Mediterranean Antipasto Loaf
This Mediterranean Antipasto Loaf is a delightful and visually appealing appetizer that's perfect for gatherings. Combining cream cheese with zesty pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and fresh spinach, this loaf is a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you opt for the classic cream cheese or the flavored Herb and Garlic version, your guests will be retreating for seconds. The preparation is quick and easy, allowing you to create an impressive dish without a lot of fuss. Make it a day ahead for maximum convenience and serve it cold or at room temperature to let the flavors meld beautifully.
25
Servings
52
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
French baguette
1 (350 g)
Cream cheese spread
1 (250 g container)
Pesto sauce
3 (tablespoons)
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/2 (cup, drained and chopped)
Marinated artichoke hearts
1/2 (cup, drained and chopped)
Parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons, grated)
Baby spinach leaves
2 (cups, coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the refrigerator to ensure your loaf stays fresh.
2
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the baguette in half horizontally. Gently remove the bread from the center of each half, leaving 1-inch-thick shells. Reserve the removed bread for a different use, such as breadcrumbs.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese spread and pesto. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly blended.
4
Spread the cream cheese and pesto mixture evenly on the bottom half of each baguette.
5
Layer the bottom half of the baguette with the sun-dried tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarsely chopped spinach, arranging them evenly.
6
Place the top half of the baguette back on, pressing down firmly to help compress the filling and secure everything in place.
7
Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for the flavors to meld.
8
When ready to serve, unwrap the loaf and cut it into 25 slices. Arrange the slices on a platter and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3.6g
Fat
4.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mediterranean Antipasto Loaf?
It is a visually appealing appetizer loaf made by stuffing a French baguette with cream cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and fresh spinach.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 25 servings, with the loaf being cut into 25 individual slices.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are a French baguette, cream cheese spread, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, marinated artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach leaves.
How many calories are in one slice of the loaf?
Each slice contains approximately 52 calories.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this loaf up to 24 hours ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How long should the loaf be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
What kind of bread is recommended?
A 350g French baguette is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baguette for filling?
Slice the baguette horizontally and remove the inner bread to leave 1-inch-thick shells.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, you can use either classic cream cheese spread or a flavored Herb and Garlic version.
How much pesto sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of pesto sauce mixed with the cream cheese.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes should be drained of oil and chopped before layering.
How are the artichoke hearts prepared?
Use 1/2 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
How should the spinach be added?
Use 2 cups of baby spinach leaves that have been coarsely chopped.
Is the Mediterranean Antipasto Loaf considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack option and contains fresh vegetables.
What should I do with the bread removed from the center of the baguette?
You can reserve the removed bread for other uses, such as making fresh breadcrumbs.
Should the loaf be served hot or cold?
It can be served cold straight from the refrigerator or at room temperature.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside the bread?
Press down firmly on the top half of the baguette after layering and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before chilling.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each slice contains approximately 3.6g of fat.
How much protein does each slice provide?
Each serving provides 1.6g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 4.4g of carbohydrates.
What is the best way to slice the baguette?
A serrated knife is recommended for carefully slicing the baguette horizontally and into serving pieces.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, the preparation is described as quick and easy, requiring little fuss.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks and is suitable as an appetizer.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this recipe.
Does the recipe contain sodium information?
Sodium information is not specified in the nutritional details.
Does the recipe contain sugar information?
Sugar content is not provided for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include appetizer, mediterranean, antipasto, snack, and healthy.
How thick should the bread shells be?
The shells should be approximately 1 inch thick after the center bread is removed.
How should the loaf be stored?
The loaf should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.