Strawberry & Balsamic Bruschetta with Whipped Feta & Honey Drizzle
Things to avoid for best results:
- Overripe strawberries: They’ll become mushy and won’t hold their shape on the bruschetta.
- Skipping the balsamic reduction: It adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the saltiness of the feta.
- Using stale bread: It won’t toast properly and will be hard to bite into.
- Overwhipping the feta: It will become grainy and lose its creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Substitutions:
- Baguette: Ciabatta bread, sourdough bread, or even crackers can be used.
- Strawberries: Other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can be used.
- Balsamic vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Feta cheese: Goat cheese or ricotta cheese can be used.
- Greek yogurt: Sour cream or cream cheese can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and toasted.
- While the bread is toasting, make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until the vinegar has reduced to about 1/4 cup, or until it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the honey.
- In a medium bowl, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and black pepper.
- Use a fork to mash the feta and yogurt together until smooth and creamy.
- To assemble the bruschetta, spread a layer of the whipped feta mixture on each toasted baguette slice.
- Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4-6
Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add a few slices of prosciutto or salami for a savory twist.
- Serve with a side salad for a light lunch or appetizer.
