Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts Recipe

Okay, so if you’ve never wrapped crispy bacon around a savory artichoke heart, you’re seriously missing out on a flavor combo that’s nothing short of a mini party in your mouth. Let me take you on a delicious journey to create this snack that’s as stunning as it is satisfyingly savory!

These flavorful bites of tender artichoke hearts, wrapped in crispy bacon, are one of my go-to appetizers. Yes, you do need to drain the can of artichokes and dry them well first, but that’s a small price to pay for the combined satisfaction of crunch and hearty protein that you get with each delicious mouthful.

You’re going to be the life of the party when you serve these. They disappear in a flash.

But before you get started, here’s a little something you should know for guaranteed success.

Ingredients

• Artichoke Hearts: Rich in fiber, artichokes promote digestive health and satiety.
• Bacon: Adds savory flavor and crispness, high in protein and healthy fats.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy source of monounsaturated fats, enhances flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with acidity; rich in vitamin C.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth; contains immune-boosting compounds.
• Paprika: Provides smoky, sweet notes; rich in antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained)
• 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Toothpicks for securing

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to preheat. While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. In a tiny basin, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir vigorously to create a thoroughly mixed marinade.

3. Pat the artichoke hearts dry gently with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture.

4. Set the artichoke hearts in a bowl, and drizzle the marinade over them. Ensure each heart is well-coated before proceeding to the next step.

5. Wrap each artichoke heart in a half slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick.

6. Place the artichoke hearts on the baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly.

7. Insert the baking sheet into the oven that’s been heated to the proper temperature, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon achieves crispness and a nice brown color. This is the best method I know of to cook bacon for a crowd.

8. Take the tray out of the oven and allow the covered artichoke hearts to cool a bit before plating.

9. If you want a little more flavor, you can garnish with some chopped fresh herbs or a bit of extra paprika. It does look pretty! And hey, if you want flavor and beauty, do both. You can also serve it with very hot sauce, though I serve it with none of these things and find it very fine as is.

10. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or snack. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or aluminum foil
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk or spoon (for mixing marinade)
6. Paper towels
7. Medium bowl (for marinating artichoke hearts)
8. Toothpicks
9. Tongs or spatula (for handling hot items)

Optional:
10. Knife (for chopping fresh herbs if garnishing)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh artichoke hearts instead of canned?A: Certainly, fresh artichoke hearts can be utilized, but they must first be prepared by cooking. Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are already cooked and are more user-friendly.
• Q: How do I prevent the bacon from unrolling during cooking?A: Secure the bacon around the artichoke hearts with toothpicks. This will keep the bacon in place while cooking.
• Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?A: For sure! You can put together the artichoke hearts wrapped in bacon and keep them in the fridge for as long as 24 hours before putting them in the oven.
• Q: How do I make this dish spicy?A: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Q: What dipping sauce pairs well with these?A dipping sauce for these appetizers can be prepared easily and deliciously using either a simple aioli or a lemon-garlic mayo.
• Q: Are there any alternatives for those who don’t eat pork?A: Yes, for a similar effect, you can use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative.
• Q: Can these be cooked on a grill?A: Yes, over medium heat, they can be grilled. Just make sure that they are secure with toothpicks, and turn them carefully to avoid flare-ups.

Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Hearts of artichoke: Substitute canned or jarred mushrooms for a challenge in replicating the texture and flavor of this ingredient.
Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option. Use prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
Avocado oil: Substitute this simple, healthy oil for olive oil and benefit from its similar fat content with a slight twist in taste.
Lemon juice: Use lime juice instead for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Garlic powder. For a more powerful, more vibrant blast of garlic flavor, use fresh chopped garlic. You can also use the same amount of fresh minced garlic for a similarly potent infusion.

Pro Tips

1. Precook the Bacon Slightly Par-cook the bacon slices in a skillet for a few minutes before wrapping the artichoke hearts. This reduces the baking time required to achieve crispy bacon, ensuring the artichokes don’t overcook or dry out.

2. Experiment with Flavor Enhancements Add a touch of Dijon mustard or honey to the marinade for a subtle sweet and tangy twist. This can complement the flavors of the artichokes and bacon.

3. Use Fresh Garlic If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, substitute fresh minced garlic for garlic powder in the marinade. Around one clove should be enough, giving the dish an aromatic lift.

4. Try Different Bacons Consider using flavored bacons, such as maple or peppered bacon, for a unique taste. These varieties can add a new layer of flavor to the dish.

5. Ensure Even Spacing and Turning Halfway through baking, turn the wrapped artichoke hearts to ensure even cooking and crisping of the bacon. This will also help in evenly distributing the rendered bacon fat for more uniform flavor.