Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 3 eggs: Adds structure and richness to the roll.
• 3 tbsp sour cream (with a heap): Provides moisture and tanginess to the egg mixture.
• 300 g hard cheese: This forms the cheesy base that holds everything together. You can use cheddar, gouda, or any other firm cheese.
• 1 medium carrot: Adds sweetness and color to the base.
• A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors.

For the Filling:

• 3 processed cheese wedges: These will be mixed into the filling for a creamy texture.
• 240 g crab sticks: Provides the savory, seafood component of the filling.
• 1-2 cloves garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• Dill: Fresh dill gives the filling a burst of freshness and pairs beautifully with crab sticks.
• Salt (to taste): To balance the flavor of the filling.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Grate the Ingredients: Start by grating the 300 g hard cheese and 1 medium carrot. Set these aside as they will be combined to form the base of the roll.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and 3 heaping tablespoons of sour cream. Mix until the sour cream is fully incorporated into the eggs.
3. Combine with Cheese and Carrot: Once the egg mixture is ready, fold in the grated cheese and carrot. This mixture will form the base layer of your roll.
4. Bake the Base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the cheese, egg, and carrot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly into a rectangular shape. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the base is set and slightly golden.
5. Cool the Base: Once baked, remove the base from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle when rolling later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Grate the Processed Cheese: Take the 3 processed cheese wedges and grate them finely. These cheeses will melt easily and create a smooth, creamy texture for the filling.
2. Chop the Crab Sticks: Finely chop the 240 g of crab sticks. You want the pieces to be small so they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Herbs: Mince 1-2 garlic cloves finely. Chop a handful of fresh dill. The combination of garlic and dill will add a fresh, savory note to the filling.
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the grated processed cheese, chopped crab sticks, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Add salt to taste. Mix everything until the ingredients are well-combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Crab Stick Roll

1. Spread the Filling: Once the cheese base has cooled enough to handle, spread the prepared filling evenly over the entire surface of the baked base. Make sure the filling is distributed all the way to the edges to ensure that every bite has a good balance of flavors.
2. Roll the Base: Starting from one end, carefully roll the base into a tight log. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll and keep it compact. Make sure the roll is tight, but be gentle to avoid tearing the base.
3. Chill the Roll: After rolling, wrap the crab stick roll in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes. This will help the roll set and make it easier to slice later.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice the Roll: Once the roll has chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-2 cm thick slices. The beautiful layers of the crab filling and cheesy base will be revealed in each slice.
2. Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped dill or a sprinkle of grated cheese. Serve the slices as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal. They are perfect on their own or paired with crackers or bread.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Note: This recipe makes approximately 1040 g of food, enough for around 6-8 servings.

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
• Protein: 15-18 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Vitamins: High in Vitamin A (from carrots and cheese) and calcium (from cheese).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use real crab meat instead of crab sticks?
Yes, you can substitute real crab meat for crab sticks in this recipe. Real crab will add a slightly different texture and a more intense seafood flavor, but it will still be delicious.

2. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
For the base, you can use any firm, meltable cheese like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. For the filling, processed cheese wedges are used because they melt smoothly and easily incorporate into the mixture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This roll can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, letting it chill for longer allows the flavors to meld together more beautifully.

4. Is it possible to make this recipe without mayonnaise or sour cream?
If you want to lighten up the recipe, you can substitute the mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese. These will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment! You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for a bit of crunch. Chopped olives or capers can also provide an interesting flavor contrast.

Tips for Making the Best Crab Stick Roll:

1. Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your crab sticks, cheese, and herbs will make a big difference in the final flavor of your roll.
2. Let the base cool: Before spreading the filling, ensure that the base has cooled slightly. If it’s too warm, the filling may melt and become difficult to roll.
3. Roll tightly but gently: When rolling the base, make sure it’s tight to keep everything together, but be careful not to tear the base.
4. Chill for easier slicing: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the roll to firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the filling stays in place.

Storage Tips:

In the Refrigerator:
The crab stick roll can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Freezing:
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the cheese and crab sticks may change when thawed. It’s best to prepare and enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion:

Crab Stick and Cheese Roll is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a party or just want a flavorful, savory snack for yourself, this roll delivers. The combination of creamy cheese, savory crab sticks, and fresh dill makes for a dish that is both satisfying and elegant. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks impressive and tastes delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your appetizer or snack table!