Artichoke Tapenade

A taste of Southern France! Bold, intensely-flavored Artichoke Tapenade is a twist on traditional Provencal tapenade and the perfect addition to your charcuterie or cheese board! Serve it with Ratatouille for a healthy Provencal-inspired feast!

“This was delicious and so easy to put together.… A great make-ahead appetizer!”

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

Tapenade is a popular Provençal dish made from finely chopped or pureed olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. This blend creates a savory and salty flavor that is both bold and complex.

The French love it as an hors d’oeuvre spread onto crusty baguettes, with fish, in salads and with poultry. Because of the salty edge, it’s perfect with any good, cold drink–alcoholic or otherwise.

Like my Green Olive Tapenade, this Artichoke Tapenade recipe is a twist on the classic French recipe that’s equally delicious! It’s perfect for the artichoke lover and uses ingredients you can keep in your pantry to whip up this French-inspired spread anytime!

Served over crostini, Artichoke Tapenade is perfect with drinks on the patio, for when unexpected guests drop in or for a simple appetizer to take to any get-together!

Artichoke Tapenade:

• Is easy to make! Quick work with your food processor!
• Uses pantry ingredients.
• Keeps for several days in your refrigerator.
• Is super versatile! Do as the French do or add it to pasta salads, toss in some canned tuna or add mayonnaise for a spread that will take your sandwich to another level. See below for more ideas!

Let’s make it!

How to Make Artichoke Tapenade:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Artichoke Tapenade recipe, along with how to prep the ingredients. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Artichoke Hearts: I like to use frozen artichoke hearts because the texture is closer to fresh artichokes and they have a more “artichoke-y” flavor. They can, however, be a bit more fibrous, so if that bothers you, use canned hearts or try to remove as many of the strings as possible.
• Green Olives: Green olives are more “buttery,” while the black olives traditionally used are more briney. Use sliced pimento-stuffed green olives for ease. Store brand is fine!
• Roasted Red Pepper: Have a half-jar of roasted red bell pepper you don’t know what to do with? Use it in this Artichoke Tapenade recipe! You can also roast your own if you prefer, but purchased roasted red bell pepper in a jar is just fine.
• Capers: Capers are the green, unripened flower buds of the caper bush. You can find them in the pickled products section.
• Anchovy Paste: I use anchovy paste because it’s easier; the remainder in the tube stores well in the refrigerator and the paste is not as strong as anchovy fillets.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, but it doesn’t need to be top-shelf.
• Baguette: You can use a small baguette or a larger one. A small baguette is the perfect size for two people. Use a larger baguette for four or more people.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Gather and prep all the ingredients.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine artichoke hearts, green olives, roasted red pepper, capers, anchovy paste, olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme and crushed red pepper flakes in a food processor.

• Process until smooth.
• Add additional lemon juice to taste and additional olive oil for a smoother consistency.
• Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
• Set aside for the flavors to blend, then make the crostini.

• Slice a baguette on the bias into 1/2-inch slices. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with a very light sprinkling of salt.
• Place on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.

• Bake for 5 minutes.
• Flip the slices and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Let cool.

• Top with the Artichoke Tapenade.

• Artichoke Tapenade is an easy, versatile, flavor-packed condiment you’ll put on repeat!

Chef Tip:

• Although pre-chopping some ingredients is an extra step, it will help produce a smoother tapenade because the ingredients all go into your food processor similarly-sized.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Storage:

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serve with:

• Mediterranean Chicken
• 40 Clove Garlic Chicken
• Fish en Papillote
• Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Peperonata
• Vegetable Tian Recipe

More great artichoke appetizer recipes you’ll love!

• Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
• Deviled Crab-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
• Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade
• Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

Get all my Appetizer and Snack recipes at: Appetizer and Snack Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen