This delightful appetizer combines the creamy richness of spinach and artichoke dip with the sweet, soft texture of Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for entertaining, these crostini are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

1 medium shallot, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (6-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach
Hawaiian rolls
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts packed in water, drained
1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil for cooking and spraying

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add 2 teaspoons of avocado oil. Sauté the chopped shallot and minced garlic until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, stirring well.
Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Prepare Bread: Slice the Hawaiian rolls into individual portions, aiming for 4-5 slices per roll. Lightly spray each slice with extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
Process Artichoke Mixture: In a food processor, add the drained artichoke hearts and pulse a few times to break them up. Add the cooled spinach mixture, softened cream cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble Crostini: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the artichoke mixture onto each slice of Hawaiian roll. Arrange the prepared slices on the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Serve: Serve immediately. Note that these crostini are best enjoyed fresh, as they may become soggy if left out for extended periods.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 crostini
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spinach and Artichoke Crostini on Hawaiian Rolls is a game-changer when it comes to appetizers. This dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, thanks to the rich spinach and artichoke mixture and the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. It’s an excellent choice for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual family dinners because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it as a snack for game day, an elegant appetizer for a formal event, or just a treat for yourself, these crostini deliver on taste and texture. The crispy edges of the rolls combined with the gooey, cheesy topping make for a delightful bite every time.

The Appeal of Spinach and Artichoke Flavors

Spinach and artichoke have long been a beloved combination, especially in dips and baked dishes. The slightly earthy taste of spinach pairs wonderfully with the mild, slightly tangy flavor of artichokes. When combined with a creamy cheese base, this duo creates an irresistible taste that has been a staple in American cuisine for years. Many people associate spinach and artichoke dip with comfort food. It’s rich and indulgent but still includes nutritious ingredients like leafy greens and fiber-packed artichokes. By using this flavor combination on crostini, you get all the indulgence of a classic dip but in a more convenient, hand-held form.

Why Hawaiian Rolls Make a Difference

Traditional crostini are often made with baguette slices, but using Hawaiian rolls takes this recipe to the next level. Hawaiian rolls are known for their slightly sweet flavor and soft, fluffy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the savory spinach and artichoke topping. Unlike a crusty baguette, which can sometimes be too tough or dry, Hawaiian rolls remain tender and absorb just enough of the creamy mixture to create a perfect balance. The slightly caramelized edges that form during baking add an extra layer of texture, making these crostini even more delicious.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the greatest aspects of this recipe is its adaptability to different events and occasions. Here are a few ways you can incorporate it into your menu:

Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, these crostini make an excellent appetizer to serve before the main meal.
Game Day Snacks: Finger foods are a must for watching sports, and these crostini are sure to be a hit with guests.
Dinner Parties: If you’re looking for an elegant yet easy-to-make appetizer, this recipe will impress your guests without requiring too much effort.
Casual Family Dinners: If you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these crostini are a great option.

Customization Ideas

While this recipe is already fantastic as written, there are several ways to customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Add Protein: Crumbled bacon, diced chicken, or even cooked shrimp can be added to make these crostini heartier.
Use Different Cheese: While Parmesan and cream cheese work beautifully, you can also try mozzarella for a stretchier texture or feta for a tangier flavor.
Go Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free bread or crackers.

How to Store and Reheat

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because these disappear fast!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: Place any leftover crostini in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep the crostini crisp, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread soggy.
Freezing: While the spinach and artichoke topping can be made in advance and frozen, it’s best to assemble and bake fresh crostini for the best texture.

Health Benefits of Spinach and Artichokes

Despite their indulgent, cheesy nature, these crostini contain some beneficial ingredients. Spinach and artichokes offer a variety of health benefits, making this appetizer a little more nutritious than it might seem.

Spinach: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and fiber. It’s known for promoting heart health, improving digestion, and providing a good source of antioxidants.
Artichokes: These vegetables are high in fiber, which supports digestion, and they also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support liver health.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re serving these crostini at a party or dinner, you might be wondering what to pair them with. Here are some great drink and side dish options that complement their flavors:

Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco pairs well with the creamy and slightly tangy topping. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing lemonade or iced tea would be perfect.
Side Dishes: If you’re serving these as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup to balance out the richness.

Conclusion

Spinach and Artichoke Crostini on Hawaiian Rolls is a must-try appetizer that combines classic flavors with a unique twist. The creamy, cheesy topping paired with the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls creates an irresistible bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a game day snack, or just looking for a delicious way to enjoy spinach and artichokes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can easily make it your own.

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