Description
Artichoke bruschetta brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across crisp bread with zesty charm. Fresh ingredients combine elegantly, offering a delightful appetizer that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts (drained & chopped)
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Bread:
- 1 French baguette loaf (cut at an angle into 1/3-inch slices)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Fresh minced parsley OR paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until velvety and smooth. Incorporate mayonnaise and finely chopped artichokes, creating a rich, textured base.
- Fold in Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic salt, blending thoroughly until the mixture achieves a creamy, slightly chunky consistency that will spread easily.
- Preheat broiler to high. Slice baguette diagonally into thin, uniform pieces approximately ⅓-inch thick.
- Generously coat each bread slice with the artichoke-cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage to prevent burning and maximize flavor.
- Arrange bruschetta on a baking sheet and position under the broiler. Monitor closely for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from broiler and enhance presentation by sprinkling fresh minced parsley or a light dusting of paprika across the top.
- Optional: Finish with a delicate drizzle of olive oil for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal before serving immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Select room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing.
- Use fresh artichoke hearts for richer flavor compared to canned versions, which can taste slightly metallic.
- When slicing baguette, choose a sharp serrated knife to get clean, even cuts without crushing the bread’s delicate structure.
- Test your broiler’s heat setting first, as some run hotter than others and can quickly burn delicate bruschetta.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional baguette with gluten-free bread or crisp vegetable slices like cucumber or zucchini.
- Consider making cheese mixture ahead of time and storing in refrigerator for up to two days to enhance flavor development.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy slightly spicy appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg