Ingredients:

• For the Base:
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) or 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup small fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/3 cup quartered cucumber slices
  • 1 plum (Roma) tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the rolls.
2. Roll Out the Crescent Dough: Open the cans of Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls or Dough Sheets and unroll the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. If you’re using crescent rolls, press the seams together to form a single continuous sheet of dough. You can also use a rolling pin to smooth it out.
3. Bake the Dough: Bake the crescent roll sheet in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir together until smooth and creamy.
2. Season the Cream Cheese Mixture: Add the dried dill weed and garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables: While the crescent roll base is cooling, prepare the toppings. Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber into quartered slices. Seed and chop the plum tomato. Shred the carrot if it’s not already shredded.

Step 4: Assemble the Veggie Crescent Roll Appetizers

1. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the crescent roll base has completely cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface using a spatula.
2. Top with Vegetables: Sprinkle the chopped broccoli, cucumber, tomato, and shredded carrot over the cream cheese layer, ensuring the toppings are evenly distributed.
3. Cut into Pieces: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet into small squares or rectangles, depending on the desired size for serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish (Optional): For added flavor, you can sprinkle additional dill weed or cracked black pepper over the top.
2. Serve Cold: These appetizers are best served cold, so you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Tips:

• Softening the Cream Cheese: To make mixing easier, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. If you forgot to leave it out beforehand, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the crescent roll base and cream cheese mixture ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them separately and assemble with the vegetables just before serving to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.
• Customization: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! You can add bell peppers, olives, or even radishes to personalize the toppings. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftover Veggie Crescent Roll Appetizers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: This dish is not suitable for freezing as the crescent rolls may become soggy, and the vegetables may lose their texture upon thawing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (from the carrots)
• Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value (from the broccoli and tomatoes)
• Calcium: 6% of Daily Value

FAQs:

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can bake the crescent roll base and mix the cream cheese filling ahead of time. Assemble with the vegetables right before serving to maintain the freshness of the toppings.
2. Can I use a different type of dough?
   • Absolutely! While crescent rolls are the classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute with puff pastry, pizza dough, or even a flatbread base if you prefer a different texture.
3. What other toppings can I use?
   • You can use a wide variety of vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, radishes, or black olives. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream. You can also omit the cheese altogether and add more flavorful herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
5. How long can I leave these out at a party?
   • Since these appetizers contain cream cheese and sour cream, it’s best to keep them out at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated to avoid any risk of spoilage.

Conclusion: Veggie Crescent Roll Appetizers are a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the buttery, flaky goodness of crescent rolls with the fresh flavors of vegetables and creamy cheese. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a light lunch, these bite-sized squares are sure to please a crowd. The combination of the cool, tangy cream cheese base with crisp, fresh vegetables makes this appetizer both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a fun dish to bring to your next gathering or a quick and easy snack to prepare at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion.