These Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a tasty bite-sized treat! Packed with creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon, they are bursting with flavor.
Trust me, you’ll want to make these for your next party—or just for yourself! They are super easy to whip up and disappear fast, so make sure to grab a few for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but frozen spinach works well too! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the water. If you can’t find spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard for a similar flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese can be a good substitute. Dairy-free cream cheese also works great if you need a vegan option!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful flavor and crunch. For a healthier choice, turkey bacon is a nice alternative. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are typically used, but you can switch to whole wheat tortillas for more fiber. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a tasty option and will still hold the filling well.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Spinach Without Overcooking It?
Cooking spinach is a quick process, and timing is key. If you sauté it too long, it can become mushy. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, and add a tiny splash of olive oil.
- Add fresh spinach and stir it gently for just 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
- Immediately remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking.
If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out as much water as possible. This keeps your mixture from getting watery!
Spinach And Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 8 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roll Ups:
- 6 large flour tortillas or wraps
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 35 minutes. In no time, you’ll have warm, cheesy roll ups ready to delight your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your roll ups!
2. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, heat a pan over medium heat and sauté it just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed and gently squeezed to remove any excess moisture.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped bacon (saving a bit for later), and the cooked spinach. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and well blended. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go!
4. Set Up the Tortillas:
Take your tortillas and lay them flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the creamy spinach filling over each tortilla, leaving a little space around the edges.
5. Roll Them Up:
Now, carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. It’s okay if some filling sneaks out—just roll it as tight as you can!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the rolled tortillas seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’d like extra crunch, sprinkle the tops with the reserved bacon bits!
7. Bake the Roll Ups:
Pop them in the oven and let bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the tortillas to turn golden brown and the filling to be nice and hot.
8. Cut and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your roll ups cool for a few minutes. Then, slice them into 1-1.5 inch pieces. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter, garnishing with the freshly chopped parsley or chives.
These Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are perfect as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan provide a great flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For a sharper taste, try cheddar or gouda. You can also use cream cheese alternatives like ricotta for a lighter option!
How Can I Make These Roll Ups Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute regular flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas made from corn or almond flour. They hold up well and taste delicious, so you won’t miss out on flavor!
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 for a few minutes or microwave them for a quick snack. Just make sure to cover them to keep them moist!
Can I Prepare These Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the roll ups and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are going into the oven straight from the fridge.
