Whipped Vegan Feta Olive Crostini
Whipped Vegan Feta & Olive Crostini: Ooh La La!
Ever feel like impressing your friends with something fancy but, like, not spend all day in the kitchen? I've got you.
These fancy vegan appetizers are totally the answer. It's a vegan crostini recipe that's easy and screams sophistication.
From Humble Beginnings to Mediterranean Vegan Appetizers
We're talking sunshine on a slice of bread, baby! These Mediterranean vegan appetizers transport you straight to Greece. This recipe is inspired by those classic Mediterranean flavors, like olives and tangy feta.
Don't worry, it's not hard. Just a bit of soaking and whizzing. The vegan feta recipe is the star. It's medium difficulty.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, and the baking time is about 10, but you need to soak the cashews for at least 4 hours.
This recipe yields about 12 crostini.
Why You'll Be Obsessed With This Vegan Appetizer Platter Idea
Honestly, the best part? This is a nutritional powerhouse. Cashews are packed with good fats and protein. It’s like a healthy party in your mouth.
Seriously, serve these at your next dinner party. Watch them disappear! Plus, these elegant vegan finger foods are guaranteed to impress even your meat loving mates.
You can serve with sophisticated vegan canapés , making it a fantastic plant based party snacks spread.
Building Blocks: Getting Your Ingredients Sorted
Now, before we dive in, let's talk shopping. Here’s what you'll need to make these gourmet vegan appetizers :
- For the Vegan Feta: Cashews, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- For the Olive Tapenade: Kalamata olives, capers, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- For the Crostini: A baguette, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
And yes, always use good quality olive oil. It makes a difference! Time to get cooking! First, start soaking those cashews. Trust me; it's worth it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Want to make some seriously amazing fancy vegan appetizers ? It all starts with the right bits and bobs.
We are going to create an absolutely stunning vegan crostini recipe !
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make about 12 crostini. This Mediterranean vegan appetizer is going to be a total showstopper, trust me!
For the Whipped Vegan Feta:
- Raw Cashews: 1 ½ cups (210g) . Get good ones! They should smell fresh and not be all shriveled. I once used old cashews, and the vegan feta recipe tasted like sadness. Learn from my mistakes.
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , extra virgin. Go for something decent here; it makes a difference.
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Don't be shy!
- Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon , plus more to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon , freshly ground, plus more to taste.
For the Olive Tapenade:
- Kalamata Olives: 1 cup (140g) , pitted. I love Kalamata; they're so flavorful.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , extra virgin.
- Capers: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , drained.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , freshly squeezed.
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick).
For the Crostini:
- Baguette: 1 , sliced into ½-inch thick rounds. Day-old is fine!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , extra virgin.
- Sea Salt: Pinch.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped and Lemon zest.
This can turn into really beautiful vegan appetizer platter ideas . This cashew feta crostini is the chef's kiss !
Seasoning Notes
Okay, spices are key here. A good pinch of salt and pepper is vital for the vegan feta recipe . The oregano in the tapenade? Divine.
If you're feeling fancy, a little smoked paprika in the olive tapenade appetizer adds a lovely depth. No oregano? Marjoram works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much, thankfully.
- Food processor or high powered blender: For the vegan feta and tapenade. Honestly, this is a must.
- Baking sheet: For the crostini.
- Small bowl: For mixing the tapenade.
- Knife and cutting board: Obvious stuff, really.
For a plant based party snack , this elegant vegan finger food recipe has everything you need. So simple, yet sophisticated vegan canapés .
If you love gourmet vegan appetizers , I hope you love this recipe!
Alright, let’s talk fancy vegan appetizers! Specifically, we're making Whipped Vegan Feta & Olive Crostini . Trust me, this isn't your average "plant based party snacks.
" We're going gourmet. I promise, even your non-vegan friends will be begging for the recipe. I’m always on the lookout for some elegant vegan finger foods that everyone can enjoy, and this is the recipe that I always turn to.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend
First things first, let's get organized. This is essential mise en place . Soak 1 ½ cups of raw cashews in hot water.
Do this for at least 4 hours. Overnight in cold water also works, and you can go about your day as usual.
This step is key for creamy vegan feta. Get all your ingredients out and measured. Mince that garlic. Pit those olives.
Organization is key for stress free cooking. Safety wise, watch your fingers when slicing that baguette!
step-by-step to Crostini Bliss
Ready to get cooking? Here's the lowdown:
- Drain those soaked cashews. Give them a good rinse.
- Make your vegan feta recipe . Combine the cashews, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons water, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Whip up the olive tapenade appetizer . Pulse 1 cup olives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon capers, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon oregano, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a food processor. Just until chopped.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Slice a baguette. Brush the slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the crostini for 8- 10 minutes . They should be golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them, you don't want to burn them.
- Spread the cashew feta on the crostini. Then top with the olive tapenade .
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Next Level Crostini
Want to really wow people? Here are a few tricks that I've found after making this vegan crostini recipe a bunch of times:
- Don't skimp on the cashew soaking time! Seriously, it makes a huge difference.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. This is especially true for the cashew feta. You know? Everyone's taste is different.
- Make the vegan feta recipe ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. That way, you don’t have to rush before your party starts. These are the perfect Mediterranean vegan appetizers .
- You can also make a cashew feta crostini for an upgraded version.
Enjoy your fancy appetizer, I hope it will bring some joy to your day!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Crostini Game
Honestly, the devil's in the details. These notes will help you make your vegan appetizer platter ideas shine. I’ve learned a thing or two making these, so listen up!
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pretty
Presentation matters, you know? For a sophisticated vegan canapés, I like to arrange these on a wooden board. Sprinkle with extra parsley.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze? Chef's kiss! These are so easy to create elegant vegan finger foods .
Pair with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc. Or a sparkling elderflower pressé for a non-alcoholic option. These Mediterranean vegan appetizers can be a little bit tangy, so a sweet drink would complement that very nicely.
For a substantial olive tapenade appetizer spread, add marinated artichoke hearts or grilled veggies.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
If you have leftovers, store the vegan feta recipe and tapenade separately in airtight containers. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . The crostini are best eaten fresh.
Freezing isn’t recommended for the whipped feta, as the texture can change. To reheat, let the feta come to room temperature.
Then spread on freshly toasted baguette slices. You can recreate the vegan crostini recipe from scratch any time!
Variations: Remix It, Baby!
Want a flavour twist? Add sun-dried tomatoes to the tapenade. I once accidentally added a whole chilli flake to the cashew feta crostini and WOW .
It was a party in my mouth.
For a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds instead of cashews. Soak 'em well like you would the cashews. Also, try to make gourmet vegan appetizers !
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each crostini has about 180 calories, 4g protein, 12g fat, and 15g carbs. Remember, these are estimates. This whipped plant based party snacks is packed with healthy fats from the cashews and olives.
Plus antioxidants from the herbs and lemon juice. A treat that is good for you.
Ready to impress with these fancy vegan appetizers? Get in that kitchen, and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm planning a party, how far in advance can I make these fancy vegan appetizers?
You can make the whipped vegan feta and olive tapenade up to 2-3 days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the crostini just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, like they say on Bake Off!
Can I substitute any of the ingredients to suit my taste or dietary needs?
Absolutely! If you are nut-free, you can use sunflower seeds instead of cashews (be sure to soak them!). For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegan feta. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes to the tapenade. Remember to adjust the seasoning as needed.
My vegan feta isn't as smooth as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?
The key to a smooth vegan feta is properly soaking your cashews. Make sure they're soaked for at least 4 hours in hot water, or overnight in cold water. Also, a high powered blender or food processor is your best friend here - scrape down the sides frequently while blending to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
If it's still too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
How do I store leftover whipped vegan feta and olive tapenade?
Store leftover whipped vegan feta and olive tapenade separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3-4 days. The olive tapenade might darken slightly, but it's still perfectly safe and delicious to eat. Think of it like aging a fine wine - just kidding, it's just olives!
What's a good wine pairing for these fancy vegan appetizers?
A crisp white wine complements the flavors of these Whipped Vegan Feta & Olive Crostini beautifully. I'd suggest a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the vegan feta and tapenade, creating a delightful balance. Cheers!
Are these fancy vegan appetizers healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown?
These crostini do offer some nutritional benefits! Cashews provide healthy fats and protein, and olives are a good source of antioxidants. However, they are relatively high in fat and calories, so moderation is key (like with most delicious things!). See the nutritional info above in the recipe.
It's a good idea to think of this as a treat, like a nice slice of cake, and enjoy!
Whipped Vegan Feta Olive Crostini
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
