When it comes to easy Italian appetizers, this Cheesy Artichoke Bruschetta is my secret weapon. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any Italian dinner party or casual get-together. With creamy, cheesy artichoke spread on crispy bread, it’s no surprise this dish disappears in minutes—trust me, make a double batch!
I love that it’s a make-ahead appetizer, keeping things stress-free when guests arrive. Just toast, spread, and broil for a warm, bubbly treat that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Whether you need a quick, last-minute appetizer or a delicious Italian party snack, this bruschetta always delivers. 😊🍷
Cheesy Artichoke Bruschetta
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Stand Mixer
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 loaf 16 ounces French bread, cut into slices
- 2 cups 16 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup mayonnaise with olive oil
- ¼ cup light sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange bread slices on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush or spray with olive oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden. Set aside.1 loaf, Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil
- Make Artichoke Spread: In a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped artichokes, garlic salt, parsley, grated Parmesan, and shredded Parmesan until well mixed.2 cups 16 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature, 1 cup mayonnaise with olive oil, ¼ cup light sour cream, 2 garlic cloves, 1 can, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Top Bread with Spread: Spread a generous amount of the artichoke mixture onto each slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Broil: Broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a warm and cheesy appetizer.
Cheesy Artichoke Bruschetta Hacks: Secrets from a Serial Snacker
Alright, fellow cheese lovers, let me spill the (artichoke) hearts about this Cheesy Artichoke Bruschetta. I’ve made this recipe more times than I care to admit—let’s just say my oven basically recognizes the smell and turns itself on at this point. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just treating yourself (no judgment here!), I’ve got all the tips, swaps, and sneaky tricks to make this bruschetta the best thing on the table.
🧀 Get Extra Cheesy:
- The recipe calls for mozzarella, Parmesan (grated and shredded), and cream cheese. But if you’re feeling wild, add a handful of sharp white cheddar or even a little gouda. The extra melt factor is no joke.
🥖 Bread Brilliance:
- French bread is a classic, but don’t stop there. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a good ol’ baguette works perfectly. The key is to slice it at an angle for maximum topping real estate. You want that spread to pile high!
🧄 Garlic Lovers, Unite:
- Before baking, rub a cut garlic clove over the bread slices for a little extra zing. It’s like giving your bread a garlicky hug.
🥫 Artichoke Heart Smarts:
- Marinated artichoke hearts are a game-changer, but if you only have canned or frozen, no worries! Just toss them in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning to fake that marinated magic.
🍃 Herb It Up:
- Fresh parsley is great, but basil or chives also add a pop of color and flavor. Feeling fancy? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving makes these bites look like they came straight out of a bistro.
🥄 Spread Love:
- Don’t be shy with that cheesy artichoke spread. Heap it on there. If you end up with extra (unlikely, but hey, it happens), it makes an amazing dip with crackers or raw veggies.
🔥 Watch the Broiler:
- When broiling, keep a close eye—broilers have a mind of their own. I’ve learned this the hard way (RIP to a few batches). Keeping the oven door slightly open helps you catch the perfect golden-bubbly moment.
🥶 Make Ahead Magic:
- You can prep the spread a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. When party time comes, all you need to do is toast, spread, and broil. Easy peasy!
🧑🍳 Serving Vibes:
- Serve these warm for ultimate cheesy goodness. If they cool down, just pop them back in the oven for a couple of minutes to revive that gooey magic.
🥬 Sneaky Add-Ins:
- Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in a handful of chopped spinach or finely diced sun-dried tomatoes into the spread. It’s like giving your appetizer a healthy-ish upgrade.
🥂 When in Doubt, Dip It:
- Too lazy for bruschetta? (Hey, no judgment.) Make this as a straight-up dip! Just bake the spread in a dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s melty and bubbly. Serve with bread, crackers, or straight-up eat it with a spoon—I won’t tell.
There you have it! My favorite little secrets for making Cheesy Artichoke Bruschetta that’ll steal the show at any party—or at your own solo snack fest. Enjoy, and don’t blame me if you eat the whole tray. 😉
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