Veggie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
- 1/2 cup fine shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 sheet crescent roll dough (or crescent dough sheet for easier handling)
- 1 small peeled carrot or a few baby carrots
- A few raw broccoli florets
- A few raw cauliflower florets
(You’ll need about 1 cup of chopped veggies total)
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Crescent Dough
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the crescent roll dough package (usually 375°F).
- Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or line the sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. If using regular crescent rolls, press the seams together to make one solid sheet.
- Bake as directed on the package (usually 10-12 minutes) until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely.
Step 2: Prep the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
- Rinse the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, and pat them dry.
- Place the veggies in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (or finely chop by hand if you prefer).
- Tip: The veggies should resemble small crumbles—avoid over-processing into mush.
- Place the chopped veggies on a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.
Step 4: Assemble the Veggie Bars
- Once the crescent crust is completely cool, gently remove it from the sheet pan and place it on a cutting board or parchment paper. This prevents sticking later.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese.
- Evenly distribute the finely chopped veggies on top.
- Sprinkle with more shredded cheddar cheese to finish.
Step 5: Chill and Cut
- Lightly press everything down with your hands or a flat spatula to help the toppings adhere to the cream cheese layer.
- Place the assembled bars in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make cutting easier.
- Once chilled, slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Aim for about 20 bite-sized bars.
Tips for Success:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the crescent crust and cream cheese mixture in advance. Assemble shortly before serving for freshness.
- Customize Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
These Veggie Bars are a colorful, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to be a hit! 🏈🎉