These Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a tasty bite-sized snack. They bring together the fresh taste of spinach, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese in a delightful wrap!
They’re super easy to make and perfect for parties or a fun movie night. I love how you can prepare them ahead of time and just chill in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for this recipe; it gives great flavor and crunch. If you want a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon substitute. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the way to go here, but you can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. A mix of kale or Swiss chard could work nicely too for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese. If you’re dairy-free, try using a nut-based cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative. The taste will differ slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are classic, but you can use whole wheat, corn, or even spinach tortillas for an extra pop of color and flavor. Just make sure they are large enough to roll without tearing.
How Can I Ensure My Roll Ups Stay Tightly Rolled?
Getting those roll ups tight is key for presentation and ease of eating! Here’s how to do it:
- As you spread the cream cheese mixture on the tortilla, leave a small border around the edges. This helps keep the filling from spilling out when you roll.
- Start rolling from one edge tightly and use your fingers to press as you roll. Make sure to keep the filling inside.
- Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and chill them for about 15-30 minutes before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
With these tips and insights, your Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups will be a hit! Happy cooking!
Spinach And Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas or wraps
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake. Total time—about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your roll ups!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re crispy. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. After they cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan to use for the spinach.
3. Sauté the Spinach:
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped spinach and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and set the sautéed spinach aside.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Spinach and Bacon:
Fold the sautéed spinach and half of the crumbled bacon into the cream cheese mixture. This adds flavor and texture to your filling.
6. Spread the Mixture:
Lay out the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Make sure to cover the entire tortilla for full flavor in every bite!
7. Roll It Up:
Now, roll up each tortilla tightly to form a log. Rolling tightly helps keep the filling from falling out when you slice them later.
8. Brush With Bacon Fat (Optional):
If you like, you can brush the outside of each roll with a little of the leftover bacon fat or a bit of oil for an extra crispy edge. It adds flavor too!
9. Bake the Roll Ups:
Place the roll-ups seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until the outside is golden and crispy.
10. Slice and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the roll ups cool for a minute. Then, slice each roll into 1-2 inch pinwheels. Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and fresh chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your warm, creamy, and savory Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative. Just be aware that it may cook a bit differently, so keep an eye on it to ensure it gets crispy before adding it to the filling.
Can I Make These Roll Ups Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add more vegetables, like diced bell peppers, artichokes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. The cream cheese and spinach will still make for a delicious filling!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Prepare These Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the roll ups a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just slice and bake them right before serving for the best crispiness!