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    Home » Appetizers

    Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

    Published: Jun 6, 2021 · Modified: Jun 23, 2023 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta! Creamy whipped feta is topped with fresh diced tomatoes, juicy watermelon & refreshing cucumber then drizzled with balsamic glaze in this summery version of a classic appetizer.

    Jam Cellars Cabernet

    Note: This post was originally posted in August 2016 and was updated in June 2021.

    Summertime is a perfect season for last minute, casual entertaining! There's no need to make it stressful or complicated. I have a few tricks (as well as simple pantry staples and super easy appetizers) up my sleeve that help make last minute guests a welcome thing throughout the entire year.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Last Minute Entertaining Snacks
    • Basic Bar Essentials
    • Easy Last Minute Recipes
    • Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

    Easy Last Minute Entertaining Snacks

    I can't tell you how many times I've had friends pop by and have used whatever I have on hand to make a quick party spread. Over time, I've gathered a list of some of my favorite store-bought snacks that I can pick up on the fly or set out as guests walk in without breaking a sweat.

    Jam Cellars Cabernet
    • Hummus + Veggies {and Pitas}. I almost always have hummus in my fridge, so this is a no-brainer. Many stores carry a fantastic assortment of interesting flavors, so buy a few containers, peel back the seal and set out a few varieties with some fresh, chopped veggies {another good reason to always have those in your reach!} and pita triangles.  

    Pro Tip: Pre-chopped broccoli, cauliflower and carrots from your produce section are a tiny bit pricier, but worth the cost when time is of the essence!

    Jam Cellars Cabernet
    • Crusty Bread + Olive Oil & Seasonings. It doesn't get any easier than slices or chunks of delicious crusty bread served with quality olive oil. {Just like the restaurants!} Grab a fresh loaf from your local bakery or right from the grocery store; serve the bread warm or grilled for a smoky char, or don't! Carbs are carbs.

    Pro tip: Toasted bread slices make a great base for easy bruschetta! See the recipe for my favorite summer version below.

    Jam Cellars Cabernet
    • Cheese + Crackers. The old standby! I ALWAYS have cheese in the house. Many stores now carry small sample pieces of "fancy" cheeses, which makes it easy to buy a variety without having to invest in an expensive hunk.  

    Pro-tip: Many aged cheeses are naturally lactose-free -- consider buying some so all guests {lactose-intolerant or not} can enjoy!

    Jam Cellars Cabernet
    • Chocolate Ganache + Dippers. As far as I'm concerned, it's not a real party unless there's dessert... and wine! Dessert doesn't have to be complicated. Make a simple "ganache" {don't freak out, it's basically melted chocolate} by bringing heating heavy cream to just under a simmer, then pouring it over chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, and whisking until it's melted, smooth and silky. Try a 2:1 ratio {two parts cream to one part chocolate} for a good dipping consistency. Set out strawberries and bananas {or your favorite fruit}, chunks of pound cake {store bought or homemade if you have it}, and even pretzels for those who like the sweet & salty thing.  Then sit back and sip while your guests dip. 🙂 If all else fails, store bought ice cream or small bakery treats are always good options! 

    Pro Tip: You can buy dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut milk instead of cream if you're cooking for vegan friends!

    Notice that NONE of these things required turning on an oven {unless you're warming that bread after all} or excessive prep time, which means more time for you to actually have fun with your guests.

    Basic Bar Essentials

    Jam Cellars Cabernet

    You don't have to have the trimmings for a world-class cocktail bar in order to have the essentials to offer guests! Next time you're at the liquor store, pick up a few basic bottles to have on hand for classic cocktails:

    • Vodka. Many cocktails such as martinis start off with this basic liquor. Pick something palatable in the mid-range price to ensure a smooth flavor.
    • Rum. There are hundreds, if not thousands of rums you can choose from on the market, but I'd stick to one bottle of light rum for things like daiquiris and one bottle of dark or spiced rum for cocktails like the Dark n' Stormy.
    • Whiskey. Whiskey is actually my favorite spirit. Much like rum, there are many different styles and variations, but there's no need to go wild. A basic bottle like Jack Daniels will do, though I prefer a bourbon whiskey like Woodford Reserve for cocktails like an Old Fashioned and a Mint Julep.
    • Tequila. I like to keep a bottle of silver tequila in my bar for simple drinks like margaritas.
    • Gin. Gin is another popular liquor that can be served in basic drinks like a Gin & Tonic or a Tom Collins.
    • Wine. Wine is a perfect option if you don't want to mess with mixology! Keep a few bottles of a white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and red like Merlot and Cabernet in stock to have options for guests.
    • Liqueurs, Mixers, Juices and Garnish. This is one area where you can really go crazy as there are tons of liqueurs, bitters and mixers to choose from. I suggest starting with the most basic like Angostura bitters, tonic, and vermouth for simple cocktails and building from there. It's also nice to have a signature or themed drink for special occasions, so you can plan ahead for the ingredients needed for your pick.

    Easy Last Minute Recipes

    Low key entertaining is what summer is all about! Be prepared for last minute gatherings by having an arsenal of easy summer recipes at your disposal. A few of my favorites include:

    • Summertime Crab Cake Salad (made with frozen or fresh store-bought crab cakes!)
    • Hot Honey Peach & Brie Bruschetta
    • Meyer Lemon Mascarpone Fruit Dip
    • Mandarin Avocado Salad

    Last, but not least, this incredibly delicious Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta is the perfect summer appetizer!

    Fresh watermelon, cool cucumber and juicy tomatoes are piled atop a salty whipped feta cheese spread on toasty bread slices. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey tops everything off beautifully.

    This simple, no-cook appetizer is one that I guarantee you'll want to make again and again.

    What are your favorite tips for last minute entertaining?

    Jam Cellars Cabernet

    Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

    Dianna Muscari | The Kitchen Prep
    Toasted bread slices make a great base for bruschetta!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup finely diced watermelon
    • ½ cup finely diced tomato {I used mini heirloom tomatoes but plum or Roma work well, too}
    • ¼ cup finely diced English cucumber
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Sprinkle of salt
    • Sprinkle of finely chopped mint {a light sprinkle of dried mint will do if you don't have fresh}

    For Whipped Feta

    • 1 6 oz container crumbled feta
    • 1 - 1 ½ tablepoons plain yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil

    For Bruschetta

    • Crusty Italian Bread slices toasted
    • Balsamic glaze or honey

    Instructions
     

    For Bruschetta:

    • Toss watermelon, tomato, and cucumber in a medium bowl to combine. Add olive oil, salt and mint and mix until evenly distributed. Set aside until ready to use.

    For Whipped Feta:

    • Place ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth, about 3-4 minutes. You may need to scrape down the sides occasionally as you go.

    To Assemble:

    • Slather a tablespoon of whipped feta on a slice of toasted bread. Top with a scoop of watermelon tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey if desired.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. JaM Cellars says

      August 16, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Easy-to-grab foods paired with easy-to-love JaM wine...you've mastered entertaining on a moments notice! Cheers! We hope you enjoyed the wine and thank you!

      Reply
      • thekitchenprep says

        August 16, 2016 at 9:45 pm

        Thank YOU! I did enjoy it, and I'll definitely be picking up some more... you know, for unexpected guests. 😉

        Reply
    2. Shaina Wizov says

      August 23, 2016 at 7:53 pm

      I MUST make this bruschetta. I miss the one we had in St Pete!!! SO MUCH YUM

      Reply
      • thekitchenprep says

        August 23, 2016 at 8:44 pm

        I know! We need a repeat of that entire meal. <3 Hope you enjoy my version!

        Reply

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