Name: Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 whole artichokes; 2 lemons; 2 cups Italian bread crumbs; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely minced; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 cups water; Reserved lemon from rubbing artichokes; 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 75 reviews

If you have never experienced the magic of Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe, you are in for a real treat. This dish combines tender, perfectly steamed artichokes generously filled with a savory mixture of Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. The accompanying bright and zesty lemon garlic dipping sauce adds a refreshing tang that elegantly cuts through the richness, making every bite an irresistible balance of flavors. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings a touch of gourmet charm with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a green artichoke with many tightly packed layered leaves that are dark green on the edges and lighter green toward the center, revealing a yellowish heart in the middle. A woman's hand is holding a small lemon wedge near the artichoke, with the lemon's interior pale yellow and the outer peel bright yellow. Another whole artichoke is blurred in the top corner on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe is essential, coming together to create an exciting mix of textures and vibrant flavors. From the earthy artichokes to the creamy Parmesan and fresh herbs, each component plays a unique role in making this dish unforgettable.

4 whole artichokes: The star of the dish, providing a wonderfully tender base that’s fun to eat leaf by leaf.
2 lemons: One for zest and juice, adding necessary brightness and helping to prevent browning of the artichokes.
2 cups Italian bread crumbs: Create a hearty stuffing that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a lovely golden-brown crust.
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely minced: Offers a subtle anise-like note that elevates the overall flavor.
5 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses the stuffing with aromatic warmth.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances flavors precisely across the dish.
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and complements the garlic perfectly.
1/2 cup olive oil: Keeps the stuffing moist and golden when baked.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for steaming): Enhances the artichokes’ natural flavor while steaming.
3 cups water (for steaming): Provides the necessary steam environment to cook artichokes evenly.
2/3 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce): Creates a creamy and rich base for the lemon garlic sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce): Delivers an extra layer of garlic flavor to the sauce.
2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (for sauce): Adds tang and freshness to balance the mayonnaise.
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for sauce): Gives the dipping sauce a vibrant citrus kick.
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (for sauce): Enhances the sauce’s savoriness and ties it to the stuffing flavors.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds an herbal hint that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce): Brings all the sauce flavors together with just the right seasoning.
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (for sauce): A subtle peppery finish to the dipping sauce.

How to Make Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Trim the Artichokes

Start by trimming about one inch off the tops of your artichokes and a half-inch from the tops of the outermost leaves to remove any toughness. Trim the bottoms to create a flat surface so your artichokes can stand upright. Use one lemon’s zest and wedges to rub the artichokes, which prevents them from browning and adds an early touch of citrusy freshness. Set the zest aside and keep the lemon wedges to steam later.

Step 2: Steam the Artichokes

Fill a large Dutch oven with water, adding the lemon wedges you used to rub the artichokes alongside one teaspoon of kosher salt. Place a steamer basket inside, turn the artichokes stem-side up, and set them in the basket. Cover and steam for about 25 to 30 minutes. The artichokes are done when you can easily pull out a leaf from the center. This steaming makes the artichokes tender without losing their structure.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

While the artichokes cool slightly, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the reserved lemon zest, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced fresh tarragon, finely chopped garlic, salt, and coarse black pepper. This mixture is what will give the artichokes their irresistible heartiness and savory hit.

Step 4: Hollow and Stuff the Artichokes

Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the choke—the fuzzy center of the artichoke that is not edible—and loosen the leaves slightly. Fill the center and stuff between the leaves with the prepared bread crumb mixture. The trick here is to get a generous amount of stuffing in every corner so that each bite has that perfect balance of breaded goodness and tender leaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed artichokes in a baking pan, lightly tent with foil to keep moisture in, and bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the filling beautifully. This final baking step not only melts the cheese but also crisps the topping to golden perfection.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. This sauce is bright, creamy, and garlic-forward, making it the ideal partner for the earthy, cheesy artichokes.

How to Serve Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe

Two large artichokes sit side by side on a white marbled surface, each fully opened to reveal many layered green petals with a soft texture. The center of the front artichoke is generously topped with a mix of finely grated pale beige cheese and small green herb pieces, giving a grainy and fresh look. A woman's hand holds a gold spoon scooping some of the cheese and herbs from the center, adding a slightly shiny effect to the dish. The image is tightly focused on the front artichoke, showing fine details of the cheese, herbs, and petals with a soft blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your stuffed artichokes with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan can add a lovely brightness and visual appeal. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top before serving can also boost flavor depth and give a nice sheen to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted baby potatoes tossed in herbs. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a lemon slice can enhance the meal’s refreshing citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the artichokes on a large platter with individual small bowls of the lemon garlic dipping sauce. Alternatively, hollow out slices to enable guests to easily tear off stuffed leaves. For a stunning party appetizer, consider serving mini artichoke halves stuffed individually on skewers alongside the dipping sauce for easy dipping and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed artichokes can be stored covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep the lemon garlic dipping sauce separate to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.

Freezing

While artichokes are best enjoyed fresh to retain their tender texture, you can freeze the stuffing separately. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating baked artichokes for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, cover the artichokes with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the leaves tough. Serve with chilled dipping sauce for maximum flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use frozen artichokes for this recipe?

Fresh artichokes provide the best texture and flavor for stuffed artichokes. Frozen artichokes tend to be softer and may not hold up well when stuffed and baked.

What can I substitute for Italian bread crumbs?

You can use panko for a lighter crunch or crushed crackers for extra seasoning. Just ensure the substitute is finely crushed to fit snugly inside the artichoke leaves.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and use vegan mayonnaise for the dipping sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy a plant-based version with the same great flavors.

How do I know when the artichokes are fully cooked?

The easiest way is to pull on a leaf from the center after steaming. If it comes out easily, the artichokes are tender and ready for stuffing and baking.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can steam and stuff the artichokes a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Prepare the lemon garlic sauce in advance as instructed.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe combines elegance with comfort in a way that feels like a warm embrace at the dinner table. The tender, savory artichokes paired with that lively, creamy dip will have everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s not only delicious but a fun way to bring a special dish to your everyday meals or celebrations.