Toasted Cheese with Artichokes

Ingredients

• 4 ounces shredded cheeses (about 1½ cups; see headnote)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 slices whole-grain crusty bread or any leftover bread (see note )
• 1 garlic clove, cut in half
• ⅓ cup chopped celery leaves or chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil
• 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts (not marinated), drained (liquid saved for another use) and patted dry
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Position the top oven rack roughly 4 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler to high.
2. 2Mash the shredded cheeses and olive oil together in a medium bowl using a fork until a thick spread forms. Mix in a little extra oil or soft cheese if the mixture remains too crumbly.
3. 3Arrange the bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until one side is lightly toasted.
4. 4Rub the cut side of the garlic halves over the toasted side of each bread slice. Scatter the chopped celery leaves or herbs on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5Place 4 or 5 drained artichoke quarters onto each piece of bread.
6. 6Press the cheese mixture evenly over the artichokes and herbs using a spatula or your fingers. Spread the cheese completely to the edges to protect the bread from burning.
7. 7Season each open-faced sandwich with an even dusting of black pepper.
8. 8Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning, then garnish with crushed red pepper before serving.
9. 9Slice baguette-style bread in half lengthwise and cut into serving pieces if using instead of standard crusty bread.
10. 10Pulse the cheese mixture in a food processor if you prefer a smoother consistency, which works well for hard aged cheeses.
11. 11Fold in optional ingredients like leftover herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, dried fruits, or chopped olives to customize the flavor.
12. 12Spread any remaining cheese mixture on crackers, pizza crusts, raw vegetable sticks, or fruit slices as an alternative to bread.
13. 13Stir leftover cheese spread into warm pasta or cooked whole grains for a rich side dish.
14. 14Transfer extra spread to a small serving bowl to include on a cheese board or appetizer platter.

Nutrition

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