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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Appetizers » Slow Cooker Artichokes

Slow Cooker Artichokes

by Sarah Olson on October 21, 2022 | Updated November 18, 2022 22 Comments

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Long image of before and after cooking artichokes for pinterest.
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Collage of artichokes with text of what the ingredients are.
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Earthy with a slight nutty sweetness, Slow Cooker Artichokes is an easy, no-fail method of cooking this fresh vegetable. Cooked with garlic, butter and lemon, how can you go wrong?

Steamed artichokes or spinach artichoke dip are classically vintage appetizers, but why stop with appetizers? We love them for dinner, too like in this delicious Chicken Spinach Artichoke Pasta or this Creamy Artichoke Mushroom Chicken.

Overhead photo of cooked artichokes in a crockpot.

Artichokes tend to be viewed as either a special occasion food or too intimidating to bother with. While certainly they can be added to any fancy or special occasion meal, they aren’t too intimidating to prepare.

In fact, as far as prep or cooking goes, crockpot artichokes are simple. And what’s even better, they are incredibly healthy and nutritious; high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins A and K. They’re also low fat, well, they’re low fat until you dip the meaty leaves in melted butter or mayonnaise.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for artichokes on a table.
  • Artichokes — you’ll want plump large artichokes versus the skinner ones; they’re more meaty. Fresh artichokes can almost always be found at the grocery store!
  • Lemon — we recommend using freshly squeezed lemon instead of lemon juice in a bottle for best flavor.
  • Butter — as the better melts, it will seep between the petals for maximum deliciousness.
  • Seasonings — salt, pepper, and freshly minced garlic.
  • Water — this will create the steam for cooking.

Step-by-Step Directions

4 images showing how to cook artichokes in a slow cooker.

Step One — Prepare the artichokes by trimming any undesirable outer leaves and cut the stem so they can sit flat in the crockpot. Cut about between 1/2-1 inch off the top. The thorns on the tips of the leaves tend to soften while cooking, but snip them off if in doubt.

Step Two — Place the artichokes in the slow cooker. You’ll want them to sit flat. You may have to trim a few additional leaves off.

Step Three — Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top of the artichoke, then add the minced garlic. Squeeze the lemon (or drizzle the juice if you juiced them) over the artichokes and top each with a pat of butter. Pour the water into the bottom of the crock.

Step Four — Cover and cook on high for 3.5-4 hours. DO NOT OPEN THE LID WHILE COOKING, this will release the built up steam needed for cooking. Once done, serve with melted butter or your favorite mayonnaise.

Artichokes in crockpot with garlic on top.

How to eat an artichoke

  • Peel a petal off from the base, they should easily pull off. Dip the bottom portion of the petal in any desired dipping sauce or melted butter. Strip the meat off of the petal through clenched teeth and discard the leaf.
  • After the leaves are fully removed, you’ll be at the heart. Use a spoon to scoop out the choke, or the fuzzy part and discard it.
  • Slice or dice the heart and enjoy it with your dipping sauce. We love mayonnaise, melted butter, chipotle aioli, or even garlic butter for dipping sauces for artichokes.
  • If there’s some stem left, the very center portion is also edible, so remove the outer portion and dice the very center to enjoy.

Variations

  • Use your favorite herbs and spices to further season your artichokes.
  • Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese over the top with the garlic for a slight Italian flair.
  • Use broth, white wine, or sherry as the cooking liquid for your crockpot artichokes.
  • Use roasted garlic instead of fresh minced garlic.
artichoke on a plate with lemons in background.

Recipe FAQs

Is cooking artichokes in the crockpot better than on the stove?

We think so! Cooking them in the slow cooker does take longer, but the process is much simpler and doesn’t require the same attention as stovetop steaming; totally worth the wait to try this yummy recipe. Keeping the vegetables upright and water evaporation are the biggest concerns with stovetop cooking. The veggies will stay upright snugly in the crock and there’s little-to-no evaporation in the slow cooker.

Can I cook these on low?

Yes, you’ll need to cook them for 8-9 hours without opening the lid.

What’s the best knife to trim an artichoke?

A serrated knife works better than a chef’s or paring knife for cutting off the stem and the top portion of the artichoke. Kitchen scissors or shears can be used to snip off the pointy thorns on top of the leaves.

Which parts of the artichoke can I eat?

The petals (at the base), the center of the stem, and the entire artichoke heart are edible. The choke, or the fuzzy fibrous section of the artichoke, is not edible, as its name implies; you could choke if you try to eat it.

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Artichokes in crockpot with garlic on top.

Slow Cooker Artichokes Recipe

5 from 16 votes
Crowd pleasing artichokes with leaves loaded with garlic and lemon in every bite.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 77kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 3 artichokes medium or 2 large
  • 1/4 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Trim the artichokes: Cut the bottoms off the artichokes so they sit flat.
  • Cut the very tops off the artichokes (I cut about a half inch off)
  • Add the artichokes to the slow cooker. If you have a hard time getting the artichokes to fit, peel off a few of the leaves and that should allow them all to fit nicely.
  • Sprinkle over with salt and pepper, then add the garlic.
  • Squeeze over the lemon juice.
  • Cut the butter into slices and place on top of the artichokes.
  • Add the water to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 -4 hours or LOW for 8-9 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Serve with melted butter (or mayonnaise if that’s your thing).
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

How to eat an artichoke?
  • Peel a petal off from the base, they should easily pull off. Dip the bottom portion of the petal in any desired dipping sauce or melted butter. Strip the meat off of the petal through clenched teeth and discard the leaf.
  • After the leaves are fully removed, you’ll be at the heart. Use a spoon to scoop out the choke, or the fuzzy part and discard it.
  • Slice or dice the heart and enjoy it with your dipping sauce. We love mayonnaise, melted butter, chipotle aioli, or even garlic butter for dipping sauces for artichokes.
  • If there’s some stem left, the very center portion is also edible, so remove the outer portion and dice the very center to enjoy.
Nutritional values do not include dipping sauces.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other appetizers to make in the slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Hanky Panky
  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Dip
  • Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

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    Filed Under: Appetizers

    Comments

    1. Dr. Theodore Forte says

      July 13, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      I am going to try my Italian Grandmas recipe with bread crumbs, parmean cheese salt, pepper and olive oil! It will take some time to stuff leaves but will be amazing to the taste, I promise!

      Reply
      • JohnZ says

        October 28, 2022 at 2:50 pm

        This is how I always make them.

        Reply
    2. Roe says

      March 15, 2022 at 1:53 pm

      Can it be cooked on low for 7 hours?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:34 pm

        I have not tested. I think it should be fine. They take longer than you would expect.

        Reply
    3. JP says

      October 24, 2021 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      swap the water with chicken broth for a little kick!

      Reply
    4. Kay says

      May 22, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      Can’t wait to try these!! Out of curiosity, since 3 regular or 2 large artichokes make 8 servings, how many leaves would that be? I have to count…diabetes.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 22, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        Hi Kay, sorry I don’t have that info off hand. I apologize.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          May 22, 2021 at 6:07 pm

          No problem. My artichokes are in the crock pot as we speak. I love mine with blue cheese dressing. Looking forward to dinner!

    5. Grandma Shay says

      May 17, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      Turned out amazing.
      Perfect for not heating up the house!
      Cheers

      Reply
    6. Martha says

      December 29, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the water for a nice flavor.

      Reply
    7. Diego Lopes says

      June 7, 2017 at 10:31 am

      Wow, this looks super delicious. I’m definitely going to try it this weekend. Thank you for sharing the recipe!!

      Reply
    8. Chris says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Try mayo with curry powder. It’s awsomw!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 6, 2017 at 9:59 am

        another great idea, thank you!

        Reply
      • Pam says

        September 24, 2017 at 4:48 pm

        Mayo and Curry Powder…. an absolute must…. also great on asparagus!!!!!

        Reply
      • Juliana McMullin says

        December 5, 2019 at 2:19 pm

        mayo with curry powder is awesome… also maybe a touch of garlic.

        Reply
    9. Shelby says

      June 6, 2017 at 2:50 am

      5 stars
      I am totally doing this! I usually buy my artichokes at Trader Joes and look every single time I go in for them (haven’t had them lately). I will do an aioli with lemon juice, fresh garlic and mayo. If I feel like a little sweet heat I will mix mayo, sriracha and some honey to dip in. Both ways are yummy!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 6, 2017 at 6:08 am

        Your dip sounds amazing Shelby!

        Reply
    10. Darla says

      June 5, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      I’m excited to try this! I love artichokes (with mayonnaise + dill) and had never thought to cook them in the slow cooker. Thanks, Sarah!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 5, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        Dill sounds so good Darla!

        Reply
    11. Kathi says

      June 5, 2017 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      I usually cook my artichokes in my pressure cooker – however my neighbor doesn’t have one and this recipe using her crock pot will work great for her. Thanks for posting it.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 5, 2017 at 12:16 pm

        That’s great Kathy!

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          April 18, 2019 at 1:30 pm

          I never have had a slow cooker, plus I don’t remember see them in stores until recently. They don’t grow around here. I am going to try with a slow cooker. I will see how they taste.

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