Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive appetizer that brings together the creamy goodness of spinach dip with soft, warm breadsticks shaped like a Christmas tree. The…
Tip: save now, cook later.Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive appetizer that brings together the creamy goodness of spinach dip with soft, warm breadsticks shaped like a Christmas tree. The dip is rich with spinach, cheese, and a hint of garlic, all wrapped up in fluffy breadsticks that are perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
I love making these breadsticks for holiday parties because they’re not only delicious but also super cute. Shaping the dough into a Christmas tree and then adding a bit of color with herbs or cheese makes everyone smile before they even take a bite. Plus, the creamy spinach dip inside keeps the breadsticks moist and full of flavor every time.
My favorite way to serve these is straight from the oven, warm and gooey, alongside a glass of something festive like a sparkling cider or even just a simple cup of tea. They’re easy to grab and perfect for mingling with friends and family. These Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks always bring a little extra cheer to our holiday table, and I’m pretty sure they’ll do the same for yours!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer, you can substitute with homemade breadstick dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is convenient and already prepped. Just be sure to squeeze out the extra water so your filling isn’t soggy. Fresh spinach works too—just sauté and drain well.
Cream cheese & sour cream: These give the filling its creamy, tangy richness. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or a plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free diets.
Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating gooey breadsticks, while Parmesan adds a nice flavor kick. Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Garlic and Italian seasoning: These add classic flavor to the dip. You can adjust garlic amounts or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresher taste.
How Do You Shape and Bake the Perfect Christmas Tree Breadsticks?
The fun part is shaping the dough to look like a Christmas tree while keeping the filling inside. Here’s how to do it:
- Roll the dough out evenly to avoid thin spots that could cause tears.
- Spread the filling evenly but leave a border so the dip doesn’t seep out during baking.
- Cut the dough into strips of similar width for neat “branches.”
- Stack strips slightly offset, pinching ends to create tree points that hold structure while baking.
- Brushing with egg wash gives a lovely golden color—don’t skip this step!
- Bake until golden brown and the filling is bubbly, usually 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid burning.
These tips helped me get the best shape and texture each time I make this recipe. It’s an easy way to impress guests with a fun, tasty holiday treat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for shaping and baking the breadsticks evenly.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the spinach dip filling smoothly.
- Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly for a good Christmas tree shape.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut dough strips cleanly.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing the egg wash over the dough for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spinach for kale or artichoke hearts for a different veggie twist that still pairs well with cream cheese.
- Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky, meaty boost.
- Mix in feta or goat cheese with the cream cheese for tangier, richer filling.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika on top for a little heat and color.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Filling:
- 1 package (about 1 lb) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking. So, plan for around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick and festive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Shape the Christmas Tree:
Cut the dough into strips about 1.5 inches wide. Stack these strips slightly offset from each other on the prepared baking sheet to form a triangular tree shape. Pinch the ends or corners gently to create points that look like tree branches.
5. Brush and Bake:
Brush the entire dough tree with the beaten egg to help it brown beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadsticks turn golden brown and the filling bubbles.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Let the breadsticks cool for a few minutes after baking. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or paprika for a festive appearance. Serve warm with extra spinach dip or marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then drain any excess moisture thoroughly before mixing it into the filling to avoid soggy breadsticks.
Can I Prepare These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the breadsticks and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to retain their crispiness.
What Can I Serve With These Breadsticks?
They’re perfect with extra spinach dip, marinara sauce, or even a simple ranch dressing for dipping. Pairing with a fresh salad makes a wonderful meal too!