Cheese Square Appetizers
Creamy, cheesy squares with green chiles and fresh vegetables, perfect as a savory appetizer for parties or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, 2% Cheddar) ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups fat-free sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can green chile peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6.5 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) loaf round sourdough bread ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cheeses, Neufchatel cheese, sour cream, chopped green chile peppers, Worcestershire sauce, crushed garlic, chopped green onions, chopped artichoke hearts, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- While the mixture is baking, slice the sourdough bread into squares.
- Once baked, let the cheese square mixture cool slightly, then cut into small squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the shredded cheese with cream cheese. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mixture. Ensure that the Neufchatel cheese is at room temperature for easier blending. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious cheese squares as a standalone appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. They pair beautifully with chopped tomatoes on top for added freshness. For a complete spread, consider serving with your favorite dips or pairing with a selection of wines or craft beers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place squares on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Square Appetizers contains roughly 311 calories, with 9g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of sourdough bread?
If sourdough isn't available, consider using baguette slices, crackers, or even vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers for a gluten-free option. These alternatives will still provide a great base for the cheese squares.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, always double-check the labels on packaged ingredients like Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are vegetarian, as some brands may include anchovies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).