Pauline'S Favorite Appetizer
Pauline's Favorite Appetizer features a creamy spinach and artichoke filling baked over a buttery crescent roll crust. Rich in flavors of feta, Parmesan, garlic, and vegetables, it's perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a delicious starter that will delight guests with its savory, cheesy profile.
Ingredients
- 2 packages crescent rolls ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 package (0.9 oz) dry vegetable soup and dip mix ⓘ
- 1 package (10 oz) chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 jar (10 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 package (4 oz) feta cheese ⓘ
- 1 crushed garlic clove ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into a 10 x 15 inch pan to form a crust.
- Seal perforations by pressing or rolling the dough and push up the edges to create a crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes until light golden brown.
- Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and vegetable soup mix in a bowl.
- Drain the chopped spinach, squeeze out excess water, and add to the mixture.
- Drain and chop the artichoke hearts and water chestnuts, then add to the mixture.
- Stir in feta cheese and crushed garlic clove.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Grate Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from oven and cut into squares to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and sour cream. If you don’t have artichoke hearts, chopped olives can be used instead. When baking the crust, keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. This recipe can also be made with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into bite-sized squares for easy serving and pair with a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a complete appetizer spread. It also goes well with drinks like white wine or a light beer. For dessert, consider serving Chocolate Crunch Brownies to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pauline'S Favorite Appetizer contains roughly 217 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and bake the crust a day in advance. Assemble the dish and store it in the fridge, then bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for parties.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it a great choice for vegetarian recipes. It’s packed with flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
What can I serve this with?
This appetizer pairs nicely with a variety of drinks and sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit platter or some crunchy chips for contrast. It also complements well with Butternut Balls for a delightful spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).