These Feta & Tomato Bites with Plums and Basil are the perfect Mediterranean crostini appetizer – crispy baguette rubbed with garlic, fresh basil, juicy sun-dried tomatoes with plums, and creamy feta. Elegant, easy, and ready in minutes, they’re ideal for entertaining or a simple gourmet snack

If you’ve been here before, you know I get way too excited about appetizers. I can’t help it. They’re fun, playful, and they set the tone for a meal. To me, appetizers are little love letters on a plate – and these Feta & Tomato Bites with Plums and Basilmight just be my favorite one yet.

The moment I made them for the first time, I knew they had something special going on. Imagine this: a golden slice of toasted baguette, still warm, rubbed gently with garlic. A fresh basil leaf tucked underneath for that garden brightness. A sweet-tangy layer of my homemade sun-dried tomatoes with plums and garlic (full recipe is in another blog post, and you need to check it out). And then, the crown jewel – a chunk of creamy feta cheese, drizzled with a touch of olive oil.

It’s fancy-but-easy, the kind of bite-sized appetizer that makes your friends think you spent all day in the kitchen – when really, you just layered a few ingredients with intention.

And that’s my favorite kind of recipe.

The Story Behind These Crostini

I always joke that most of my recipes are “happy accidents,” and this one is no exception. I had a leftover baguette on the counter, a jar of my sun-dried tomatoes with plums in the fridge, and a beautiful block of feta from the market. Instead of turning it into a salad or pasta, I thought: What if I just stack these together?

One bite in, I knew I had struck appetizer gold. The crunch of the bread, the perfume of the basil, the sweet-plum-and-tomato magic, and the creamy, salty feta – it was everything. And honestly? I stood in my kitchen and ate three in a row before even setting the platter down.

This is why I love appetizers like these: they’re not just pretty, they’re memorable.

Ingredient Deep Dive

To make these little crostini shine, let’s talk about each star ingredient.

Feta Cheese

Feta is one of those ingredients that people think they know – but unless you’ve had the real deal, you might not realize how transformative it can be. Good feta is tangy, creamy, and slightly briny, and it almost melts in your mouth. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and when paired with something sweet like tomato or plum, it becomes magical.

👉 Pro tip: Skip the tubs of pre-crumbled feta. They’re dry and flavorless compared to block feta stored in brine. If you can, grab one from a Middle Eastern or Greek specialty store. That’s where you’ll find the creamiest, most flavorful options.

Basil

Fresh basil is the secret “brightener” in this recipe. Without it, the bites would feel heavier – still tasty, but missing that pop. Basil is naturally aromatic, with subtle peppery notes that cut through the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the plums.

👉 Pro tip: Pick small basil leaves if you can. They’re tender, delicate, and perfect for these little bites. If you only have large ones, tear them into smaller pieces so they don’t overwhelm each crostini.

The Bread

A slim French baguette works beautifully here because the slices are the right size for one or two bites. Toasting them until golden gives structure – no soggy appetizers here! – and rubbing garlic onto the warm bread is such a simple trick, but it makes all the difference.

👉 Pro tip: Don’t skip the garlic rub. It infuses flavor without being overpowering.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes with Plums and Garlic

Here’s where things get interesting. Instead of just plain sun-dried tomatoes, I use my homemade version with plums and garlic. The plums bring sweetness, the tomatoes bring tanginess, and together they’re balanced and rich.

👉 Find the full recipe here . It’s a batch you’ll want to keep on hand all summer – trust me, you’ll put it on everything.

Why This Feta & Tomato Bites with Basil Recipe Works

This isn’t just about throwing a few ingredients together. There’s actually a little bit of culinary science at play:

• Texture layering: crunchy bread + creamy feta + soft tomatoes + fresh basil. Every bite feels complete.
• Flavor balance: salty, sweet, tangy, herby, garlicky – all in harmony.
• Visual appeal: the colors pop! Bright green basil, deep red tomato, glossy plum, and snowy white feta.

This is why these little crostini are perfect for entertaining. They don’t just taste amazing – they look stunning on a platter.

Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Slice and toast your baguette until golden brown.
2. While still warm, rub each slice with garlic.
3. Add a basil leaf on top.
4. Layer with a sun-dried tomato and plum.
5. Place a chunk of feta on top.
6. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

That’s it. Done in minutes, yet beautiful enough to impress at any party.

Hosting & Serving Ideas for Feta & Tomato Bites with Basil

Now, let’s talk about how to make these even more fun for entertaining.

• Plating: Arrange them on a wooden board or slate platter. The rustic look makes the colors stand out.
• Pairing with Drinks: These bites love a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a bubbly Prosecco, or even a light rosé. If you’re into cocktails, try them with a gin and tonic – the herbal notes pair beautifully with basil.
• Mix & Match: Make a crostini board! Alongside these, add other toppings like roasted red peppers with goat cheese, or whipped ricotta with honey. Guests will love the variety.
• Seasonal Touches: In summer, garnish with microgreens. In winter, add a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze for warmth.

The beauty is that they adapt to any season, any gathering.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can toast the baguette in advance and keep it in an airtight container for up to a day. Assemble right before serving for the best crunch.

What’s the best bread to use?

A slim French baguette is perfect because it’s light, airy, and crisps up beautifully. Avoid sandwich bread or anything too thick — you want elegant little bites, not heavy slices.

What if I don’t have homemade sun-dried tomatoes with plums?

You can use regular sun-dried tomatoes, but I highly recommend trying my recipe. The plums add a depth of flavor that takes these crostini from “good” to “wow.” (Full recipe here!)

Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

Yes! Goat cheese or burrata would be dreamy here. Even a creamy ricotta could work, though it’s milder in flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have extras, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just know the bread will soften. If you want to re-crisp, pop them back in the oven for a couple minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely — just use your favorite gluten-free baguette or crackers. The toppings work beautifully on crispbread as well.

Are these bites vegetarian?

Yes, completely! And they’re so flavorful that no one will miss the meat.

Final Thoughts

These Feta & Tomato Bites with Plums and Basil are the kind of recipe I love most – simple ingredients, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation. They’re effortless but impressive, and they’re guaranteed to disappear off the plate faster than you can make them.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a summer picnic, or just want a glass of wine and a fancy little snack for yourself, these crostini are it.

And the best part? You now have a go-to appetizer that looks gourmet, tastes amazing, and comes together in minutes.

So next time you’re at the market, grab that baguette, a block of feta, some fresh basil, and make a batch of my sun-dried tomatoes with plums and garlic. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.