Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts are a fantastic way to enjoy artichokes in a new, exciting form. Whether you’re a fan of artichokes or trying them for the first time, these crispy, golden bites are a hit with everyone. The combination of tender artichoke hearts, crispy breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a delightful contrast in texture, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible crispy artichoke hearts:

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the artichoke hearts

If you’re using canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the breadcrumbs stick and ensure a crispier texture. You can cut the artichokes in half if they’re large.

3. Set up the breading station

In one bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re smooth and slightly frothy.

4. Coat the artichokes

Dip each artichoke heart into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat with all the artichoke hearts.

5. Arrange on the baking sheet

Place the breaded artichokes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.

6. Bake the artichokes

Bake the artichokes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

7. Serve and enjoy

Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Notes

• Artichoke hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are convenient, but you can also use fresh artichokes. If using fresh, you’ll need to trim and cook them first.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the best crispiness, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs if needed.
• Cheese: If you want a stronger cheese flavor, feel free to add more Parmesan, or mix in some Romano cheese for a unique twist.
• Spice level: For a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on portion size)

Storage

If you have any leftover crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as they can become soggy.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

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Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Crispiness: For extra crunch, you can double coat the artichokes by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice before baking.
• Flavor boost: Try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Panko alternatives: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even cornflakes can work as an alternative for a crispy coating.
• Air fryer method: You can make these in an air fryer as well. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to Serve

Crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts make a perfect appetizer or side dish, but they’re also great as a snack. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch, garlic aioli, or even a tangy lemon dip. You can also add them to a salad for a fun, crunchy twist.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Two bowls for breading
• Tongs or spoon for dipping
• Measuring spoons
• Oven or air fryer

Health Benefits of Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

While they’re undeniably delicious, crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts also offer some great health benefits:

• Artichokes: Artichokes are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like Vitamin C, folate, and Vitamin K. They support digestive health and help lower cholesterol.
• Low-carb: With the right breading, these artichokes can be a low-carb snack, perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
• Protein: Parmesan cheese provides a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen artichoke hearts for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen artichoke hearts work just as well as canned or jarred ones. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before breading and baking.

2. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure the artichokes are thoroughly dried before breading. Also, pressing the breadcrumbs into the artichokes will help them stick better.

3. Can I make these crispy artichoke hearts in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Simply preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the artichokes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. How can I make these vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and use a flaxseed egg replacement instead of regular eggs.

5. Can I freeze crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts are an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that combines a crunchy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they’re so versatile—feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make them your own!