Breaded Artichoke Hearts in a Garlic Butter Sauce Topped with Mozzarella Cheese

This recipe came to be from trying one recipe, adding new ingredients , then thinking of another recipe, and so on. The result of this progression has been four awesome appetizers to create for friends and family. If you like this recipe, try some other versions Breaded Mushrooms in a Garlic Butter Sauce Topped with Mozzarella Cheese and Diced Tomatoes, Lightly Breaded Artichoke Hearts Baked in a Sweet Italian Gorgonzola Champagne Sauce or Breaded Mushrooms Baked in a Garlic Herb Sweet Italian Gorgonzola Champagne Sauce.

Ingredients

2 – 14 oz. cans of artichoke hearts, drained
1/3 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of Italian style bread crumbs
1 egg
2 garlic cloves crushed or two cubes of Dorot brand garlic
2 tablespoons Smart Balance brand butter or regular butter
1/3 cup of olive oil
A sprinkle of kosher salt
1/3 cup of packaged shredded mozzarella cheese
6 leaves of basil chiffonade

Technique

In a medium size bowl beat egg and set aside. In another medium sized bowl add bread crumbs. Toss artichoke hearts first into the egg mixture then individually dredge each heart in the bread mixture until all are evenly coated. Heat 1/3 of a cup of olive oil over medium high in a large skillet. Sear artichokes on all sides until golden brown. Add additional oil if needed. Remove all browned artichokes and place them into a medium sized baking dish. In a separate small pot heat garlic, butter, oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt over low heat until melted stirring to combine. Pour butter mixture over artichokes and top with cheese. Place into a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and is beginning to brown. Remove top with a chiffonade of basil and serve. Be careful when serving, because the baking dish will be hot. Serve with Croistini to sop up the great sauce.

Suggested Beverage

Try Ferrari Carano Chardonnay Vintage (Alexander Valley), Fontaleoni Vernaccia Di San Gimignano White Wine (Italy), Bellenive Avanzi Garda Pinot Bianco (Italy) or Zardetto Prosecco Brut Sparkling Wine (Italy).