Baked Stuffed Artichoke

#### Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes

1. **Trim the Artichokes**: Start by trimming the stems of the artichokes so they can stand upright. Cut off the top 1-2 inches of the artichoke with a sharp knife to remove the tough, spiky tips of the leaves.
2. **Remove the Outer Leaves**: Pull away the tough outer leaves from the artichokes. You’ll want to leave the more tender inner leaves intact.
3. **Cut the Top of the Leaves**: Using kitchen scissors, snip off the sharp tips of the remaining leaves to make them more manageable.
4. **Rinse and Prep**: Rinse the artichokes well under cold water, gently fanning the leaves open to remove any dirt or debris from between them. Rub a lemon half over the cut edges to prevent browning.

#### Step 2: Make the Stuffing

1. In a medium bowl, combine **breadcrumbs**, **Parmesan cheese**, **parsley**, **minced garlic**, **oregano**, and **pine nuts (if using)**. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Drizzle in **olive oil** and **lemon juice**, and mix until the stuffing becomes slightly moist and holds together. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Artichokes

1. Carefully spread apart the leaves of each artichoke with your hands or a spoon to create space for the stuffing.
2. Take small spoonfuls of the stuffing mixture and stuff it between the leaves of each artichoke. Be generous, pressing the stuffing down into the spaces so it holds in place. Continue this process until all the leaves are stuffed.

#### Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. Drizzle a little **olive oil** over the top of each stuffed artichoke and place them in a baking dish or on a baking tray.
3. Pour the **broth** into the bottom of the baking dish, creating some moisture for the artichokes to steam as they bake.

#### Step 5: Bake the Artichokes

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about **45 minutes**.
2. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another **15-20 minutes** until the artichokes are tender and the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top. You can check the tenderness by pulling one of the inner leaves. It should come off easily.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the artichokes are fully cooked and golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve the stuffed artichokes warm, and enjoy the tender leaves, savory stuffing, and rich flavor.

These baked artichokes are perfect on their own or as a side dish for a larger meal. To eat, pull off the outer leaves and scrape off the stuffing with your teeth, then continue to the tender heart at the center for the ultimate bite!

### Tips for Perfect Baked Stuffed Artichokes

– **Use Fresh Artichokes**: While frozen artichokes can work in some dishes, fresh artichokes provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
– **Test the Tenderness**: The key to perfectly baked stuffed artichokes is ensuring they are tender all the way through. If needed, bake them for an extra 10-15 minutes until they reach the right tenderness.
– **Customize the Stuffing**: Feel free to add extras to the stuffing, like sautéed onions, spinach, or even crab meat for a more indulgent version.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the artichokes and stuff them in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

### Why You’ll Love Baked Stuffed Artichokes

**Baked Stuffed Artichokes** are the perfect balance of earthy, savory, and fresh flavors. The combination of tender, buttery artichoke leaves and crispy, cheesy stuffing makes for a comforting and delicious dish. Plus, artichokes are a wonderful source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making this a healthy and satisfying option for any meal.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a new side dish to accompany dinner, **Baked Stuffed Artichokes** will quickly become a favorite. They’re simple enough to make any day of the week, but they have the kind of sophistication that makes them perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.

### Conclusion

This **Baked Stuffed Artichoke** recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. With its rich, savory stuffing and tender artichoke leaves, it’s a perfect starter, side dish, or even a vegetarian main. Try it out next time you’re looking to serve something unique and delicious—your guests will be asking for the recipe!