Transform your appetizer game with these vibrant and irresistible Cheesy Salad Bars, a creative fusion of creamy cheese layers and crisp, colorful vegetables. Perfectly blending indulgence with freshness, this recipe starts with a golden, buttery crust that provides the ideal foundation for a tangy, ranch-flavored cream cheese layer. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, vibrant carrots, and savory green onions, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. A sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs adds the perfect finishing touch for a bit of crunch. Ready in just 35 minutes (plus chilling time), these chilled, no-fuss bars are an excellent choice for parties, picnics, or as a refreshing snack. Your guests will adore this crowd-pleasing recipe that pairs cheesy indulgence with the crisp, refreshing appeal of a garden salad.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared baking dish to form a flat crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool completely.
While the crust cools, prepare the cheesy topping. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring an even layer.
Prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely slice the green onions, and shred the carrots.
In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix well.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer, followed by the prepared vegetables.
Finish by sprinkling the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top for added texture.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, cut into bars and serve cold. Enjoy your Cheesy Salad Bars!
Calories |
3670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 299.4 g | 384% | |
| Saturated Fat | 175.1 g | 875% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 788 mg | 263% | |
| Sodium | 3552 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 170.0 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.6 g | ||
| Protein | 96.2 g | 192% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 2198 mg | 169% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1686 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.