This cheerful pull-apart bread is the kind of appetizer that brings everyone to the kitchen. It looks impressive, tastes like your favorite creamy spinach dip, and bakes up golden and irresistible.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Equipment
- 1 Large sheet pan
- 1 Parchment Paper for lining
- 1 Rolling Pin (optional)
- 1 Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- 1 Pastry Brush for oil or egg wash
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Spinach Dip Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed, squeezed very dry
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Dough & Assembly
- 2 sheets refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for brushing
- 1 egg beaten, for optional egg wash
Decorations (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper cut into a star
- 8 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp parsley or chives chopped
Instructions
Make the Christmas Tree Breadsticks
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment and lightly dust with flour.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, well-squeezed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Unroll or roll two rectangles of pizza dough to the same size. Place one on the pan. Spread the spinach dip evenly, leaving a small border. Top with the second sheet of dough and press lightly to seal.
- Use a knife to trim the layered dough into a large triangle for the tree, and a small rectangle at the base for the trunk. Remove trimmings. On both sides of the triangle, cut horizontal slits about 1 inch apart to form branches, stopping before you reach the center. Twist each branch 1 to 2 times.
- Brush with olive oil or egg wash. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until deeply golden and the cheese is bubbly at the edges.
- Cut a star from red bell pepper and place on top. Dot with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm and let guests pull apart the branches.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Festive centerpiece that doubles as a delicious appetizer.
- Simple store-bought dough keeps prep relaxed.
- Classic creamy spinach dip filling with melty cheese in every bite.
- Fun to decorate with a bell pepper star and cherry tomato ornaments.
- Easy to make ahead and bake before guests arrive.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dough: Refrigerated pizza dough for easy shaping. Puff pastry also works for flakier layers.
- Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry. Fresh spinach sautéed and cooled is fine.
- Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth filling.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess.
- Mozzarella: For classic cheese pull. Provolone or Monterey Jack are good swaps.
- Parmesan: Savory, salty finish. Pecorino or Grana Padano also work.
- Garlic: Freshly minced or garlic powder.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.
- Olive oil or melted butter: For brushing so the tree bakes golden.
- Egg: Optional egg wash for extra shine.
- Decorations: Red bell pepper for a star, cherry tomatoes as ornaments, parsley or chives for a fresh pop.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Step 1: Prep the pan and oven
Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment and lightly dust with flour.
Step 2: Mix the spinach dip
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, well-squeezed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Roll and layer the dough
Unroll or roll two rectangles of pizza dough to the same size. Place one on the pan. Spread the spinach dip evenly, leaving a small border. Top with the second sheet of dough and press lightly to seal.
Step 4: Cut the tree and branches
Use a knife to trim the layered dough into a large triangle for the tree, and a small rectangle at the base for the trunk. Remove trimmings. On both sides of the triangle, cut horizontal slits about 1 inch apart to form branches, stopping before you reach the center. Twist each branch 1 to 2 times.
Step 5: Brush and bake
Brush with olive oil or egg wash. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until deeply golden and the cheese is bubbly at the edges.
Step 6: Decorate and serve
Cut a star from red bell pepper and place on top. Dot with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm and let guests pull apart the branches.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze spinach very dry so the filling stays thick and the tree bakes crisp.
- Chill the filling 10 minutes if it feels loose. It spreads cleaner and stays put.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges and even branches.
- Rotate the pan in the last few minutes for even browning.
- Let the tree rest 5 minutes before moving so it holds its shape.
Variations of Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Puff Pastry: Swap pizza dough for puff pastry and reduce bake time slightly.
- Spinach Artichoke: Fold in chopped artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Herby: Add chopped chives or dill to the filling.
- Spicy: Stir in finely diced jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes.
- Smoky: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or add crisp turkey bacon bits over the filling.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Marinara, ranch, or pesto for dipping.
- A bright chopped salad or simple arugula salad with lemon.
- Tomato soup or creamy roasted red pepper soup.
- Sparkling water with citrus or chilled grape juice for a festive sip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on a sheet pan at 325°F for 8 to 12 minutes until heated through and crisp at the edges. Avoid microwaving to keep it flaky.
- Freeze: Bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 325°F until hot.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year, someone new gets to twist the branches and place the pepper star. It is a small tradition with big smiles, and the first snack to disappear.
FAQs
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate tightly covered for up to 8 hours. Brush and bake just before serving. Add decorations after baking.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
Squeeze the spinach dry, avoid overfilling, and bake on parchment on a preheated sheet pan so the heat crisps the base.
Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Absolutely. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature for easier rolling and twisting.
What if I do not have Italian seasoning?
Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. A little garlic and onion powder rounds it out.
How many people does this serve?
As an appetizer, it serves about 8 to 10, depending on how many other snacks are on the table.
Final Thoughts
Simple ingredients, a playful shape, and that creamy spinach filling make this tree a guaranteed hit. Set it out warm and watch the branches disappear.