Mardi Gras Tri-Color Scrolls

20 servings Prep: 30 m Cook: 15 m Total: 2 h 45 m Beginner
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Mardi Gras Tri-Color Scrolls
This Nouveau Cajun selection is going to make you say “throw me one Mister so I can try it!” It bakes up perfect and the taste is worth trading your Mardi Gras Beads for. With puff pastry, pesto, purple cabbage, and orange cheddar cheese, this appetizer blends in perfect with Mardi Gras theme colors: purple, green, and gold. The ease of preparation would alone be a terrific reason to try it. I am not sure where Maw Maw’s friend got this recipe but I would trade my beads and yours for some!

Ingredients

20 servings
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tbsp commercial pesto
  • 6 thin slices of purple cabbage
  • 6 slices of orange cheddar cheese or a grated equivalent

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Thaw one roll of puff pastry dough; approximately 30 minutes needed.
  2. Spread the pesto evenly over the sheet of puff pastry. Top with the purple cabbage slices, distributing evenly. Finish by layering the cheese slices over the cabbage (or sprinkle grated cheddar over the top).
  3. Start rolling the long side of the dough toward the middle of the pastry sheet, rolling tightly. Roll the opposite end to meet the first roll, creating a double scroll shape.
  4. Wrap the double scroll in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so that the scroll will hold its shape for cutting.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove the chilled scroll from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp bread knife, cut the roll into half-inch thick slices.
  6. Place slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my scrolls unroll while baking?

A: The scroll needs adequate chilling time—at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. If it's still soft when you slice it, return it to the fridge for another 30 minutes. Also make sure to roll the pastry tightly from both sides.

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can roll and chill the scroll up to 24 hours in advance. For even more convenience, slice them and freeze on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer frozen slices to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Q: My puff pastry didn't puff up. What happened?

A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before baking. Also, don't overwork the pastry when rolling—handle it gently. If the pastry got too warm during assembly, chill it longer before baking.

Tips and Techniques

Use a very sharp knife or bread knife to slice the chilled scroll—a dull knife will squish the layers and prevent proper puffing. Grating your own sharp cheddar cheese (as suggested in the notes) actually works better than slices because it distributes more evenly and gives you more of that golden “gold” color for Mardi Gras.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • commercial pesto: sun-dried tomato spread or olive tapenade
  • purple cabbage: roasted red peppers or thinly sliced radicchio
  • orange cheddar cheese: regular sharp cheddar or Colby Jack
  • puff pastry: crescent roll dough

Equipment Needed

  • Sharp bread knife or chef's knife
  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling surface

Historical Context

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is Louisiana’s most celebrated holiday, marking the last day before Lent. In Cajun country, Mardi Gras celebrations include parades, balls, and lots of festive food in the traditional purple, green, and gold colors. These modern appetizers bring those iconic colors to your party table in an easy, elegant way.