Golden, bite-sized stuffed artichoke balls, with lemony Creole-Italian flavors, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Servings 8Servings
Cuisine Creole Italian
Course Appetizer
Calories 198
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Here's What You Need
2Tablespoonslemon juice
2Tablespoonslemon zest
2Tablespoonsolive oil
6clovesgarlic
28ouncesartichoke hearts - finely chopped
2tablespoonsparsley - finely chopped
2Eggs
1cupseasoned bread crumbs
½cupgrated Romano cheese
½cupseasoned breadcrumbs for dredging
¼cupgrated Romano cheese for dredging
Vegetable Oil for frying
Herb and Spice Blend
1teaspoondry oregano
1teaspoondry basil
½teaspoondry thyme
½teaspoonBlack pepper
¼teaspoonKosher salt
Here's What You Do
Chop the artichoke hearts into fine pieces, set aside; zest and juice one lemon; chop the garlic and parsley; scramble the eggs; combine breadcrumbs and Romano cheese, set aside.
Combine the chopped artichoke, breadcrumbs, garlic, Romano Cheese, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice and the Herb and Spice Blend together in a bowl.
Add in ¼ cup of the olive oil and mix well.
Add scrambled eggs and mix to combine thoroughly.
Roll the mixture into balls, set aside.
Place about 1 to 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven and heat to 350℉.
While the oil is heating, roll the artichoke balls in the breadcrumb and Romano mixture until completely coated.
Drop in the hot oil and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, turning over after about 1 ½ minutes. Remove to a paper-towel-lined sheet pan to drain.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Make Ahead: The mixture may be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. For the best texture, roll and cook the balls just before frying or baking. Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until golden. The texture will be slightly softer than fried. Leftovers: Store cooked artichoke balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and lightly crisp. Artichoke Hearts: Use artichoke hearts packed in brine, not marinated. Drain well after chopping to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Romano Cheese: Romano adds a sharp, salty bite typical of Creole-Italian dishes. Parmesan may be substituted for a milder flavor.