Description
Cheesy spinach-artichoke toasts blend creamy, tangy flavors with crisp bread for a delightful appetizer. Cheese and vegetables create a rich, satisfying starter you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226.8 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (226.8 grams)
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) finely chopped artichoke hearts
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) finely chopped spinach
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite bread, toasted
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
- Mixing: Blend cream cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl until thoroughly combined and uniform in texture.
- Seasoning: Incorporate red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute flavors evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
- Assembling: Arrange toasted bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, creating a uniform base for the topping.
- Topping: Spread the spinach-artichoke mixture generously over each toast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the topped toasts, creating a rich, melty cheese surface.
- Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly appearance.
- Finishing: Activate broiler and toast for 30-60 seconds to achieve a crispy, golden top, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Serving: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while toasts are warm and cheese remains luxuriously melted.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Moisture Management: Pat artichoke hearts and spinach dry to prevent soggy toasts and ensure crisp texture.
- Bread Base Strategy: Choose sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or French baguette that can hold the creamy topping without becoming mushy.
- Broiler Caution: Keep a close eye during the final broiling stage, as cheese can quickly burn within seconds of achieving perfect golden color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg