Appetizer > Italian Cheese Appetizers > Artichoke Appetizers

Bel Paese and Artichoke Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Bel Paese cheese, grated
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Bel Paese cheese, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 245
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bel Paese cheese can be substituted with any other soft cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Artichoke hearts can be substituted with spinach or roasted red peppers.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt or ricotta cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley or basil.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives or shallots.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.

Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
- Top the dip with breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the artichoke hearts well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Grate the Bel Paese cheese finely for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Serve the dip with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the dip, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a decorative bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or green onions.

Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the dip is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover dip in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.

Food history:
- Bel Paese cheese is a soft Italian cheese that was first produced in the early 1900s.
- Artichokes have been cultivated for thousands of years and were first introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Romans.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Tangy, Savory, Herby, Nutty