Asparagus-Cheese Squares with Crescent Crust ๐ฑ๐ง
History:
Asparagus-Cheese Squares with Crescent Crust is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for brunches, parties, or as an appetizer. While I couldn’t find a specific historical origin for this exact recipe, it combines the popular ingredients of asparagus and cheese with a crescent roll crust. Asparagus itself has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with its use in Mediterranean and Roman cuisine. The combination of asparagus and cheese in modern recipes reflects the love for classic flavors and the desire to create easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dishes.
Components:
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 pound of fresh asparagus
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
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Prepare the Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
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Unroll the Crescent Dough: Take the package of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a baking sheet, pressing the perforations to seal.
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Layer the Ingredients: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Place the blanched asparagus spears on top of the cheese mixture.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
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Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Total Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for this dish typically takes about 30-35 minutes. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward recipe, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Enjoy your Asparagus-Cheese Squares with Crescent Crust! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐งก
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus-Cheese Squares with Crescent Crust:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on a yield of 12 servings):
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin D: 3%
- Calcium: 14%
- Iron: 7%
- Potassium: 5%
Health Information:
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Asparagus: Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin K, folate, and vitamin A. It is low in calories and contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
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Cheese: The cheese in this recipe contributes to the creamy and savory flavor. Cheddar cheese, in particular, provides calcium and protein, but it’s also high in saturated fat and sodium. Moderation is key when consuming cheese for a balanced diet.
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Crescent Roll Dough: The crescent roll dough provides the flaky crust for this dish. It is high in carbohydrates and can be a significant source of calories. It’s typically made with processed white flour and can be low in fiber. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.
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Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is used to create a creamy texture in this recipe. It is high in calories and fats, particularly if it’s full-fat mayonnaise. Opting for a lighter version can reduce the calorie and fat content.
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Health Considerations: While this dish offers a combination of flavors and textures, it’s worth noting that it’s not a low-calorie or low-fat option. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its calorie and fat content. You can make it slightly healthier by using reduced-fat cheese and mayonnaise and being mindful of portion sizes.
Remember that the actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s a good idea to check the labels for precise information if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
