Description
A delightful appetizer featuring sweet and tangy balsamic roasted grapes paired with creamy whipped feta, enhanced by fresh rosemary and served with optional pita chips or toast for a perfect combination of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups red California grapes
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 8 oz fresh block feta, softened at room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the grapes.
- Prepare Grapes: Place the red California grapes onto a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to coat the grapes thoroughly.
- Roast Grapes: Roast the grapes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they become soft, wilted, and slightly caramelized.
- Make Whipped Feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the softened feta cheese, cream cheese, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the roasted grapes alongside the whipped feta. For added enjoyment, serve with pita chips for dipping or spread the whipped feta on toast and top with the roasted grapes. Enjoy this flavorful appetizer!
Notes
- Use red California grapes for their sweetness and juiciness, but seedless grapes work best for easy eating.
- Allow the feta and cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier blending and creamier texture.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with thyme or oregano if preferred.
- Serve immediately after roasting for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the whipped feta before serving for richness.
- Grapes can be roasted a little longer if you prefer them more caramelized and soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
