When the holiday season rolls around, it’s time to bring out the festive cheer in every way possible, especially when it comes to food. These Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are the perfect addition to your holiday table. Imagine warm, soft breadsticks with a creamy spinach dip center, all baked into the shape of a whimsical Christmas tree. It’s not only delicious but also adds a touch of charm to your holiday spread.
This recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, yet it yields a show-stopping result that looks like it took hours to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for something special to serve your family, these breadsticks are sure to impress. The best part? They combine two of the most beloved appetizers—spinach dip and breadsticks—into one irresistible dish.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree
- Festive and Fun: The Christmas tree shape is a guaranteed hit, especially with kids or anyone who loves holiday-themed treats.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The spinach dip filling is a decadent blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a medley of seasonings for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is designed for communal snacking, making it a great centerpiece for any party.
- Easy to Make: With a store-bought pizza dough shortcut, this recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner bakers.
- Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or even the shape for different occasions (a wreath or star, perhaps?).
Total Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
This recipe is ideal for feeding a small crowd or as an appetizer for a larger gathering.
Ingredients of Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks
For the Breadsticks:
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: The heart of the spinach dip filling, providing that signature green color and earthy flavor.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened: Ensures a rich and creamy base for the dip.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory punch and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: A touch of warmth and subtle spice for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herby profile that complements the cheesy filling perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan adds a savory depth to the dip.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty texture we all love.
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz): The time-saving secret to these breadsticks. It’s versatile and easy to work with.
For the Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter: Melted to brush over the breadsticks for a golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a touch of herbaceous aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or garlic salt): Gives the breadsticks an extra layer of savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach Dip Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and spinach. Add the minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy. Set this aside—it’s going to be the delicious core of your breadsticks.
2. Shape the Pizza Dough into a Christmas Tree
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, shape the dough into one large triangle to form the tree. Save the scraps to make two smaller triangles. Move the smaller triangles to a second sheet of parchment paper and place their straight edges together to create another triangle the same size as the first. You now have two layers of dough ready to be filled and assembled.
3. Add the Spinach Dip Filling
Spread the spinach dip filling evenly across the second triangle. Be generous—you want every bite of breadstick to have that creamy, cheesy goodness. Next, carefully flip the first triangle over and place it on top, creating a sandwich of dough with the filling inside.
4. Create the Tree Branches
To achieve the tree shape, leave about an inch of the dough in the center intact. Using a pizza cutter, make horizontal cuts from the center out to the edges on both sides. These cuts will create the “branches” of your tree.
5. Twist the Branches
Now comes the fun part! Grab each strip and gently twist it upward. For the shorter strips near the top, twist them halfway around. For the longer ones near the base, you can twist them two or three times. This not only forms the branches but also gives the tree a beautiful, layered look.
6. Bake the Breadsticks
Transfer the assembled tree to a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bottom is fully cooked. Keep an eye on it—undercooked breadsticks can ruin the texture.
7. Brush with Butter
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and mix it with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush this mixture generously over the top. This step adds a shiny, golden finish and an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve the Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Place the breadsticks on a large serving platter and let your guests pull apart their branches.
- Serve with a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a festive touch.
Additional Tips for Success
- Drain the Spinach Well: Make sure to squeeze out all the excess water from the spinach. This prevents the filling from becoming watery and ensures the breadsticks bake up nice and crisp.
- Work Quickly with the Dough: The refrigerated pizza crust can become sticky if left out for too long, so try to assemble and shape the tree efficiently.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling if you like a bit of heat.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the tree and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
- Use Fresh Dough if Desired: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your pizza dough from scratch for an even fresher flavor.
Variations and Ideas
- Cheesy Explosion: Add shredded cheddar or gouda to the filling for an extra cheesy treat.
- Veggie Twist: Mix in finely chopped artichokes or roasted red peppers with the spinach for added flavor.
- Mini Trees: Cut the dough into smaller triangles to create individual Christmas tree breadsticks—perfect for personal servings.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a crowd-friendly option.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop the breadsticks in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back their crispness.
Want to make these ahead and freeze? Assemble the tree, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and squeeze out any excess liquid.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
It already is! Just be sure to check the labels on your cheeses and pizza dough to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give you a flakier texture, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
What if I don’t have a pizza cutter?
A sharp knife works just as well. Just be careful not to tear the dough.
Wrap-Up
This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday favorite in your home. It’s festive, delicious, and easy enough to whip up even during the busy holiday season. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to wow your family and friends. Don’t forget to take a picture of your masterpiece and share it—after all, no holiday feast is complete without a little bit of Instagram-worthy flair!
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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive, pull-apart breadsticks filled with creamy spinach dip, baked into the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Frozen spinach, cream cheese, garlic, seasonings, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, refrigerated pizza crust, butter.
Instructions
1. Prepare spinach dip filling.
2. Shape pizza dough into a tree.
3. Spread filling and layer dough.
4. Cut and twist dough.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
6. Brush with seasoned butter.
Notes
– Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
– Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
– Make ahead and freeze if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American