If you’re on a quest for a show-stopping veggie dish that pairs smoky, savory depth with rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, look no further than Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter. This recipe transforms humble artichokes into a conversation-starting centerpiece perfect for all your gatherings, and that luscious garlic butter? Let’s just say you’ll want to dip everything in it. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a Saturday night project, this is one dish that always delivers big flavor and endless compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter is delightfully simple and truly all about quality ingredients coming together just right. Each element brings something special, from the artichoke’s nutty heart to the lemon’s bright tang and the irresistible savoriness of homemade garlic butter.
- Fresh Artichokes: Go for large, firm artichokes with tightly packed leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- Lemon: The juice and zest perk up the artichokes while keeping them bright during prep; don’t skip adding the rinds to the pot!
- Olive Oil: Brushing on olive oil gives the artichokes a crisp, golden finish on the grill and infuses subtle fruity notes.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting unsalted butter as the garlic butter base lets you control the richness and saltiness of your dipping sauce.
- Garlic: Just a few fresh cloves pack in the classic, nutty aroma that’ll have everyone’s mouth watering around the grill.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley delivers a pop of color and a fragrant herbal lift to balance the richness of the butter.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously to make all the other flavors shine, especially after grilling.
How to Make Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prep the Artichokes
Start with a big pot of boiling water into which you squeeze the juice from your halved lemon. Toss the rinds right in the pot too for a little extra citrusy zing. Trim each artichoke by slicing off the top inch and snipping any remaining prickly leaf tips. Next, cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center—this step turns them into the perfect vessel for that soon-to-be heavenly garlic butter.
Step 2: Parboil the Artichokes
Gently nestle your prepped artichokes into the boiling lemon water and let them cook until just fork-tender, about 15 minutes. This pre-cooking makes sure they’re silky soft inside by the time they hit the grill, while still holding their shape. Drain them well and pat them dry so they crisp up instead of steaming on the grill.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the artichokes are cooling, stir together your melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a small bowl. If you like, add a little lemon zest for extra brightness. This homemade garlic butter smells incredible and will taste even better when spooned over the warm, charred artichokes.
Step 4: Grill the Artichokes
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush the cut sides of the artichokes with olive oil, sprinkling on salt and pepper to taste. Place each artichoke cut-side down over direct heat and grill for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for those gorgeous, dark grill marks that add a hint of smokiness to every bite. Flip and grill another minute or so if you want a bit more fire-kissed flavor.
Step 5: Serve with Garlic Butter
Transfer your grilled artichokes to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with that fresh garlic butter, spooning a little into every crevice, or serve the butter on the side for dunking. Each bite is a perfect balance of nutty, smoky, and luscious—this is where Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter truly become irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter
Garnishes
If you want to take Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter to the next level, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a light flurry of extra parsley just before serving will make the flavors pop and the dish look downright gourmet. If you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of extra lemon juice can add zing.
Side Dishes
These artichokes are incredibly versatile. Pair them with bright, fresh salads, a tangle of grilled vegetables, or crusty bread to mop up every drop of garlic butter. They’re also fantastic next to grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even as the star of a vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little party flair, serve Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter in a big, colorful platter with individual ramekins of dipping butter for each guest. Slice them into quarters for easy sharing, or lay them out over a bed of arugula and shaved Parmesan with lemon wedges artfully tucked between. It’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, simply store cooled grilled artichokes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days. Save the garlic butter separately to keep it fresh and fragrant.
Freezing
While artichokes don’t freeze as perfectly as some veggies, you can absolutely prep and freeze grilled artichoke halves. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge and reheat with a fresh splash of garlic butter before serving for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftover Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter back to life, reheat them gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm the garlic butter separately so it’s ready for drizzling or dipping when you serve.
FAQs
What’s the best way to remove the choke from an artichoke?
Once you slice the artichoke in half, you’ll see a fuzzy center—use a small spoon to carefully scoop out all the fine hairs and the smallest purple leaves. It takes just a minute and makes every bite enjoyable (and fuss-free) when eating.
Can I use jarred artichoke hearts instead of fresh?
For the true experience of Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter, fresh artichokes are best—they grill up tender on the outside and smoky with their leaves still intact. Jarred artichoke hearts are great for other dishes, but they won’t give you the same texture or presentation here.
Do I need a grill or can I use a grill pan?
No outdoor grill? No problem. A stovetop grill pan works beautifully! You’ll get lovely char marks and that same smoky flavor. Just be sure to heat it up until just smoking before placing the artichokes on, and keep your kitchen window cracked for ventilation.
Can I make these artichokes vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative (melted vegan butter or olive oil both work). The recipe stays luscious and satisfying, and vegan garlic butter makes a fantastic dip for everyone at the table.
Why parboil the artichokes before grilling?
Parboiling softens the artichokes just enough so they grill quickly, develop flavor, and get those beautiful char marks without burning. It also ensures the inside is perfectly cooked through for easy eating and maximum tenderness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s as impressive as it is satisfying, Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter will never let you down. They elevate any meal with their flavor, charm, and downright addictive dipping sauce. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate artichoke season!
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Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious grilled artichokes with garlic butter. This recipe is perfect for a summer side dish or appetizer, featuring tender artichokes grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful garlic butter.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 large fresh artichokes
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Artichokes: Fill a large pot with water and lemon juice, trim and cut artichokes, then boil for 15 minutes.
- Grill the Artichokes: Brush with olive oil, season, and grill cut-side down for 5–6 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Serve: Drizzle grilled artichokes with garlic butter and enjoy!
Notes
- Steaming instead of boiling retains nutrients.
- Top with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ artichoke with butter
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
