Watermelon Crostini
Summer entertaining calls for something light, pretty, and fuss-free, and this Watermelon Crostini checks every box.
This Watermelon Crostini is proof that the best summer appetizers don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of app that disappears fast at a cookout, bridal shower, or backyard dinner party.
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The real star of this recipe is Lifeway Farmer Cheese, a soft, mild, spreadable cheese that whips together with honey in seconds to create a rich, slightly tangy base for the toppings. It holds its texture on the crostini without getting runny, and its subtle flavor lets the watermelon and mint shine. If you’ve never cooked with Farmer Cheese before, this recipe is a great, easy introduction.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comes together in under 30 minutes, start to finish
- A gorgeous, colorful appetizer that looks like it took way more effort than it did
- Sweet, salty, and creamy flavors balance perfectly in every bite
- Easy to customize and scale up for a crowd
Ingredients
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Full Printable Recipe Card Below
- French baguette – sliced into rounds and toasted, this forms the crisp base for every crostini
- Olive oil – brushed on the bread before toasting to help it crisp up and turn golden
- Lifeway Farmer Cheese – a creamy, tangy spread that serves as the flavorful base layer
- Honey – whisked into the farmer cheese for sweetness, plus a drizzle on top for extra flavor
- Fresh watermelon – cubed small for a juicy, refreshing topping
- Fresh mint – adds a bright, herby contrast to the sweet watermelon
- Toasted pine nuts – bring a buttery crunch and nutty flavor to finish each bite
- Balsamic glaze – a drizzle that adds a tangy-sweet finish
- Flaky salt (optional) – enhances all the other flavors with a final touch of texture and seasoning
How to Make Watermelon Crostini
- Brush or drizzle olive oil over both sides of the sliced baguette and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in a preheated large skillet and cook until both sides are golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, stir together the Lifeway Farmer Cheese and honey until smooth.
- Spread a generous layer of the sweetened cheese onto each crostini.
- Top each crostini with a few pieces of watermelon, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and fresh mint. Top with toasted pine nuts.
- If desired, finish with a pinch of flaky salt. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Substitutions
- Toast the baguette slices in a skillet for a golden, buttery crunch, or bake them in the oven if you’re making a larger batch.
- Pat the watermelon cubes dry with a paper towel before assembling so the crostini don’t get soggy.
- No pine nuts on hand? Crushed pistachios or toasted almonds work beautifully as a swap.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a tiny drizzle of hot honey.
- Assemble these just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Storage
Watermelon crostini are best enjoyed fresh, as the bread will soften once topped. If you need to prep ahead, toast the baguette slices and mix the honeyed Farmer Cheese up to 2 days in advance, storing each separately in the refrigerator. Cut the watermelon no more than a few hours ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep the components ahead, but for the best texture, assemble the crostini right before serving.
Any crusty bread works well here, including sourdough or a rustic country loaf sliced thin.
Yes, fresh peaches, strawberries, or figs all make delicious swaps for watermelon
Lifeway Farmer Cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made from cultured skim milk. It’s high in protein, packed with live and active probiotic cultures, and has a mild, creamy flavor that takes on seasonings beautifully. It’s a nutritious alternative to cream cheese, cottage cheese, or sour cream as a dip base.
More Easy Appetizers
- Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes
- Boat Dip
- Bacon and Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
- Pizza Crescent Rolls
Watermelon Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup Lifeway Farmer Cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey plus more for drizzling
- 2 cups fresh watermelon cut into small cubes
- balsamic glaze amount as desired
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- flaky salt optional
Instructions
- Brush or drizzle olive oil over both sides of the sliced baguette and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in a preheated large skillet and cook until both sides are golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, stir together the Lifeway Farmer Cheese and honey until smooth. Spread a generous layer of the sweetened cheese onto each crostini.
- Top each crostini with a few pieces of watermelon, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and fresh mint. Add toasted pine nuts.
- If desired, finish with a pinch of flaky salt. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
