Description
Gourmet artichoke bruschetta brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crisp bread topped with marinated artichokes, herbs, and cheese creates a simple yet elegant appetizer you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 baguette (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
- 1 can (14 oz/396 g) artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, optional for creamy texture)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal toasting environment for the baguette slices.
- Bread Arrangement: Distribute baguette rounds on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure uniform crisping and optimal air circulation.
- Oil Infusion: Brush olive oil across each bread slice with a light, sweeping motion, ensuring a delicate, even coating that will enhance flavor and promote golden browning.
- Toasting Process: Bake the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes, vigilantly observing their transformation into crisp, golden crostini with a perfect texture and rich, toasted flavor.
- Cooling and Finishing: Carefully extract the baking sheet from the oven, allowing the crostini to rest briefly, achieving a firm, crunchy texture that will serve as an excellent base for various toppings.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Bread: Pat artichoke hearts completely dry before chopping to eliminate excess moisture that could make bruschetta soft.
- Perfect Toasting Technique: Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even, consistent golden-brown color across all bread slices.
- Maximize Flavor Depth: Let toasted bread cool for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings, allowing surface to crisp and prevent immediate softening.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular baguette with gluten-free bread for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, maintaining the recipe’s core texture and taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg