These Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a tasty treat! With creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, they make a great snack or appetizer. Yum!
They’re super simple to make, and you can roll them up in a flash! I love to serve them at parties, and trust me, they disappear fast. Who can resist that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, cooked turkey bacon works well too! You can also use vegetarian bacon if you want to skip meat altogether.
Cream Cheese: The soft texture of cream cheese makes it perfect for spreading. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cream cheese. It has a similar consistency and will still work great in this recipe.
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is convenient, but fresh spinach can be used too. Just sauté it briefly to reduce moisture before mixing it with other ingredients.
Tortillas: I love flour tortillas for their flexibility, but you can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist. Gluten-free wraps can also work if you need a gluten-free option!
How Do You Make Sure the Spinach and Cream Cheese Mix is Just Right?
Making the filling creamy and flavorful is key. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Be sure to fully thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out the excess water. Moisture can make the filling too runny.
- Mix the ingredients well—this ensures even flavor in every bite.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings. You might want to add a bit more salt or garlic powder based on your preference.
These steps will help you create a delicious filling for your roll-ups with the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Spinach And Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make for easy clean-up later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are nice and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess grease and set them aside.
3. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the thawed and drained chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and nice and creamy!
4. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Now, take your tortillas or flatbreads and lay them out on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the creamy spinach mixture over each tortilla. You want to cover the whole surface!
5. Roll and Wrap:
Tightly roll up each tortilla. Then, take 2 slices of bacon and wrap them around each roll-up. You can let the bacon slightly overlap. If needed, use toothpicks to keep everything secure.
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the wrapped roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and everything is heated through. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. You can slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish before serving!
Enjoy these flavorful, creamy, and crispy Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups as an appetizer or snack! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works great. Just sauté it briefly to wilt it down and remove any excess moisture before mixing it into the cream cheese filling.
How Do I Prevent the Tortillas From Getting Soggy?
To keep your tortillas from getting soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach and dry it well before mixing it with the cream cheese. This prevents excess moisture in the filling!
Can I Prepare These Roll Ups in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the roll-ups and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if they go into the oven chilled.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the bacon is crispy again!