Spinach Artichoke French Bread Pizzas Recipe
These Spinach Artichoke French Bread Pizzas are a deliciously cheesy, savory treat featuring a crispy French bread base topped with a flavorful mixture of spinach, artichoke hearts, and three types of cheese. Perfect for a crowd-pleaser appetizer or a satisfying snack, they combine creamy textures and a hint of spice for a gourmet twist on classic pizza flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Base
- 1 Stick Salted butter (softened)
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
For the Topping
- 1 Loaf French bread (sliced in half lengthwise)
- 2 Cups Packed spinach (chopped)
- 1 15oz Can Artichoke hearts (chopped)
- 1 Cup Freshly shredded Gouda cheese
- 1 Cup Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 Cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Butter the bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both cut sides of the French bread halves, ensuring full coverage for flavor.
- Initial bake: Place the prepared bread slices on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until the bread turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Mix the toppings: In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, shredded Gouda, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Top the bread: Evenly spoon the spinach and artichoke cheese mixture onto the baked bread halves, distributing it carefully to cover the surface.
- Bake the topped bread: Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
- Serve: Once baked, slice the French bread pizzas and garnish with sliced chives for a fresh, subtle onion flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain well to avoid sogginess.
- For a crispier crust, broil the pizzas for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Try different cheese combinations such as adding cheddar or fontina for varied flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
