We need to talk about peas. Yes, peas. Those tiny green spheres you were probably guilted into eating as a kid with phrases like “just try one bite” or “they’re good for you.” Fast-forward to today and boom — peas are out here living their best life, starring in spring menus, brunch spreads, and yes, even on fancy little toasts that make you feel like a lifestyle influencer with excellent taste in cheese.
Enter our Peas, Smoked Feta & Crostini situation. She’s crunchy, creamy, fresh, and unexpectedly smoky — basically the cool girl of the appetizer table. This recipe is equal parts “I just got back from the farmer’s market” and “I’m about to make something no one else brought to the party.”
It’s the kind of snack that makes people raise their eyebrows and say things like, “What is this?!” while still chewing.
Crostini: Not Just a Fancy Word for Toast
Crostini is just Italian for “little crusts,” but let’s be honest — calling it crostini makes it taste better. These bite-sized beauties are crisped to perfection and topped with a layer of smashed peas, creamy smoked feta, and maybe a whisper of lemon zest or mint if you’re feeling yourself.
It’s giving picnic chic. It’s giving rooftop cocktail hour. It’s giving “no, I didn’t buy this from a gourmet store, but thank you.”
Why This Combo Works (Like, Really Works)
Let’s break it down:
- Peas – Fresh, bright, and sweet like that friend who always brings their own bouquet to brunch.
- Smoked Feta – Creamy, tangy, and just enough campfire drama to make it sexy.
- Crostini – Crunchy, golden vehicles for flavor that basically say, “I’m not like other breads.”
Together, they’re a total flavor flex. Smoky, sweet, salty, zingy — all in one bite. You could top a whole platter and watch them disappear faster than a good bottle of rosé.
Ways to Serve (and Subtly Brag)
- As a party app that makes you look effortlessly cool
- With cocktails for a grown-up happy hour that doesn’t involve boxed wine (unless that’s your vibe — no judgment)
- On a big platter next to olives, charcuterie, and your best smug grin
- As a light lunch when you want to pretend you live in a Nancy Meyers movie
Optional But Elevated
Want to take it up a notch? Add a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a few delicate microgreens you bought with zero intention of actually planting. The goal here is flavor and flair.
Final Thoughts: Give Peas a Chance
This crostini isn’t just a snack — it’s a statement. A bright, bold, herby little bite that turns the humble pea into something worthy of center stage. Whether you’re hosting friends or just impressing yourself (highly encouraged), this recipe is here to prove that green can absolutely be glam.
So toast your bread, smash your peas, and pile it high. You’ve got taste, you’ve got talent, and now you’ve got the crostini to match.
8-10
servings30
minutes10
minutes40
minutesA zesty, herby, smoky snack so good it might just start a riot.
Ingredients
1–2 French baguettes, sliced ¼” thick
600g English peas (divided)
10g chopped tarragon
15g chopped mint
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest + juice of 1 lemon
4 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp crushed cumin seeds
Kosher salt + black pepper to taste
2 blocks Greek feta (360g), cubed
10 garlic cloves, peeled
Zest of 1 lemon (6 strips)
4 bay leaves
2½ tsp chipotle chili flakes
250 ml olive oil
1 tsp smoked Maldon salt
1¼ tsp paprika
Directions
- Smoky Feta
- Char garlic in hot pan 3–4 min. Add lemon peel + bay leaves, cook 2 more. Add chipotle flakes, stir 30 sec. Off heat, stir in oil, salt, paprika. Add feta cubes. Store in fridge up to 5 days.
- Pea Spread
- Blanch or thaw peas. Blitz 400g peas with herbs, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and seasoning. Stir in remaining 200g peas. Serve on a plate or crostini, top with feta, oil, herbs, salt, and cumin.
- Crostini
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Drizzle baguette slices with olive oil + Maldon salt. Bake 6–8 min until golden. Watch closely!
- Assembly
- Spread pea dip on crostini. Top with feta, drizzle oil, sprinkle herbs and salt. Devour.
Notes
- Use a food processor and veggie peeler for best results.
- Gorgeous served on a platter or passed around like a party flex.