If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks. This playful, pull-apart bread is filled with creamy, cheesy spinach dip and shaped like a festive Christmas tree, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Imagine everyone gathered around, tearing off a warm, golden “branch” and dipping it into even more oozy cheese—this recipe is pure holiday magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything complicated to create Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks—just a handful of classic, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building the irresistible taste, gooey texture, and that iconic golden color. Let’s break down what makes every component essential!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and spinach for flavor depth.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dip with a savory, aromatic kick—don’t skip it!
- Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained): The foundation of the filling, providing vibrant color and earthy taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates that luscious, creamy base that holds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness, ensuring the dip isn’t too heavy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers stretch and gooey meltiness in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty, umami punch—plus a crispy finish on top.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Black pepper: A little warmth and spice to balance the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a subtle kick of heat—totally customizable.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives your breadsticks that classic holiday aroma.
- Refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough: Your shortcut to fluffy, golden breadsticks shaped like a tree.
- Melted butter: Brushed over the top for an irresistible sheen and buttery flavor.
- Extra Parmesan and parsley (for garnish): Finishes the tree with festive color and a final pop of cheesy flavor.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—just until fragrant. This quick sauté brings out all the garlicky goodness, setting the stage for your spinach. Add the thawed and well-drained spinach, and stir until everything is combined and any excess moisture cooks off. This ensures your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are flavorful without being soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in your softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps left behind. Next, fold in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if you like the extra spice), and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until everything is beautifully melted and the dip is thick and luscious. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool a bit—this makes it easier to spread later on.
Step 3: Shape the Tree
Unroll your pizza dough or crescent roll dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the dough in half and shape one half into a large triangle—this will be the base of your tree. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly symmetrical! The rustic look adds to the charm of your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks.
Step 4: Fill and Layer
Spread the cooled spinach dip evenly over your dough triangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Carefully lay the second half of the dough over the top, matching up the edges as best you can, and gently press around the border to seal in all that delicious filling.
Step 5: Cut and Twist the Branches
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice horizontal lines into each side of the triangle, spacing them about one inch apart. Be sure to leave a 1- to 2-inch strip down the center intact—this will be the “trunk” of your tree. Now comes the fun part: gently twist each strip a couple of times to form whimsical branches. This not only looks festive, but also gives each breadstick its own irresistible pull-apart texture.
Step 6: Butter, Cheese, and Bake
Brush the entire tree generously with melted butter, then sprinkle over extra Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy crust. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are beautifully puffed and deeply golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, shower your breadsticks with chopped fresh parsley for color and an extra hint of freshness. For an extra festive touch, dot the tree with cherry tomato halves or pieces of red bell pepper to mimic ornaments—it’s almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, everyone will dive right in!).
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Garnishes
The right garnish turns your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks from tasty to totally dazzling. I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of green, but you can also add little “ornaments” by placing halved cherry tomatoes or diced red bell pepper on the breadsticks. If you want to get really creative, a handful of pomegranate seeds or even edible gold stars will have your guests snapping photos before the first bite!
Side Dishes
Since these breadsticks are rich and cheesy, they pair beautifully with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or offer a bowl of tomato soup for classic comfort. For holiday parties, set them alongside a platter of marinated olives, roasted nuts, or fresh crudités. The breadsticks are filling enough to stand alone, but a few well-chosen sides make the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks! Serve directly on a wooden board or large platter for a rustic look. Tuck a star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper at the top for that perfect finishing touch. For a party, insert a few decorative skewers with festive toppers, or wrap the board in fairy lights to make your appetizer table truly sparkle. However you serve it, this edible centerpiece is sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, simply let the breadsticks cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bread will stay soft, and the filling remains creamy—even after a night in the fridge, they’re still delicious!
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To serve, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat straight from frozen for a quick, festive snack.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the outside crisps up again. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just keep in mind the crust won’t be quite as crisp, but the cheesy filling will still be gooey and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain any excess liquid. Using fresh spinach gives a slightly brighter color and flavor to your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks.
Can I make the spinach dip ahead of time?
Yes! The spinach dip can be made up to two days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks, just bring the dip to room temperature for easier spreading.
What can I use instead of pizza dough?
Crescent roll dough is a fantastic alternative—it bakes up buttery and flaky, giving the breadsticks a slightly different, but equally delicious, texture. Just be gentle when shaping and sealing the dough.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, and use a vegan-friendly dough. With these simple substitutions, your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks will be just as festive and satisfying.
Can I add other fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of cooked mushrooms to the spinach dip for extra flavor and texture. Personalize your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks to suit your crowd!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about gathering friends and family around a centerpiece as festive and delicious as Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks. Whether you’re a holiday host or just love baking for a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to spread cheer and bring everyone together. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a new holiday tradition!
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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a festive, savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These pull-apart breadsticks feature a delicious creamy spinach dip filling wrapped in golden, buttery dough twisted to resemble a Christmas tree, making for an eye-catching and tasty party treat.
Ingredients
Spinach Dip Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dough and Toppings
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the drained spinach, then add cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Incorporate mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Shape the Tree Base: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it in half. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape one half of the dough into a large triangle to represent the Christmas tree shape. Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over this triangle, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Add the Top Layer and Cut Branches: Place the second half of the dough over the filling triangle. Press the edges of both dough layers together to seal the filling inside. Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal strips into both sides of the triangle, leaving a 1- to 2-inch center intact. Carefully twist each strip a few times away from the center to form the tree branches.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the entire bread tree with melted butter. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color. Serve the breadsticks warm as a festive holiday appetizer perfect for sharing.
Notes
- The spinach dip filling can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance to save time.
- For a colorful festive look, decorate the bread tree with cherry tomato halves or small pieces of red bell pepper as edible ornaments before baking or immediately after baking with a little olive oil to make them stick.
- If desired, substitute crescent roll dough for pizza dough for a more buttery texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
