These Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a tasty treat! They combine fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese all wrapped up in a delicious bite-sized package. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or just a fun snack at home. I love making a batch and sharing them, or sometimes, I keep them all to myself. Don’t tell anyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream cheese: This is the star of the show, adding creaminess to the roll ups. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ricotta or Greek yogurt instead. Both give a great texture.
Bacon: Bacon adds that crispy, salty flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. Or, you might skip it entirely for a vegetarian version and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brightens the dish but frozen spinach is a great substitute. Just squeeze out the water before use. I often find that fresh yields a better texture, but use what you have!
Almond flour: If you’re following a low-carb diet, almond flour is perfect here. Regular flour works just as well, so choose based on your dietary needs.
How Do You Get the Egg Crust Just Right?
The egg crust can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! It’s important to keep it thin for easy rolling while ensuring it cooks well.
- Mix the egg and flour until smooth—this helps avoid lumps.
- Spread it evenly on the baking sheet; use a spatula to smooth it out.
- Bake until it’s set yet flexible—check around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Let it cool slightly before rolling; this prevents cracking and helps keep it together.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly rolled up treat every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Spinach And Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 8 slices of bacon
For the Egg Crust:
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour (optional, for low carb) or all-purpose flour
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes to cook. You’ll be spending a bit of time sautéing the spinach and cooking the bacon, while the egg crust bakes for a perfect wrap. Total time is around 35 minutes for deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, cook your bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy in a skillet or the oven. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease, then set them aside to cool a bit.
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, crack the two eggs and beat them. Then, mix in the almond flour (or all-purpose flour), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth batter-like consistency.
4. Create the Egg Crust:
Spread this egg mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet to form a thin rectangular layer. This will be your crust for the roll-ups.
5. Bake the Egg Crust:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the egg crust for about 10-12 minutes or until it’s set and slightly golden around the edges.
6. Sauté the Spinach:
While the egg crust is baking, heat another skillet over medium heat and sauté the spinach until it’s just wilted if you are using fresh spinach. If you’re using frozen, make sure it’s already thawed and squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it. Set aside.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until it’s completely smooth. Don’t forget to toss in a little salt and pepper for flavor!
8. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
After the egg crust has finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Then, layer the cooked spinach on top, followed by crumbling or placing the bacon slices over everything.
9. Roll It Up:
Now comes the fun part! Carefully roll up the egg crust from one long side to the other, keeping it tight to form a nice log.
10. Slice for Serving:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into about 1-1.5 inch pieces to create bite-sized roll-ups. Place these sliced pieces back on the baking sheet.
11. Optional Crisping:
If you like, pop the slices back in for a quick broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the outside a little more.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and maybe some extra bacon crumbles for a nice presentation. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, so they’re great for snacking anytime!
Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups — creamy, savory, and packed with flavor!
Can I Use Different Greens Besides Spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute spinach with other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just make sure to sauté them briefly to reduce moisture before adding to the roll ups.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I Make These Roll Ups Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). You can also use coconut flour instead of almond flour.
Is There a Way to Make Them Spicier?
Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or serve with a spicy dipping sauce!