
Chilean Artichoke, Spinach and Marraqueta Bake with Chanco Cheese
An original Chilean-inspired bake featuring artichoke hearts and sautéed spinach bound in a gentle cream sauce, topped with toasted marraqueta bread and melted chanco cheese. Comforting, creamy, and finished with a crisp golden crust.
Ingredients
- 400 g cooked artichoke hearts (escurridos and chopped en trozos medium)
- 200 g fresh spinach (lavada and chopped gruesa)
- 180 g marraqueta bread (diced small)
- 180 g chanco cheese (grated or en hebras)
- 150 g white onion (chopped diced small)
- 10 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 350 ml whole milk (at room temperature)
- 120 ml heavy cream (for dar cremosidad)
- 40 g butter (divided)
- 25 g all-purpose flour (for the sauce base)
- 60 ml white wine (optional pero recomendado)
- 120 ml vegetable broth (suave)
- 5 g Dijon mustard (for realzar the sabor)
- 1 g dried oregano (chileno if possible)
- 1 g merken (ajustar to taste)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 15 ml vegetable oil (for saltear)
- 8 g fresh parsley (chopped fino for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Grease a medium baking dish with 10 g butter.
- 2
2. Heat the vegetable oil and 15 g butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the white onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- 3
3. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the moisture reduces slightly.
- 4
4. Pour the white wine into the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates. Add the dried oregano, merken, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from the heat.
- 5
5. In a medium saucepan, melt 15 g butter over medium-low heat. Add the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to form a smooth roux without browning.
- 6
6. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and then the vegetable broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 7
7. Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the sauce. Cook 1 minute more, then add half of the chanco cheese. Stir until melted.
- 8
8. Fold the artichoke and spinach mixture into the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated and adjust salt to taste.
- 9
9. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Scatter the marraqueta cubes on top, then add the remaining chanco cheese. Dot the surface with the final 15 g butter.
- 10
10. Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the marraqueta is golden. For deeper color, broil for 2 to 3 additional minutes, watching closely.
- 11
11. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and finish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Chef tips
For the best texture, dry the artichoke hearts well before chopping. Day-old marraqueta works especially well for a crisper topping.
Substitutions
You can replace chanco cheese with mild gouda or low-moisture mozzarella. Marraqueta can be replaced with firm crusty bread. If you prefer not to use white wine, use the same amount of vegetable broth instead.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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