Christmas Carrot Pesto Bake Recipes

CARROT TOP PESTO

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to a food processor, starting with the lesser amount of olive oil. Pulse a few times until well combined. Add additional olive oil as needed to reach desired pesto texture.
• Taste pesto - if desired, add salt. I usually season the foods I'm adding it to first (like baked chicken or potatoes) but feel free to add a little salt to the pesto if needed.
• Serve pesto over pasta, baked chicken, potatoes, or whatever your heart desires!

ROASTED CARROTS WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Slice 2 bunches carrots (with greens); chop 1 cup of the greens. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees F, tossing once, until tender, 20 minutes. Puree the carrot greens (or 1 cup chopped basil) with 1/4 cup each olive oil, grated parmesan and mint leaves, 1 garlic clove and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; season with salt. Top the carrots with the pesto and chopped hazelnuts.

CARROT TOP PESTO

Steps:

• Combine the greens and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fit with the chopping blade. (The smaller the food processor the better here, as the greens might escape the blade in a large machine.) Pulse until the the greens are finely chopped.
• Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Process until you have a thick pesto, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicon spatula if you need to. Taste, and add more salt if needed.

CHEESY PESTO ROLL WREATH (CHRISTMAS WREATH APPETIZER)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 5-inch circle on the center of the parchment paper.
• Open both cans of dough and separate crescents into 16 triangles. Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet the flat edges lined up and overlapping along the 5-inch circle and the points facing outward; it will resemble a sunburst.
• Combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 6 tablespoons pesto in a bowl. Mix until well combined, then spread around the center of the ring of crescent dough.
• Wrap each dough triangle up over filling and tucking it under the bottom to secure. Repeat around the entire ring. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons pesto on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the dough is golden brown and cooked, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Slice into individually portioned rings, but keep all the rings in place in the shape of a wreath. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes.

ROASTED CARROTS WITH CILANTRO-WALNUT PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Pulse the first 6 ingredients in a small food processor until finely chopped. Continue processing, gradually adding oil in a steady stream. Drizzle carrots with herb mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast, stirring occasionally, until tender, 20-25 minutes.

CREAMY CARROT BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a Dutch oven, bring 1 in. of water to a boil. Add carrots; cook, covered, 5-7 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain; set aside., In same pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until tender., Stir in flour and mustard until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add cheeses, horseradish and seasonings; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Stir in carrots., Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bread crumbs are lightly browned.