If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, you’ve got to try these whipped feta crostini with hot honey. The combo of creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy honey is just good and addictive. I love serving these for parties or as an appetizer when I host because they look so impressive on a platter, and honestly, I’ve also made them a couple of times for a cozy night in with a glass of wine with my husband. They hit that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite, and trust me, they disappear so fast.
What Is The Difference Between Crostini and Bruschetta?
Crostini and bruschetta are super similar, but if you ever wondered what is the difference between these two, then here’s the quick breakdown. Crostini are the smaller, crispier version, usually made with thin baguette slices toasted until crunchy and topped with spreads or cheeses, while bruschetta is made with thicker, rustic bread that’s grilled, rubbed with garlic, and drizzled with olive oil before piling on toppings like tomatoes and basil. Basically, crostini are bite-sized and snacky, while bruschetta feels heartier and more rustic.
What Do You Need To Make This Whipped Feta Crostini Appetizer?
This recipe doesn’t take much – just a few basics that come together into the perfect little bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Honey – The base for that sweet drizzle that makes everything stick together.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a little tang so the honey isn’t too sweet.
Hot Sauce – Sriracha works great here, but use whatever hot sauce you already like.
Garlic – Fresh garlic makes the hot honey taste way more interesting and works perfectly with bread.
Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch of spice that also looks pretty when you sprinkle it.
Feta Cheese – The star of the show, salty and tangy when whipped up.
Cream Cheese – Smooths out the feta so it spreads easily.
Cottage Cheese – Makes the mix light and fluffy (and a little less sharp), and high in protein.
Baguette Slices, Bagel Chips, or Crackers – Basically whatever crunchy base you want to pile the cheese on.
Pecans – A little nutty crunch on top.
Fresh Rosemary – Just a few sprigs torn up for color and flavor.
How to Make It
- Start with the hot honey and first warm up the honey with apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes on low heat. Stir it gently until it smells amazing, then set it aside to cool a bit.
2. Toss the feta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese in a food processor and blend until it’s super smooth and creamy or just mix it well with an egg beater (like this one). Scrape down the sides if you need to.
3. Now it’s time to build your crostini. Spread a layer of whipped feta on each toasted baguette slice (or cracker). Sprinkle with pecans, drizzle with hot honey, and finish with a few rosemary leaves.
4. Serve right away. These are best when the bread is crisp and the honey is still a little warm.
FAQs
Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Yes! Keep it in a jar in the fridge and just warm it up a little before using.
What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem – substitute is with walnuts, pistachios, or almonds – all work. Or skip the nuts if you prefer.
What’s the best bread to use?
A baguette is the classic choice, but sourdough slices or bagel chips are just as good.
Do I need a food processor?
It makes the feta super smooth, but you can mash everything by hand with a fork or an egg beater if you like it a bit chunkier.
Easy Swaps for This Appetizer
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t stress if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand, there are lots of ways to switch things up and still end up with a seriously delicious appetizer.
Swap the herbs. If you don’t have rosemary, thyme works beautifully. It gives a slightly different flavor, but it’s still fresh and earthy.
Turn up the heat. Love spice? Go ahead and add more red pepper flakes, or even use a hotter chili sauce.
Keep it mild. If you’re not into too much heat, just skip the hot sauce and let the honey and garlic shine on their own. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without the kick.
Add a tangy twist. Want a little extra zing? A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top takes these crostini to a whole new level.
These swaps are easy, and they let you play around with flavors depending on what you’re craving, or what’s already sitting in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
These whipped feta crostini are the kind of appetizer that disappear fast, no matter where you serve them. They’re simple, crunchy, creamy, a little sweet, and a little spicy, basically everything you want in a bite-sized snack. I love them when I need something quick that looks impressive!
Whipped Feta Crostini With Hot Honey Appetizer
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 container feta cheese crumbles (4-ounce)
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- 2 baguettes, sliced and toasted
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, torn
Instructions
- Start with the hot honey and first warm up the honey with apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes on low heat. Stir it gently until it smells amazing, then set it aside to cool a bit.
- Toss the feta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese in a food processor and blend until it’s super smooth and creamy or just mix it well with an egg beater (like this one). Scrape down the sides if you need to.
- Now it’s time to build your crostini. Spread a layer of whipped feta on each toasted baguette slice (or cracker). Sprinkle with pecans, drizzle with hot honey, and finish with a few rosemary leaves.
- Serve right away. These are best when the bread is crisp and the honey is still a little warm.
