Artichokes are beautiful vegetable-like plants that also happen to be delicious and nutritious. Originated from the Mediterranean region, the plant is a variety of thistles cultivated for food. This unique vegetable is widely available, both fresh and canned.
Artichokes are pretty versatile in terms of preparation and serving. You can cook them in many ways, from boiling, steaming, baking, roasting, or grilling them. They are often served as appetizers, snacks, or as part of the main course.
As with other foods, sometimes we have leftovers of this and that. Suppose you have cooked this spring vegetable and have a few pieces left. You might be wondering: can you reheat cooked artichokes?
Fortunately, artichokes reheat pretty well. You can warm them up in the oven or microwave. With some simple steps, you can savor their delicate flavor and tender texture for your next meals!
Keep reading to find the best ways to warm up this thistle bud and preserve its deliciousness!
Method 1: Reheating Artichokes In An Oven
This method is considered the best to retain the juiciness and texture of cooked artichokes. It certainly takes time, but you’ll be satisfied with the final result.
Here is how to reheat a stuffed artichoke and other types of cooked artichoke:
1. Set your oven to 350 °F.
2. Arrange the buds, leaves, or pieces in a baking tray. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or a splash of water to moisturize them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Alternatively, you can also wrap them in aluminum foil. Both methods work equally well to retain moisture and prevent the artichoke pieces from falling apart as they reheat.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Check and see if they are already heated up evenly. If not, return to the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until they are perfectly warmed up.
5. Once ready, serve immediately.
Method 2: Reheating a Cooked Artichoke In the Microwave
Suppose you need to find a better alternative to the oven method due to limited time. In that case, your microwave is your next best option. It’s not only quick but also convenient.
The only thing you need to anticipate is the vegetable can dry out or become mushy if you don’t microwave it correctly. Follow our step-to-step instructions below, so the thistle bud will come out nice and tender.
1. Prepare a microwave-safe bowl and add a tiny amount of water. The water helps to add moisture and prevents the artichokes from drying out as they reheat.
2. Place the pieces in the bowl and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. The extra fat is excellent to boost the flavors.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Depending on the size and amount, microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds intervals on medium power.
5. Check after each cycle and repeat as needed until they are warmed up thoroughly.
6. Once ready, serve with hollandaise sauce, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce!
FAQs
Do cooked artichokes need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Just like any other vegetables, cooked artichokes also need proper refrigeration to remain safe to eat. Harmful bacteria will multiply very quickly if you leave them out at room temperature. It is highly advised to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after cooking and 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F.
How long are cooked artichokes good for in the fridge?
Similar to other leftovers, cooked artichokes can stay fresh for up to 3 to 5 days if properly refrigerated. Other ingredients may affect how long they last in the fridge. It’s recommended to check their freshness before reheating and serving.
Can you freeze cooked artichokes?
Yes. Adequately prepared and frozen, they can last for about 2 to 3 months. Don’t forget to sprinkle lemon juice before freezing to prevent browning.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to divide them into appropriate portion sizes before freezing. Keep in mind that it is not recommended to freeze raw, uncooked artichokes, as they turn brown and taste awful after thawing.
Can you cook artichokes ahead of time?
Yes. The beautiful vegetables can be cooked up to 1 to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.
In A Nutshell
Artichokes have delicate flavors and are incredibly versatile to pair with other foods. If you happen to have leftovers from last night’s dinner, rest assured that you can reheat them easily for your next meal.
You have a couple of options to warm up leftover artichokes; in the oven or microwave. As usual, the oven method is a great alternative to work with a large amount of stuff. Meanwhile, to heat up a single portion for yourself, you can always turn to the microwave.
Either way, make sure to add some moisture to prevent the unique vegetable from drying out as it reheats. Check our detailed instructions above on the proper ways to reheat an artichoke and preserve their tenderness and awesome flavors!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
