Cheesy Grilled Artichoke Bread

Have you ever had a hot and cheesy artichoke dip?  Chock full of delicious briny artichokes and creamy, hot bubbly cheese?  Now imagine that deliciousness as a spread for a big loaf of crusty bread.  I made this bread a while back to enjoy alongside an entree.  What I should have done is serve this bread AS the entree.  It is so hearty and filling and satisfying and delicious.  The next day, I popped the leftover slices in the oven to heat them up and we dipped them into some Rao's Calabrian Chile Marinara Sauce.  Which is how I will serve this bread from now on.  Like a hearty appetizer with some tangy red sauce for dipping. 

This bread makes an amazing accompaniment
to any meal, or serve as an appetizer
with marinara sauce for dipping.
Or makes a great dinner alongside a fresh salad.

The ingredients.

Prepare the artichoke cheese topping
and spread onto toasted bread halves.

Place under the broiler until the cheese
mixture is melted and bubbly.

Slice and serve.  So good.

CHEESY GRILLED ARTICHOKE BREAD

1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
salt & pepper to taste
1 French bread loaf, halved lengthwise

Preheat oven to the broil setting.  Melt the butter in a large skillet and add that garlic.  Cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.  Add in the chopped artichoke hearts and cheeses.  Stir until the cheeses melt.  Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.  Season mixture with salt and pepper.  Place the halved bread loaves onto a large baking sheet.  Lightly toast under the broiler until they are just lightly golden brown.  (This will help keep the bread from being soggy.)  Spread the artichoke-cheese mixture onto the two halves of toasted bread.  Place under the broiler for approximately 3-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden.  Watch carefully during this step or the cheese will burn.  Allow to cool slightly before slicing into pieces.  Serve with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.