This pull-apart appetizer combines a creamy cheese filling with convenient store-bought dough. The filling uses a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan mixed with chopped spinach and warm spices.
Shaping the dough takes a few minutes of careful cutting and twisting. The whole dish goes from the counter to the oven in about 15 minutes. It bakes into a golden, savory centerpiece for your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Squeezing the spinach removes excess moisture so the pizza dough stays crisp on the bottom.
- Layering the cheese directly on top of the spinach mixture helps bind the top layer of dough to the filling.
- Brushing the baked tree with seasoned garlic butter adds flavor to the crust while it is still warm and porous.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Ingredients
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw this completely before using. You can speed up thawing by running it under warm water in a fine mesh strainer.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese in a block rather than a tub. Let it sit at room temperature for an hour so it blends smoothly.
- Pizza dough: Look for the thin crust variety in the refrigerated section. It provides a better filling-to-bread ratio than standard fluffy dough.
- Mozzarella cheese: Grate this from a block rather than buying a pre-shredded bag. It melts more smoothly inside the breadsticks.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Step 1: Mix the filling
Combine the thawed, dried spinach with the softened cream cheese. Add the minced garlic and dried spices, then fold in half of the parmesan and half of the mozzarella.
Step 2: Shape the tree
Lay out the pizza dough and cut it into two equal pieces. Spread the filling onto one piece in a triangle shape, add the remaining mozzarella, and cover with the second dough piece. Cut away the edges to form a tree, then slice and twist the branches.
Step 3: Bake and garnish
Bake the tree until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Mix melted butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Brush this over the hot breadsticks and sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan.
Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warm.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
- Squeeze the thawed spinach as dry as possible to prevent the dough from getting soggy. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess water.
- You can use the leftover dough scraps to make a star for the top of the tree or bake them alongside the tree as extra breadsticks.
- Keep the pizza dough in the refrigerator until right before you need it. Cold dough is much easier to cut and twist.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks?
Serve these breadsticks warm with a side of warm marinara sauce or extra garlic butter for dipping.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the spinach filling up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Assemble and twist the tree just before baking so the dough does not get soggy.
What can I do with the extra dough scraps?
Cut a star shape for the top of the tree or roll them into small knots. Bake them on the same sheet during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you need to cook it down first. Sauté about a pound of fresh spinach until wilted, let it cool, and squeeze out the liquid before mixing it with the cream cheese.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry, 340 g
- 6 oz cream cheese softened, 170 g
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided, 45 g
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese divided, 115 g
- 1 tube refrigerated thin crust pizza dough 13.8 oz / 390 g
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 28 g
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the squeezed dry spinach and softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the bowl. Mix until incorporated.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Cut the dough in half to form two large rectangles.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over one dough rectangle, shaping the mixture into a large triangle to resemble a tree. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Place the second dough rectangle on top. Cut away the excess dough along the edges of the spinach triangle to create the tree shape. Use the scraps to form a small trunk at the base.
- Cut horizontal slices through the dough on both sides of the triangle, leaving a solid 1-inch strip down the center. Twist each slice gently to form the branches.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and golden brown.
- Melt the butter and stir in the garlic salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Brush the butter mixture over the warm breadsticks and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
