Artichoke Asiago Squares

🍴 Artichoke Asiago Squares 🧀

Artichoke Asiago Squares are a delicious and savory appetizer or snack made with a combination of artichokes, Asiago cheese, and various seasonings. They’re typically baked into a square shape, making them easy to slice and serve.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Artichoke Asiago Squares is not well-documented, but they are believed to be a modern twist on classic Mediterranean flavors. Artichokes have a long history of culinary use, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, while Asiago cheese hails from the Asiago plateau in Italy. The fusion of these ingredients in a square form is likely a more recent development, catering to contemporary tastes and preferences.

🥘 Components:
To prepare Artichoke Asiago Squares, you’ll need the following components:

Canned or marinated artichoke hearts
Grated Asiago cheese
Mayonnaise
Grated Parmesan cheese
Minced garlic
Chopped green onions
Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
A buttery cracker or bread crumb crust

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Artichokes: Drain the artichoke hearts and roughly chop them.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped artichokes, Asiago cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and your chosen seasonings. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the Crust: In a separate bowl, prepare the buttery cracker or bread crumb crust. You can use a combination of crushed crackers and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a square baking dish to create the crust.
Layer and Bake: Spread the artichoke and cheese mixture over the crust evenly. You can sprinkle some extra Asiago cheese on top for a nice finishing touch. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the squares cool for a few minutes before slicing them into squares or rectangles. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

⏰ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Artichoke Asiago Squares typically takes around 10-15 minutes for mixing the ingredients, and baking them will take an additional 25-30 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend approximately 35-45 minutes from start to finish.

🍽️ Enjoy your Artichoke Asiago Squares, they make a great appetizer for parties or a tasty snack for any occasion! 🎉😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Artichoke Asiago Squares:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

Calories: Around 150-200 calories
Total Fat: 12-15 grams
Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
Sodium: 250-300 mg
Carbohydrates: 6-8 grams
Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugars: 1-2 grams
Protein: 6-8 grams

🌱 Health Information:

Artichokes: Artichokes are a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. They are known to support digestive health and may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Asiago Cheese: Asiago cheese is a rich source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in saturated fats and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, primarily due to its oil content. Consider using a lighter or healthier mayonnaise option if you’re concerned about the calorie and fat content.
Garlic: Garlic has potential health benefits, including its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may contribute to heart health and immune support.
Green Onions: Green onions are low in calories and a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. They can add flavor and nutrition to dishes.
Seasonings: The seasonings used, such as salt and pepper, should be used in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Crust: The crust, typically made from crackers and butter, adds some extra calories and fats. You can choose whole-grain or lower-fat options for a slightly healthier version.

🚫 While Artichoke Asiago Squares can be a delicious treat, they are not particularly low in calories or fats due to the cheese, mayonnaise, and crust. It’s a good idea to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re mindful of your calorie and fat intake. Additionally, consider incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet to balance your nutrition.

Remember that specific nutritional values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size used in your recipe.