Name: Easter Stuffed Carrot Crescent Rolls recipe Recipe
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The foundation of our carrot creation, crescent roll dough provides the flaky, buttery texture that we all know and love. Opt for a reputable brand for consistent results. The pre-made dough is a lifesaver, making this recipe incredibly quick and easy, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday brunch. Look for the seamless dough sheets if you want to minimize seams in your final carrots, although the regular crescent roll triangles work perfectly well too. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to elevate the flavor even further, you could even consider using homemade crescent roll dough, although this will significantly increase the preparation time. For convenience and deliciousness, the refrigerated dough is your best bet.; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the heart of our savory filling, lending a creamy, tangy richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before you start. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth and easily spreadable filling that won’t clump or create lumps. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten things up slightly without sacrificing too much flavor. For a tangier twist, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which is similar to cream cheese but with a slightly lower fat content and a more pronounced tang.; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory bite and a beautiful melting quality to the filling. Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is convenient, but for the best flavor and melting, consider shredding your own cheese from a block. Sharp cheddar will provide a more pronounced flavor, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier filling. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in the filling.; 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked ham or cooked bacon: This ingredient brings a savory, smoky depth to the filling, adding a delightful layer of flavor complexity. Cooked ham is a classic choice that offers a slightly sweet and salty flavor, while cooked bacon provides a smoky, crispy element. You can use leftover ham from your Easter dinner or purchase pre-cooked ham or bacon from the grocery store for convenience. Make sure to chop the ham or bacon finely so it distributes evenly throughout the filling. For vegetarians, you can substitute finely chopped cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory and flavorful alternative.; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions: Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green color to the filling. They provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the cheese and ham or bacon. Make sure to use only the green parts of the green onions for the best flavor and texture. Finely chop them to ensure they blend seamlessly into the filling. If you don’t have green onions on hand, you can substitute finely chopped chives or a small amount of finely minced shallot for a similar flavor profile.; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the savory notes and cutting through the richness of the cheese. Dijon mustard has a distinct, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Use a good quality Dijon mustard for the best results. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon mustard is recommended for its superior flavor.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Garlic powder is a convenient and versatile spice that provides a consistent garlic flavor. Use a good quality garlic powder for the best results. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 clove of minced garlic, but garlic powder is recommended for its ease of use and consistent flavor in this recipe.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the richness of the cheese. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its superior flavor, but pre-ground black pepper works just fine as well. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste preference.; 1 egg, beaten: The beaten egg serves two purposes in this recipe. First, it’s used as an egg wash to brush over the crescent rolls before baking, giving them a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly glossy finish. Second, a small amount of the beaten egg can be incorporated into the filling to help bind it together and create a slightly richer texture. Make sure to beat the egg well until the yolk and white are fully combined.; Optional: Shredded carrots for garnish: For the ultimate carrot presentation, shredded carrots are used to create the “carrot top” at the wider end of each crescent roll. This adds a touch of visual flair and reinforces the carrot theme. Use finely shredded carrots for the best appearance. You can use pre-shredded carrots or shred your own using a box grater or food processor. If you don’t have shredded carrots, you can use fresh dill sprigs or parsley sprigs as a green garnish to represent the carrot tops.; Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds can be sprinkled over the crescent rolls before baking for added texture and visual appeal. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a delicate crunch, while poppy seeds provide a slightly nutty and earthy flavor. These are entirely optional, but they add a nice finishing touch to the carrot crescent rolls.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The foundation of our carrot creation, crescent roll dough provides the flaky, buttery texture that we all know and love. Opt for a reputable brand for consistent results. The pre-made dough is a lifesaver, making this recipe incredibly quick and easy, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday brunch. Look for the seamless dough sheets if you want to minimize seams in your final carrots, although the regular crescent roll triangles work perfectly well too. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to elevate the flavor even further, you could even consider using homemade crescent roll dough, although this will significantly increase the preparation time. For convenience and deliciousness, the refrigerated dough is your best bet.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the heart of our savory filling, lending a creamy, tangy richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before you start. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth and easily spreadable filling that won’t clump or create lumps. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten things up slightly without sacrificing too much flavor. For a tangier twist, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which is similar to cream cheese but with a slightly lower fat content and a more pronounced tang.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory bite and a beautiful melting quality to the filling. Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is convenient, but for the best flavor and melting, consider shredding your own cheese from a block. Sharp cheddar will provide a more pronounced flavor, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier filling. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in the filling.

1/2 cup finely chopped cooked ham or cooked bacon: This ingredient brings a savory, smoky depth to the filling, adding a delightful layer of flavor complexity. Cooked ham is a classic choice that offers a slightly sweet and salty flavor, while cooked bacon provides a smoky, crispy element. You can use leftover ham from your Easter dinner or purchase pre-cooked ham or bacon from the grocery store for convenience. Make sure to chop the ham or bacon finely so it distributes evenly throughout the filling. For vegetarians, you can substitute finely chopped cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory and flavorful alternative.

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions: Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green color to the filling. They provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the cheese and ham or bacon. Make sure to use only the green parts of the green onions for the best flavor and texture. Finely chop them to ensure they blend seamlessly into the filling. If you don’t have green onions on hand, you can substitute finely chopped chives or a small amount of finely minced shallot for a similar flavor profile.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the savory notes and cutting through the richness of the cheese. Dijon mustard has a distinct, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Use a good quality Dijon mustard for the best results. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon mustard is recommended for its superior flavor.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Garlic powder is a convenient and versatile spice that provides a consistent garlic flavor. Use a good quality garlic powder for the best results. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 clove of minced garlic, but garlic powder is recommended for its ease of use and consistent flavor in this recipe.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the richness of the cheese. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its superior flavor, but pre-ground black pepper works just fine as well. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste preference.

1 egg, beaten: The beaten egg serves two purposes in this recipe. First, it’s used as an egg wash to brush over the crescent rolls before baking, giving them a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly glossy finish. Second, a small amount of the beaten egg can be incorporated into the filling to help bind it together and create a slightly richer texture. Make sure to beat the egg well until the yolk and white are fully combined.

Optional: Shredded carrots for garnish: For the ultimate carrot presentation, shredded carrots are used to create the “carrot top” at the wider end of each crescent roll. This adds a touch of visual flair and reinforces the carrot theme. Use finely shredded carrots for the best appearance. You can use pre-shredded carrots or shred your own using a box grater or food processor. If you don’t have shredded carrots, you can use fresh dill sprigs or parsley sprigs as a green garnish to represent the carrot tops.

Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds can be sprinkled over the crescent rolls before baking for added texture and visual appeal. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a delicate crunch, while poppy seeds provide a slightly nutty and earthy flavor. These are entirely optional, but they add a nice finishing touch to the carrot crescent rolls.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature when you place the crescent rolls inside, promoting even baking and preventing them from becoming soggy or undercooked. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend for baking as it prevents the crescent rolls from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped cooked ham or bacon, finely chopped green onions, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature; this is key to achieving a smooth and easily mixable filling. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the filling is well mixed and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to taste, depending on your preference and the saltiness of your ham or bacon and cheddar cheese.

Unroll Crescent Roll Dough: Gently unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface or directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you are using regular crescent roll dough, you will have triangles. If you are using seamless dough sheets, you will need to gently separate the dough into rectangles. Lay out the dough in a way that allows you to easily shape them into carrots. If you are using regular crescent roll triangles, lightly press the seams together if desired to create a smoother surface for shaping.

Shape the Dough into Carrots: This is where the fun begins! For each crescent roll triangle or rectangle, take a spoonful of the prepared cheese filling and place it at the wider end of the dough. Gently spread the filling evenly over the wider portion of the dough, leaving the pointed tip of the triangle or a portion of the rectangle uncovered. Now, carefully roll up the dough starting from the wider end, enclosing the filling as you go, towards the pointed tip. As you roll, gently shape the crescent roll into a carrot shape by slightly curving it and tapering the pointed end to resemble the tip of a carrot. Pinch the seams to seal the edges and ensure the filling doesn’t escape during baking. Place each shaped carrot crescent roll onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking.

Brush with Egg Wash and Add Garnish (Optional): In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork until the yolk and white are fully combined. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops and sides of each carrot crescent roll with the beaten egg. This egg wash is what gives them that beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen during baking. If you are using sesame seeds or poppy seeds, sprinkle them lightly over the egg-washed crescent rolls now. These seeds will add a lovely textural element and visual appeal to the finished carrots.

Bake until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet with the carrot crescent rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. You want them to be nicely golden brown, indicating that they are cooked through and the crescent roll dough is flaky.

Add Carrot Top Garnish (Optional): Once the carrot crescent rolls are baked and golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they are still warm, gently insert a small amount of shredded carrots into the wider end of each carrot crescent roll to resemble carrot tops. Alternatively, you can use fresh dill sprigs or parsley sprigs for a green garnish. This step is optional but adds a delightful finishing touch and reinforces the carrot theme, making them extra cute and festive for Easter.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Easter Stuffed Carrot Crescent Rolls to a serving platter and serve them warm. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the crescent rolls are flaky and the filling is warm and melted. These adorable carrot appetizers are perfect for Easter brunch, spring parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually appealing treat. Prepare to receive compliments on both their cuteness and their incredible flavor!

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 180-220