Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on a classic snack, perfect for the holiday season! These breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and filled with creamy spinach dip, then shaped and decorated to look like little Christmas trees. The combination of warm bread, gooey cheese, and flavorful spinach makes them irresistible for any holiday party or cozy night in.
I love making these because they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re not only tasty but also a cute way to add some holiday spirit to the table. I find it’s easiest to use store-bought dough if I’m short on time, then just fill them up with spinach dip and sprinkle some melted cheese and herbs on top for that real Christmas tree look. It feels like a small craft project you get to eat!
These breadsticks go great with a side of marinara sauce or simply on their own as a warm appetizer. I often serve them alongside hot chocolate or cider for a cozy holiday spread. They’re perfect for sharing with family, friends, or kids who love looking at their food almost as much as eating it. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be the star of your holiday snacks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base that makes the breadsticks light and flaky. Use store-bought sheets for convenience, but you can also use crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach works great—just be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy dough. Fresh spinach can be used too; just sauté it and squeeze out excess water.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create a creamy, tangy filling. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while mozzarella gives gooey meltiness. Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different taste.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These add depth to the filling. Fresh garlic can also be used but reduce the amount to avoid overwhelming the mix.
Egg Wash: Brushing beaten egg on the pastry gives a pretty golden finish. If you want a vegetarian alternative, use melted butter or milk.
How Do You Shape and Twist the Breadsticks to Look Like a Christmas Tree?
Creating the tree shape makes this dish festive and fun! Here’s how you can do it with ease:
- After layering and spreading your filling between the two puff pastry sheets, cut the dough into long strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
- Take each strip and gently twist it several times to get that pretty spiral look.
- Start arranging them on your baking sheet in a wide triangle base and stack smaller twisted strips above, shaping it like a Christmas tree.
- Make sure they’re close enough together so the tree looks full but have room for the pastry to puff up without merging too much.
- Brush the entire shaped tree with egg wash for a shiny and golden finish.
Patience and gentle handling are key. Use your hands softly when twisting to keep the filling inside and get nice layers of dough showing through. Don’t rush—this step makes your breadsticks festive and eye-catching!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface that helps the breadsticks bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the spinach dip filling smoothly.
- Rolling pin – helpful if you want to even out the puff pastry sheets before layering.
- Pastry brush – to apply the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean, even cuts for perfect twisted strips.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spinach with artichoke hearts for a classic spinach-artichoke flavor that adds a bit of tang.
- Add cooked bacon bits to the filling for smoky, meaty flavor and extra crunch.
- Try swapping mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to give the breadsticks a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or butter for pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe typically takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and 20 to 25 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes for thawing the puff pastry if needed, and a short cool-down time before serving. So, altogether, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until creamy and smooth. Then fold in the well-drained chopped spinach until evenly mixed.
3. Assemble the Breadsticks:
Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the spinach dip mixture evenly across it. Place the second pastry sheet on top and gently press down to seal the filling inside.
4. Cut and Twist:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into long strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Take each strip and twist it several times to show the layers and filling.
5. Shape the Christmas Tree:
Lay the twisted strips on your baking sheet in a triangular shape, starting with a wide base and stacking smaller strips on top to form a tree.
6. Egg Wash and Sprinkle:
Brush the entire tree generously with the beaten egg to help it turn golden brown in the oven. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and sparkle.
7. Bake and Serve:
Bake the breadstick tree in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh herbs or serve alongside extra spinach dip or marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents sogginess in the breadsticks.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the breadsticks and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Substitute the Puff Pastry?
Yes, crescent roll dough can be used for a softer texture, though the flaky layers won’t be quite the same. Just follow the same assembly steps and bake accordingly.