Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
A festive holiday appetizer featuring creamy spinach dip baked inside refrigerated pizza crust shaped like a tree.
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.
Notes
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.