Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 25 minutes of prep and cook time, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich, tangy feta is balanced by the sweetness of the roasted strawberries and the freshness of mint, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Beautiful Presentation: It’s as visually stunning as it is delicious—perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something special.
- Versatile: Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a great appetizer or snack option.
Ingredients
- 8 oz block feta cheese, in brine
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp honey (to taste)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the Strawberries
- Place the halved strawberries on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat.
- Roast the strawberries in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Once done, let them cool slightly.
3. Make the Whipped Feta
- In a food processor, combine the feta cheese and cream cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate in swirls, creating a creamy base for the strawberries.
5. Top with Roasted Strawberries
- Once the strawberries are cool enough to handle, top the whipped feta with the roasted strawberries, and spoon over any juices from the pan.
6. Finish with Honey and Mint
- Drizzle the entire dish with honey, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Add a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Serve
- Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to use different fruits like roasted peaches or figs in place of strawberries, depending on the season.
- Make Ahead: You can roast the strawberries and prepare the whipped feta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
- Honey Variation: Adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you want the dish. You can also experiment with flavored honey, such as lavender or rosemary honey, for an interesting twist.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The whipped feta will keep its creamy texture, but the strawberries may soften a bit.
- Reheating: If you want to warm up the leftovers, you can gently heat the strawberries in the microwave or in a pan, but serve the whipped feta cold for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block of feta?
Yes, crumbled feta will work as well, though a block of feta will give you a smoother and creamier consistency.
2. Can I use a different cheese for the whipped feta?
While cream cheese is an important ingredient for achieving the smoothness, you could experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream cheese or coconut yogurt. For the feta, look for a dairy-free feta made from plant-based ingredients.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The whipped feta and roasted strawberries can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before serving.
5. Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can mix the feta and cream cheese by hand, though it will be a bit less smooth than when using a food processor.
Conclusion
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries is the ultimate appetizer or snack for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is an easy way to add some gourmet flair to your meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this whipped feta spread topped with roasted strawberries will definitely impress. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish so special!
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries: A Deliciously Simple Gourmet Appetizer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries is a beautiful and indulgent appetizer that combines creamy, tangy whipped feta with sweet, caramelized strawberries. Drizzled with honey and topped with fresh mint, this dish is not only stunning to look at but also bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz block feta cheese, in brine
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp honey (to taste)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the Strawberries: Place the halved strawberries on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat. Roast for 15–18 minutes, or until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor, combine feta cheese and cream cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate in swirls.
- Top with Roasted Strawberries: Once cooled, top the whipped feta with roasted strawberries, spooning any juices from the pan over the feta.
- Finish with Honey and Mint: Drizzle with honey, garnish with fresh mint, and add freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Customization: Swap strawberries for roasted peaches or figs depending on the season.
Make Ahead: Prepare the strawberries and whipped feta in advance. Store separately in the fridge and assemble before serving.
Honey Variation: Adjust honey to taste or experiment with flavored honey like lavender or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
