When most people think of September, they usually think of back to school season. For me, I think grapes and figs season. The perfect time to enjoy this whipped feta with roasted grapes, figs and hazelnuts.
September Produce at Its Best
Grapes and figs are everywhere right now, which feels like a little gift because they basically do all the work for you. Roast the grapes with a splash of balsamic. Then cut the figs into pretty quarters, and suddenly you’ve got a plate that looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. This recipe for whipped feta with roasted grapes and figs is proof that the simplest seasonal ingredients can turn into something beautiful with barely any effort. Also…HOW GORGEOUS IS THIS DISH !!!!!?
Why This Appetizer Works
This is my answer to the question, “What should I serve when people come over and I don’t feel like cooking?” Well clearly the answer is whipped feta with roasted grapes and figs !!! The base is whipped feta, blended with mascarpone so it’s creamy, silky, and not too salty. Think of it as the thing that makes everything else taste better. Pile on the blistered grapes, scatter figs, throw some toasted hazelnuts around, and maybe a few thyme leaves if you’re feeling ambitious. Done.
Quick, Easy, and Make-Ahead Friendly
It’s the kind of appetizer that feels restaurant-y, but you can put it together in about 20 minutes, start to finish. You can even make parts of it ahead. Whip the cheese, roast the grapes, toast the nuts—assemble right before serving. A large oval or round platter makes it look abundant and shareable. That is half the point.
How to Serve It
Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers (both, honestly), and pair it with something crisp—white wine, sparkling rosé, or even a gin and tonic if that’s the mood. It works just as well at a dinner party as it does when you want to make Tuesday night feel a little more special.
Basically, it’s an easy whipped feta appetizer that’s seasonal, simple, and gorgeous without trying too hard. Exactly the kind of thing you’ll want in your back pocket all September long.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Grapes: I found some Thomcords which IMO are ideal for their Concord-like flavor without seeds. However, red or black seedless grapes work just as well. If you’re making this any other time of year where it’s not grape season, seedless red grapes work great.
- Nuts: Swap hazelnuts for almonds, pistachios, or even walnuts depending on what you have.
- Figs: No figs? Try thin slices of pear or apple for a similarly sweet, fresh contrast.
- Cheese base: Stick to feta + mascarpone for the creamiest texture. But ricotta can step in if needed (it’ll be looser, but still delicious).
Whipped Feta with Roasted Grapes, Figs & Hazelnuts
Ingredients
For the whipped feta:
- 8 oz feta cheese crumbled (1 block)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese 1 tub
- For the topping:
- 3 cups red grapes or a mix of red + black, stems optional
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ¾ cup hazelnuts
- 6 fresh figs quartered or halved
- Fresh thyme leaves optional
For serving:
- 1 large baguette sliced and toasted OR crackers
Equipment
- Food processor
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Toss grapes with balsamic vinegar and salt on the pan. Roast 12–15 minutes, until blistered and juicy.
- Add hazelnuts to the sheet pan for the last 6–8 minutes of roasting. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- While the grapes roast, add feta and mascarpone to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spread whipped feta onto a large oval or round serving platter.
- Spoon roasted grapes (and their juices) over the center, arrange fresh figs around, and scatter hazelnuts on top.
- Finish with thyme leaves if using. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.
Rate & Review
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS RECIPE?
Made this as SOON as I saw it on Instagram. The mascarpone is a great touch to the feta. Feta is usually too dense or salty for me but this version is perfect.
This dish was easy to make and absolutely delicious! Definitely saving the recipe to bring to future parties!