Description
Creamy Beet and Walnut Spread Crostini is an elegant and vibrant appetizer featuring a smooth, earthy beet and walnut spread on crispy toasted bread. The combination of sweet roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cream cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
– 1 lb fresh beets
– 3/4 cup raw walnuts, toasted
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the bread
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
– 1 long French baguette
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel and chop.
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a food processor, combine roasted beets, toasted walnuts, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth but slightly textured.
- Spread a generous layer of the beet and walnut mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and an optional drizzle of honey.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use pre-cooked or canned beets (drained and rinsed).
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor; do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
- The spread can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a vegan alternative, use dairy-free cream cheese and omit the honey or use maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg