Tag Archives: mozzarella cheese

Recipe: Artichoke Cheese Bread

I feel like food inspiration is every where these days! And especially since I started using Pinterest I feel like I am surrounded by foodies that know what good food really is.

I was inspired by this recipe I saw pinned on a food board on the Pinterest website and I figured I’d give it a go. I had almost all of the ingredients (I needed to pick up a can of artichokes and some fresh french baguettes) and it seemed like putting together the breaded appetizer would be fairly easy.

draining artichokes

So first thing is first… I needed to crack open the can of artichokes. Gag. Have you ever taken a whiff of canned artichokes — again, gag. I love the taste of artichokes but I was practically dry heaving over the smell when they were drained from the can. (I react the same way when I am opening a can of gorgonzola beans.) Note: this is why I am not the one in culinary school, I’ll leave that up to my good friend Stef.

After getting past draining the artichokes, everything was a breeze. For a serving of 4, here’s what the recipe called for:

2 whole grain french baguettes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 14-ounce can of artichokes in water or brine, drained and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
fresh parsley for garnish

I decided I’d leave the panko bread crumbs out but you’re welcome to keep them in. After draining and rinsing the artichokes, here’s what the instructions said to do:

Cut the baguettes in half lengthwise and brush with the olive oil. Equally distribute the minced garlic and chopped artichoke hearts. Top each with a good handful of cheese, about 1/3 cup each. Sprinkle on a few breadcrumbs. Bake for 8 minutes, then heat the broiler and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley.

I love the flavor of the cheese, garlic, and artichokes. But here’s what I think should be noted for the recipe… Be sure to keep the spread pretty thin, I might have order done it by piling on the ingredients. The flavors were fantastic, but I could hardly take a bite without making a mess! If you can master that (which is no big deal), then these will make for a perfect appetizer or side dish for an Italian meal!