Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini with thoughtful garnishes. A scatter of extra thyme leaves, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a few fine shavings of lemon zest all add fresh flavor and visual flair. Drizzling a touch more honey at serving feels extra festive—and really highlights that gorgeous glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Turn these crostini into a broader appetizer spread or a brunch showstopper. They’re wonderful alongside marinated olives, a crisp arugula salad, a bowl of roasted nuts, or even a simple charcuterie board. Their sweet-tart and savory flavor pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or a festive cocktail.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter for instant holiday cheer. Make them bite-sized for easy mingling, or arrange them in concentric circles for impressive presentation at a party. For even more drama, sprinkle pomegranate seeds or microgreens on top to echo the cranberry color and add another fresh layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini (though it’s rare!), store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. The crostini may soften a bit, but they’ll still taste delicious for up to a day.
Freezing
While it’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled crostini—since the bread can get soggy—you can easily freeze the baguette slices after toasting. Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to a month. The whipped feta mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated, but the final assembly is best done fresh.
Reheating
If your toasts lose some of their crunch, slide them into a 350°F oven for a few minutes before assembling. Avoid reheating assembled crostini, as the creamy topping and cranberry sauce taste best cold or at room temperature, preserving all their creamy and tangy notes.
FAQs
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese will give the spread a tangier, slightly earthier flavor. The creamy texture still whips up beautifully, and it pairs wonderfully with the honey and cranberry elements.
Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly—just look for a whole berry variety for better texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick homemade cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest is also amazing.
How far ahead can I prep the components?
You can make the whipped feta and toast the baguette slices up to a day ahead. Store the whipped feta in the fridge and the toasts at room temperature. Assemble with cranberry sauce, nuts, and garnishes just before serving for best texture.
What’s the best way to toast the walnuts?
Simply scatter chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely—they go from perfect to burnt quickly! Toasting brings out their nuttiness and crunch for your Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the baguette for your favorite gluten-free option—look for GF baguette or even GF crackers. The irresistible honey whipped feta and cranberry topping works on any sturdy base.
Final Thoughts
Few appetizers deliver the kind of crowd-pleasing magic you’ll get with Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini. Whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, their combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes every occasion feel special. Give them a try—you might just find you have a new signature party dish!
Print
Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Honey Whipped Feta and Cranberry Crostini. Creamy whipped feta with a hint of honey spread on crispy baguette slices, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and a drizzle of honey, these crostini are a delightful appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crostini:
- 1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the whipped feta:
- 6 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
- fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toast the baguette: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Make the whipped feta: Blend feta, cream cheese, honey, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread whipped feta on cooled crostini, top with cranberry sauce, walnuts, drizzle with honey, and garnish with thyme.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce.
- For added flavor, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest into the cranberry topping.
- These crostini are perfect for holiday parties and can be prepped ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
