Crab Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

Maryland is known for its crab cakes, but also its inventive recipes utilizing crab in other ways. One of my favorites is Crab Dip Stuffed Artichoke Hearts.

Stuff It

Crab Dip Stuffed Artichoke Hearts are almost like a crab cake inside of an artichoke heart. The hot crab dip filling takes only minutes to prepare and uses a small amount of less expensive crab, as to not break the bank.

If you are in a state that does have fresh blue crab readily available, you can substitute with imitation crab, snow or stone, but the flavor and texture will not be the same. Still good, but not the same, sadly.

Crab Dip Stuffed Artichoke Hearts can be made ahead and then baked before serving. A dot of spicy Sriracha aioli gives each bite an extra edge against the sweet crab meat while adding color.

A sprinkling of panko elevates the texture profile for a simple, yet sophisticated hors d’oeuvre perfect for holiday parties.

Artichokes

I do love artichokes (and crab dip) so I am always trying to look for new ways to use them. Did you know that the artichoke is technically a flowering fruit, not a vegetable. It is a common mistake.

It is a thistle and if you’ve ever eaten the artichoke leaves (it is actually more of a sucking and teething off of the pulp) you’ll understand. Only the center, the artichoke hearts, is wholly edible and still you might get a few tough pieces.

The Crab

Before you get started, be aware of the types of crab.

• Claw– dark meat that comes from the claw, a little more stringy than other varieties.
• Special– smaller pieces, comes from small little crevices or the “special” sections of the crab, good for flavoring and dips.
• Backfin– some larger lumps coming from, you guessed it, the back of the shell, whiter meat, does well in crab cakes, feathery texture.
• Jumbo lump– large, lumps of meat, the beauty is the large pieces used for crab meat cocktails or delicious to pop in your mouth plain, very tasty and moist.

More easy appetizer recipes:

• Hot Caprese Dip
• Party Cheese Ball 
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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Crab Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

4.16 from 13 votes

Crab Dip Stuffed Artichoke Hearts takes traditional hot crab dip and bakes in an artichoke heart, topping it with crunchy panko and Sriracha Aioli. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Total Time: 22 minutes mins

Servings: 24

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Ingredients

For Crab Stuffed Artichoke Hearts:

• 8 ounces whole artichoke hearts
• 1/2 pound blue crab meat
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon DIjon mustard
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons roasted red pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs

For Sriracha Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain artichoke hearts and cut in half. Drain, cut side down, on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Remove paper towels and flip artichoke hearts over (cut side up) and place in oven for 3-4 minutes. This will dry them out and allow the crab stuffing to stick. An alternative would be to cut the artichokes and allow them to dry out in the refrigerator for several hours prior to stuffing.
• Using your hands, lightly toss together crab meat through Parmesan cheese. Be mindful to not stir and break apart larger pieces of crab meat.
• Stuff the center of each artichoke heart with a heaping spoonful of crab mix. Top each with a small sprinkle of panko bread crumbs.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.
• While crab stuffed artichoke hearts are baking, mix together Sriracha aioli ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a small plastic bag. When ready to serve, cut a small hole in one corner and pipe a pearl size portion on to the top of each crab stuffed artichoke heart.
• If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was! 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 64 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 13 mg, Sodium: 250 mg, Potassium: 26 mg, Vitamin A: 140 IU, Vitamin C: 4.4 mg, Calcium: 22 mg, Iron: 0.3 mg

Author: Chef Jessica Anne

Calories: 64

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crab appetizer, hot crab dip

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