Veggie Pizza Bites

Whenever I go to a holiday dinner or family potluck, someone always asks for these yummy veggie pizza bites.  I have tried explaining that I am capable of making other things, but this dish causes "selective hearing"- if you know what I mean!  But I'm not complaining- it is so easy to make.  And I NEVER have any left over to take home.  EVER.  Which always makes me feel really good, but at the same time I want more for me.  So lately I've been saving part of the pizza back for myself at home.  Is that bad?

I whipped this up the other night before my sister came over for a relaxing movie night.  The ingredients are pretty simple, and most you may already have in your pantry and refrigerator.  The recipe (included at the bottom of the post) calls for a variety of vegetables, french bread, cream cheese, mayo or Miracle Whip, and a packet of dry Italian dressing.  I must note, however, that I usually use mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip, for this recipe.  I only had Miracle Whip in my fridge, and I wasn't feeling a trip to the store, so I decided to use it.  The result was still really good, but I think I like it with mayo better.

First, I chopped up all of the veggies.  I pretty much always use a blend of carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, but feel free to substitute as you see fit.   You have the power!  (Evil laugh).

Yep, I just did an evil laugh over chopped veggies.  Let's not focus on how sad that is...

Next, using a standing mixer or blender, whip together the cream cheese (the whole block), 1/2 cup of miracle whip or mayo, and a packet of dry Italian salad dressing.

Reed heard the mixer and came running.  He's just a little obsessed with it at the moment.  He likes to do all of the switches.  He is teething so bad in this picture- his little cheeks are all swollen.  How long until the two-year-molar nightmare ends?

Once the ingredients are blended well, use a spatula to scrape the mixture into a Tupperware bowl, cover, and refrigerate it for at least an hour.  It can refrigerate overnight if that's your thing.  If possible, you really want to make this recipe the day you plan on eating it.  However, this time in the fridge allows the ingredients to really marinade together and also make the mixture easier to spread later.  Meanwhile, drink a cup of coffee, take the dog out, give the kid a bath (that's what I did), or have a dance party.  Or be boring and wash the dishes (also what I did).

After an hour or so, slice your french bread (if you couldn't find it pre-sliced), and prep your space to begin assembling the pizza bites.  It is a pretty complicated process...

Begin by spreading a pretty thick layer of the cream cheese-Italian dressing-mayo mixture on each slice.

Then, sprinkle the veggies on top of the cream cheese mixture.  All done!  So complicated.

The result is creamy, crunchy, feel-good deliciousness!  And I like to think that it is healthy, too.  But honestly, I don't really care.  It is pretty, fulfilling, and a big hit with all ages.  You will love it!  I promise!

Veggie Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
-8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 bag vegetable medley (broccoli, cauliflower, carrot mix)
- 1 loaf of french bread (Italian bread will work fine, too)
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing

Instructions:
1. Chop vegetables into small pieces.  Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Using a standing or hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and dry Italian dressing.  Mix well and refrigerate, at least one hour.
3. Slice french bread.  Spread cream cheese mixture on each slice and top with veggie blend.  Serve immediately.