Vegetable Bars
Vegetable Bars are a savory, colorful appetizer featuring a flaky crescent roll crust topped with a creamy cheese mixture and an array of finely chopped vegetables. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a balanced blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetarians and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. crescent rolls ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 envelope Ranch dressing ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Miracle Whip ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 c. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3/4 c. green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. carrots, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3/4 c. mushrooms, chopped fine
- 3/4 c. broccoli, chopped fine ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a large cookie sheet or large pizza pan with Pam.
- Spread crescent rolls on the sheet to make a crust.
- Bake for 7 minutes at 350°F.
- Allow to cool.
- Mix together cream cheese, Ranch dressing, and Miracle Whip until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the cooled crust.
- Sprinkle chopped vegetables on top of the spread.
- Cover with shredded cheese or a combination of cheeses.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture. If you're out of Ranch dressing, a homemade mix of herbs and spices can be used as a substitute. Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand, such as diced zucchini or spinach, as this recipe is quite flexible and works well with various veggies. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These vegetable bars make a great appetizer or snack at parties. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of Blue Devil Salad for a lighter meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Cheesy Rice And Broccoli. You can also cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized hors d'oeuvres at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Bars contains roughly 115 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare these vegetable bars in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bars ahead of time. Assemble them up to the chilling step and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the cheese topping just before serving to maintain its texture and freshness.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use puff pastry or a savory pie crust as an alternative to crescent rolls. Both options will give a deliciously flaky base for your vegetable bars.
Are these vegetable bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. It features a delicious mix of vegetables and cheeses, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
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).