Asiago Dip With Crostini

Asiago Dip with Crostini 🧀🥖

Asiago Dip with Crostini is a delectable appetizer that combines creamy Asiago cheese with crispy crostini bread. It’s a popular and savory snack that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. Let’s delve into the details of this delicious treat.

📜 History:
The history of this specific dish is not as well-documented as some other culinary classics, but it’s safe to say that it’s a modern twist on the traditional Italian bruschetta. Asiago cheese, which hails from the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region of Italy, adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dip, making it a contemporary fusion of flavors.

🧀 Components:

• Asiago Cheese: Asiago cheese is the star of this dip. It’s a semi-hard Italian cheese that comes in two varieties: Asiago Pressato (young and mild) and Asiago d’Allevo (aged and stronger in flavor). You can choose either, depending on your preference.

For the Dip:

• 1 cup of grated Asiago cheese
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the Crostini:

• Baguette or French bread, sliced into thin rounds
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

👩‍🍳 Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into thin rounds, brush each slice with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until they are golden and crispy, usually for about 10-12 minutes.

For the Dip:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Asiago cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything until it’s well blended.

2. Transfer the dip mixture into a small oven-safe dish.

3. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.

4. Remove the dip from the oven, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley, and serve it immediately with the freshly baked crostini.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparing the Crostini: 10-12 minutes
• Preparing and Baking the Dip: 20-25 minutes

In total, you can prepare this mouthwatering Asiago Dip with Crostini in approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and delicious option for your next get-together. Enjoy your cheesy, savory, and crunchy appetizer! 🎉👌😋

Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asiago Dip with Crostini:

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons of dip and 2 crostini slices
• Calories: Approximately 150 calories
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 5g

Health Information:

1. Calcium: Asiago cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

2. Protein: The dip provides a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle health and overall body functions.

3. Moderation: While this appetizer is delicious, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

4. Serving Size: Be mindful of portion sizes, as it’s easy to overindulge in creamy, cheesy dips. Two tablespoons and a few crostini slices make for a satisfying serving.

5. Balanced Diet: Enjoy this treat as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

6. Sodium: The dip may have a moderate amount of sodium. It’s advisable for individuals on low-sodium diets to consume it sparingly.

7. Customization: You can make this dip slightly healthier by using reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise, or by opting for whole-grain crostini for added fiber.

Remember, while this Asiago Dip with Crostini is a delightful indulgence, it’s best enjoyed in moderation to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. 😊🥖🧀