What to do with frozen artichoke hearts

I just love artichokes.

Growing up, my grandmother would often make classic stuffed artichokes or fried artichoke hearts, but when she needed to hit the easy button, she would make baked artichoke hearts with breadcrumbs.

And I too have adopted this as a simple side dish that my family loves.  

I make this often, especially during the week when time is less abundant.  I'll serve it alongside some grilled chicken thighs, chicken cutlets, or even pork tenderloin. 

Baked artichoke hearts are also a perfect Thanksgiving side dish because it's easy, full of flavor, and even the pickiest guests will eat them.

No matter when these are served, there is always one thing that is certain - there are never any leftovers because they are really that good!

Canned or frozen artichoke hearts?

Having made this recipe using both types of artichoke hearts, I can share that I prefer the canned hearts.

While both types have their own benefits, I find that the texture of the canned version holds up better for baked artichoke hearts.

The frozen can be mushy and require more prep.

For example, if you are using frozen artichoke hearts, you'll need to make sure that they are defrosted and dried before using them for this recipe.

Canned artichokes should be rinsed of their solution, and dried, but there is no defrost time needed.

I also like the fact that canned artichoke hearts are shelf-stable, leaving the room in my freezer for other things, like gelato or pizza dough.

How to make it

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

1. Preheat oven to 375f and set rack to the middle level.  Mince 3 cloves of garlic and mix with a ¼ cup of olive oil.

1. Mince a ¼ cup of parsley and grate a ½ cup of parmesan cheese.
2. Combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ cup dry white wine (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or chardonnay will work).  Mix well.

1. Add half of the garlic oil to a 9 by 13" baking dish and spread it around.
2. Place the rinsed and drained artichoke hearts into the baking dish.  Top with the remaining garlic oil and sprinkle a ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

1. Evenly distribute the seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the artichoke hearts.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked all the way through and the breadcrumbs are browned.  For more color, optionally broil for 45-60 seconds. but watch carefully to prevent burning!

Variations

One of the things I love most about cooking, is the ability to make a dish your own simply by adding a few other ingredients.

Some of my favorite additions, or variations of baked artichoke hearts include:

• Pignoli aka Pine nuts - Lightly toasted pignoli complement the flavors in this dish perfectly.
• Raisins - Raisins add sweetness and a Sicilian vibe to this dish.
• Olives - Adding some black olives would give this additional Mediterranean flavor.
• Sun dried tomatoes - Chopped sun dried tomatoes would add depth of flavor, and texture.
• Lemon zest - I did not include zest in my recipe, just lemon juice, but if you love lemon, adding zest would be a great addition.

If you've tried an addition that I don't have listed here, let me know in the comments below!

More great side dishes

• Italian potato casserole - Layers of potatoes, onions, and tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, and breadcrumbs.
• Baked cauliflower with cheese and breadcrumbs - Cauliflower florets with seasoned breadcrumbs baked until tender and golden.
• Roasted baby broccoli with breadcrumbs and pine nuts - Easy side dish with pine nuts and flavorful breadcrumbs.
• Sauteed mushrooms with garlic and parsley - Quick and easy side dish.
• Broccoli rabe with garlic and oil - Another quick side with garlic and oil.
• Green beans with tomato sauce - A classic dish of stewed green beans in garlicky tomato sauce.

If you’ve enjoyed this baked artichokes hearts recipe or any recipe on this site, give it a 5-star rating and tell us about it in the comments below.

We would love to hear how you did and it’s nice to show others as well.  Thanks!

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Baked Artichoke Hearts with Seasoned Breadcrumbs

5 from 19 votes

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4

Author: James

Ingredients

• ▢¼ cup olive oil
• ▢3 14 ounce cans artichoke hearts rinsed and drained
• ▢3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For seasoned breadcrumbs

• ▢½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ▢½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
• ▢¼ cup parsley minced
• ▢1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ▢½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢¼ cup dry white wine pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, etc...

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375f and set to middle rack. Mix seasoned breadcrumbs ingredients together and set aside.

• Mix the minced garlic and olive oil together in a bowl. Spoon half of the garlic oil into a large baking dish and spread it around to evenly distribute.

• Next, place the artichoke hearts into the baking dish and top them with the remaining garlic oil. Sprinkle the hot red pepper all over the hearts.

• Evenly sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs and bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot all the way through and the breadcrumbs have browned. For more color, the artichoke hearts can be broiled for the last 45-60 seconds but watch carefully. Enjoy!

  Are frozen artichoke hearts good?

  Tasters praised the frozen sample as having a “natural” artichoke flavor but found its texture mushy, while the canned artichokes retained a tinny “tang” even after rinsing and drying. Still, both frozen and canned artichokes worked well in most recipes, their minor deficiencies masked by other flavors and textures.

  Are frozen artichokes as good as fresh?

  Frozen artichokes, then, are perfect. They're as easy to enjoy as canned and jarred but taste a whole lot closer to fresh. The texture is firm yet tender and the flavor is clean and not muddled by the tin of a can or the oil in a jar.

  What can I do with a jar of artichoke hearts?

  10 Things to Do with Jarred, Marinated Artichokes.

  Use them as a pizza topping. ... .

  Make a creamy spinach-artichoke dip. ... .

  Make crostini: Toast bread, spread ricotta, top with artichokes, season with lemon zest and flaky salt..

  Sauté in brown butter with capers and pour the mixture over pan-seared or baked fish..

  How do you defrost artichoke hearts?

  They are delicious and make good snacks. Simply defrost your frozen artichoke hearts in cold water for half an hour. Drain the thawed hearts and place them on baking trays. Roast them in the oven for 20 minutes.