Stuffed Crescent Roll Carrots Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Spinach and Cream Cheese Carrots

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• 4 sheets of foil
• 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls, such as Pillsbury
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed, drained, and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Roll the sheets of foil into cone-shaped molds. Set them aside.

Step 3: Separate the dough into 4 rectangular pieces. Press the diagonal seams together to ensure they are sealed.

Step 4: Using a pizza cutter, slice each rectangle in half lengthwise.

Step 5: Wrap one strip of dough around the bottom of each foil mold, pinching together at the tip to seal. Then wrap a second strip around the mold, slightly overlapping the first to create the shape of a carrot. Place the molds on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before carefully removing the foil molds.

Step 7: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, spinach, garlic powder, and nutmeg until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Fill a piping bag with the spinach and cream cheese mixture. Pipe the filling evenly into the cooled carrot molds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	425
Total Fat	31g (39% DV)
Saturated Fat	17g (87% DV)
Cholesterol	90mg (30% DV)
Sodium	552mg (24% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	30g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber	4g (14% DV)
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	10g (21% DV)
Vitamin C	2mg (2% DV)
Calcium	183mg (14% DV)
Iron	2mg (14% DV)
Potassium	353mg (8% DV)

Recipe Origin:
The "Stuffed Crescent Roll Carrots" recipe, like many creative food inventions, draws inspiration from the versatility of crescent rollsa beloved American pastry. The crescent roll dough, often associated with breakfast or dinner dishes, is transformed here into a whimsical carrot shape, making it a perfect dish for spring celebrations, especially Easter. This inventive appetizer was developed by Yolanda Gutierrez and published on Allrecipes, capturing the fun and festive nature of food presentation, which has become a trend in modern American cuisine. The idea of using crescent rolls for stuffed appetizers, particularly in fun, recognizable shapes, gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and customizable filling options.

Regional Features:
While this dish originates from the United States, it reflects the broader trend of transforming traditional baked goods into visually striking and thematic shapes. The use of crescent rolls is particularly common in American kitchens, where their buttery texture and flaky consistency are used in a variety of dishes, from savory appetizers to sweet desserts. In terms of fillings, the stuffing in this dish, consisting of cream cheese and spinach, is particularly common in American cuisine, though variations of stuffed rolls can be found across cultures, such as the popular cheese-filled puff pastry in European kitchens.

Differences from Similar Dishes:
Stuffed Crescent Roll Carrots stand out due to their playful and unique shape, designed to resemble a carrot, which makes them ideal for holiday events like Easter. This is different from traditional stuffed crescent rolls, which are often rolled into a standard crescent shape and filled with ingredients such as cheese, ham, or vegetables. Unlike regular stuffed pastries, this recipe uses a creative mold to form the shape, ensuring that the presentation is as much a part of the dish as the flavor. Additionally, the filling of cream cheese and spinach is a more savory option compared to the sweet fillings often found in similar crescent roll recipes.

Where It's Usually Served:
Stuffed Crescent Roll Carrots are commonly served as appetizers or snacks at holiday gatherings, especially during Easter celebrations due to their carrot shape. However, they can also be enjoyed as a light dinner or a fun party snack. Their versatile filling allows them to cater to different tastes, making them suitable for both savory and sweet fillings. These cute and delicious treats are perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or any event that calls for creative and delightful finger foods.

Interesting Facts:
The idea of shaping food into fun, recognizable forms, such as carrots for Easter, has been popular for centuries, especially in countries that celebrate spring festivals. The concept of stuffed pastries goes back to ancient times, but the crescent rollintroduced in America in the mid-20th century by Pillsburymade these types of creations widely accessible. The carrot-shaped crescent roll is a modern twist, showcasing the creativity and flexibility of crescent dough in contemporary culinary trends. Moreover, the use of spinach in the filling offers a healthy touch, making the dish a balanced combination of indulgence and nutrition. The recipe also lends itself well to customizationcheese, herbs, or even sweet fillings like chocolate or fruit could easily replace the spinach, depending on the occasion.

FAQ about Stuffed Crescent Roll Carrots Recipe