Creamy Broccoli-Cheese Crescent Pockets
Indulge in these delightful Creamy Broccoli-Cheese Crescent Pockets, a perfect blend of gooey cheese and nutritious broccoli enveloped in crispy, flaky pastry. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in our home for years, serving as an excellent snack, comforting lunch, or even a satisfying main course, especially when paired with a fresh side salad. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delectable taste but also in its effortless preparation. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or treating the family to a comforting meal, these pockets are sure to disappear quickly. For gatherings or busy weeknights, consider making a double batch—trust me, they won’t last long!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked instant rice
1/2 cup (Measure and set aside)
water
1/2 cup (Measure for cooking rice)
frozen cut broccoli in cheese sauce
1 (10 ounce) package (Thaw (e.g. using the microwave))
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grate if necessary)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 (8 ounce) can (Open and separate into rectangles)
melted butter or margarine
1-2 tablespoons (Melt before brushing)
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Lightly grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray or oil.
3
Prepare the rice according to package instructions, using 1/2 cup of water.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked rice, thawed broccoli in cheese sauce, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into four rectangles, pressing firmly on the perforations to seal them. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently stretch each rectangle to form a 6x3-inch shape.
6
Evenly distribute approximately 1/3 cup of the broccoli mixture onto one end of each prepared rectangle.
7
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, stretching slightly to ensure a snug fit, and then pinch the edges to seal well. Remember, the squares will be quite full!
8
Using a fork, crimp the edges to create a decorative seal.
9
Transfer the filled pockets onto the greased cookie sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart.
10
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
11
Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 19-24 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
12
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Broccoli-Cheese Crescent Pockets?
They are a delicious blend of gooey cheese and nutritious broccoli wrapped in a crispy, flaky crescent roll pastry.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked instant rice.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 1/2 cup of water to prepare the instant rice.
What kind of broccoli should I buy?
Use one 10-ounce package of frozen cut broccoli that comes in cheese sauce.
Do I need to thaw the broccoli before using it?
Yes, the broccoli should be thawed, which can be done easily in the microwave.
What type of cheese is added to the broccoli and rice mixture?
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is added into the filling mixture.
How do I season the filling?
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What kind of dough is used for the pockets?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls.
How do I prepare the crescent roll dough for filling?
Separate the dough into four rectangles and press firmly on the perforations to seal them.
What size should the dough rectangles be stretched to?
Gently stretch each dough rectangle to form a 6x3-inch shape.
How much filling goes into each crescent pocket?
Distribute approximately 1/3 cup of the broccoli mixture onto one end of each dough rectangle.
How do I ensure the pockets are sealed correctly?
Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork.
What is the purpose of crimping the edges with a fork?
Crimping creates a decorative seal that helps keep the filling inside during baking.
What should be brushed on top of the pockets before baking?
Brush the tops of the pockets with 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
Is there an extra topping for the pockets?
Yes, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered tops.
How long do the broccoli cheese pockets need to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 19 to 24 minutes.
How can I tell when the pockets are finished cooking?
They are done when they appear golden brown and the pastry is flaky.
Should I serve the pockets immediately after baking?
It is best to let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an effortless preparation that is great for busy weeknights.
Can I serve these pockets as a main dish?
Yes, they can be a satisfying main course, especially when served with a fresh side salad.
Are these pockets suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make a larger batch for a party?
The recipe suggests making a double batch for gatherings because they disappear quickly.
What are the main flavor components of this dish?
The main flavors are savory broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and salty Parmesan cheese.
What is the texture of the finished pockets?
The pockets have a soft, creamy center and a crispy, flaky exterior.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Lunch or Snack item.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the combination of cheese and flaky bread makes it a popular choice for families.
How much total Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need a total of 6 tablespoons: 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) for the filling and 2 tablespoons for the topping.