How To Make Artichoke Dip Toasts With Spinach Pesto | Tasting Tab

A twist on a classic dip

This is a decidedly grown-up version of that retro party classic, spinach and artichoke dip. Prepping the artichokes takes a bit of work, but it's worth the effort—fresh chokes are worlds above jarred in terms of taste and texture.

To learn more, read "Thistle While You Work."

Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen

Artichoke Dip Toasts With Spinach Pesto
5 from 30 ratings
Learn to get all the flavors of artichoke and spinach dip on toast. 
Prep Time
30
minutes
Cook Time
35
minutes
Servings
8
toasts
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • For the Spinach Pesto
  • 1½ cups packed baby spinach
  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, finely chopped
  • For the Artichoke Toasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 medium shallot, very thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 6 globe artichokes, trimmed and prepped, sliced very thin
  • 2 thyme sprigs
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup crème fraîche
  • Eight ¼-inch slices sourdough bread
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • 2 ounces Gruyère, grated (about ½ cup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
  • ½ lemon
Directions
  1. Make the spinach pesto: In a mortar and pestle or small food processor, pound or pulse the spinach, parsley, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil until a fairly-smooth paste forms. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and fold in the almonds. Set aside. Makes about ⅓ cup.
  2. Make the artichokes: Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes, artichokes and thyme, season with salt and cook until the artichokes begin to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the artichokes are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the crème fraîche and Parmesan and season with salt.
  3. Using a pastry brush, oil the toasts with the remaining olive oil and place them on a baking sheet and bake until light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Rub the garlic clove over each warm toast 2 to 3 times. Spoon the artichoke mixture over the toasts and top with the Gruyère. Bake on the center rack of the oven until the cheese melts, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the toasts from the oven and spoon the pesto over the top. Using a microplane, zest the lemon over each toast and serve.
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