Cheesy Artichoke Crostini Recipe

The Perfect Cheesy Artichoke Crostini Recipe – Ready in Minutes

Cheesy artichoke crostini crafts simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across crisp bread, creating a sensational small bite that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Rich, creamy cheeses meld perfectly with tangy marinated vegetables, offering a balance of textures and robust taste profiles.

Bite-sized and elegant, these appetizers work brilliantly for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations.

Shallots and fresh herbs elevate the classic combination, adding unexpected depth and complexity.

Small touches make these crostinis special, turning ordinary moments into memorable culinary experiences.

Prepare to wow your guests with this crowd-pleasing starter.

Why Cheesy Artichoke Crostini Is a Party Favorite

  • Elevate Party Appetizers: These cheesy artichoke crostini transform ordinary toasts into gourmet bites that impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Quick and Convenient Prep: From start to finish, you'll have a delectable snack ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.
  • Versatile Flavor Combination: Creamy artichokes blend beautifully with tangy cheese and bright lemon, creating a sophisticated taste profile that balances richness and zest.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the topping hours in advance and bake just before serving, making these crostini a stress-free option for busy hosts who want delicious results without kitchen chaos.

The Ingredients That Make It Irresistible

Base Ingredients:
  • Artichoke Hearts: Tender and tangy vegetable that forms the core of the crostini filling.
  • Baguette or Bread: Crispy base for the crostini, provides a crunchy texture and support for toppings.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Mayonnaise, Cheeses: Creamy components that bind the ingredients and add rich, smooth flavor.
  • Shallots: Mild onion-like ingredient that provides subtle, delicate aromatics.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and green color to the mixture.
  • Lemon Juice: Citrus element that brings tangy freshness and balances the rich cheeses.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.
  • Pepperdrop: Small pepper that adds a spicy accent and visual interest to the crostini.

How to Toast and Top Cheesy Artichoke Crostini

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.

Step 2: Arrange Toasts

Lay out toasts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Mix Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Chopped artichoke hearts
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cheeses
  • Shallots
  • Parsley
  • Lemon juice

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Spread Mixture

Spoon a generous tablespoon of the artichoke mixture onto each toast, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Add Pepperdrop

Place one Pepperdrop on top of each toast for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Brown

Bake for 5-7 minutes until the filling is warm and bubbling. Optional: Broil briefly for additional browning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the crostini cool slightly to make handling easier.

Step 8: Prepare in Advance

Prepare the crostini up to 4 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to enjoy warm.

Flavor Tips for the Best Cheesy Crostini

  • Maximize Artichoke Flavor: Drain canned artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent soggy crostini and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Use a blend of room temperature cheeses for smoother, more even melting and better overall coverage.
  • Toast Perfection Technique: Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil before toasting to create a golden, crispy base that won't get soggy.
  • Advance Prep Hack: Chop artichokes and mix filling ingredients in advance to save time and let flavors meld together before baking.
  • Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb brightness to your crostini.

Storage and Reheating for Crostini That Stays Crisp

  • Refrigerate Carefully: Transfer leftover crostini into an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm your leftover crostini in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the toast soggy and diminish the crispy texture. Place the crostini on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and restore their original crunchiness.
  • Serve Fresh: For best results, consume reheated crostini immediately after warming. The artichoke and cheese mixture tends to lose its vibrant flavor and creamy consistency if left sitting too long after reheating.

What to Pair with Artichoke Crostini

  • Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this crostini with a crisp, unoaked chardonnay or sauvignon blanc that complements the creamy artichoke and cheese blend, cutting through the richness while enhancing the delicate herb notes.
  • Sparkling Refreshment Match: Select a dry prosecco or champagne to balance the appetizer's creamy texture, with bubbles that cleanse the palate and highlight the tangy lemon and cheese flavors.
  • Mediterranean Sidekick: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with feta and kalamata olives, creating a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread that echoes the artichoke's bright, zesty character and provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich crostini.
  • Herb-Infused Cocktail Pairing: Mix a gin-based cocktail with fresh basil or thyme, mirroring the herbal parsley in the recipe and offering a botanical complement that elevates the appetizer's sophisticated flavor profile.

Unique Variations for Your Artichoke Crostini

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, swap parsley for cilantro, and top with a small dollop of chipotle cream for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, thyme, and chives into the cheese mixture, and garnish with extra herbs for an aromatic garden-fresh experience.
  • Truffle Elegance: Drizzle white truffle oil over the finished crostini and add a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan for a luxurious gourmet touch.
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Cheesy Artichoke Crostini Recipe

Cheesy Artichoke Crostini Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Cheesy Artichoke Crostini brings Mediterranean flair to elegant appetizers with creamy artichoke spread and golden toasted bread. Crisp baguette slices topped with tangy marinated artichokes and melted cheese create an irresistible starter you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 9 DeLallo crostino antipasto toasts
  • 1 jar (12 ounces / 340 grams) DeLallo marinated artichoke hearts, well drained and chopped
  • ⅓ cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup finely grated Pecorino cheese

Creamy Components:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons minced shallots (about 1 large)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • DeLallo sweet & tangy pepper drops, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
  2. Lay the baguette slices in a single, neat layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
  3. Drain the canned artichoke hearts thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, finely chop the artichoke hearts and combine them with mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced shallots, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice.
  5. Season the artichoke mixture with kosher salt and ground black pepper, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  6. Use a small spoon to distribute the artichoke mixture evenly across each baguette slice, spreading it to the edges for consistent coverage.
  7. Place one whole pepperdrop on top of each crostini for a vibrant burst of flavor.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cheese begins to melt and bubble.
  9. Optional: Switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy, golden-brown top.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the crostini rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly and set the topping.
  11. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or party snack, best enjoyed immediately after baking.

Notes

  • Discover a make-ahead appetizer that impresses guests without last-minute stress.
  • Refrigerate prepped crostini up to four hours, keeping the components fresh and crisp.
  • Choose fresh artichoke hearts for maximum flavor and creamy texture in the topping.
  • Mix cheese and herbs thoroughly to ensure each bite delivers a balanced, zesty profile.
  • Broiling briefly creates a golden, crispy top that elevates the entire appetizer experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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