Don't be intimidated by stuffed artichokes! The elegant appetizer is way easier to make than it appears. Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, you're going to want to try this stuffed artichoke recipe ASAP.
Stuffed Artichoke Ingredients
These are the ingredients you'll need to make the best stuffed artichokes of your life:
· Artichokes: Buy firm, heavy artichokes with dark green leaves that are tightly packed.
· Lemon: You'll use the juice and the zest to add bright, fresh flavor.
· Bread crumbs: Use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own at home.
· Cheese: Make sure to grate your own Parmesan instead of using a pre-shredded variety.
· Parsley: Look for perky, bright green, and unwilted fresh parsley.
· Seasonings: These stuffed artichokes are simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh garlic.
· Olive oil: Drizzle high quality olive oil over the stuffed artichokes before cooking to keep the bread crumbs nice and moist.
· Water: The stuffed artichokes are simmered until they're nice and tender.
How to Make Stuffed Artichokes
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make Nicole's stuffed artichokes:
1. Prep the artichokes: Cut off the top of the artichoke, trim the leaves, and peel and cut the stems. Turn it upside down and bang it, flat side down, against the counter to loosen the leaves. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and rub the artichoke with the juice.
2. Make the filling: Mix the reserved lemon zest, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until well-combined.
3. Stuff the artichokes: Sprinkle the mixture onto the artichokes, working it into the crevices, until all the mixture is used.
4. Cook the artichokes: Place the artichokes upright in the Dutch oven with salted water. Drizzle with olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the leaves release easily.
Nicole's Top Stuffed Artichoke Tips
![stuffed artichokes](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/GUMYdcS5zTyh0oN_ylnH1E1V7Xs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-Best-Stuffed-Artichokes-b9de827d1a744a5bab4de763207a6afc.jpg)
Stuffed artichokes hold a special place in culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin's (a.k.a. Nicole McMom's) heart, as the old-fashioned Italian appetizer is a beloved family favorite. Nicole has perfect her method over the years – here are a few of her best stuffed artichoke tips and tricks:
· Choose your artichokes wisely. Don't worry if there are some brown spots, but the head should be mostly green with tightly packed leaves. Also, the artichoke should feel heavy for its size (this means it's not dry inside).
· Stuffing the artichokes might get a little messy, so place them in a baking dish to save your counter from debris.
· You'll know the artichokes are done when the leaves pull easily from the center. Bite from the bottom of the leaf instead of the top – this is the part closest to the heart, so it has the most "meat."
How to Serve Stuffed Artichokes
Serve the stuffed artichokes warm or at room temperature as a family-style appetizer or as a side dish alongside a classic Italian entree. In need of a little delicious inspiration? Check out these collections of some of our favorite Italian ideas:
· 22 Best Italian Recipes
· 18 Quick and Easy Italian Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less
· 20 Best Italian Recipes for Beginner Cooks
Explore our entire collection of Italian recipes.
How to Store Stuffed Artichokes
Allow your leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap tightly in storage wrap or foil. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients
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4 large whole artichokes
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1 lemon
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1 ½ cups plain dry bread crumbs
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 ½ cups water
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½ cup olive oil
Directions
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Gather all your ingredients.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Cut top 1/4 of an artichoke off and discard. Trim off the top 1/2 inch from remaining leaves. Cut off bottom inch from stalk to create a flat bottom. Turn artichoke upside down and bang on surface to loosen the leaves.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Zest 3/4 teaspoon of lemon zest from the lemon and set aside. Cut lemon in half and rub cut leaves and stem of artichoke with lemon. Repeat artichoke prep with remaining artichokes.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Combine reserved lemon zest with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and stir well.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly into all the artichoke leaves, avoiding the thistle leaves in the direct center. Work mixture evenly into each crevice of each artichoke until all of the mixture is used.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Pour water in the bottom of a Dutch oven. Add remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Set artichokes in the pot so that they are touching, so that they may remain upright during cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the artichokes; bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the leaves release very easily, about 1 hour.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with more parsley if desired.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
Recipe Tip
Large artichokes are easiest for stuffing. Look for artichokes that are heavy for their size where the leaves are beginning to loosen a bit and not too tight. Choose artichokes that are green with little to no brown spots.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
253 | Calories |
15g | Fat |
26g | Carbs |
6g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
Calories 253 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 15g | 20% |
Saturated Fat 3g | 13% |
Cholesterol 2mg | 1% |
Sodium 1217mg | 53% |
Total Carbohydrate 26g | 9% |
Dietary Fiber 6g | 21% |
Protein 6g | 13% |
Potassium 381mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.