If you’re searching for a delightful, festive appetizer that will wow your guests and fill your home with cozy holiday vibes, the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe is an absolute must-try. This fun and flavorful twist on the classic spinach dip combines creamy, cheesy goodness with flaky golden dough, all shaped into a charming Christmas tree that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want something special to share with your loved ones, this recipe is as delicious as it is visually stunning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one not only adds great taste but also contributes to the smooth, cheesy texture and festive appearance that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds creaminess and richness, creating the perfect base for the dip.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives a slight tang and lightens the texture for a balanced filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty flavor to complement the mix.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, adding gooey stretch and mild taste.
- Frozen chopped spinach (1 cup, thawed and drained): The star green ingredient, it adds color, nutrition, and subtle earthiness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Offers an aromatic kick essential for flavor depth.
- Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Enhances savory complexity without overpowering.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances and highlights all the rich ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a faint, warming spice.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans): The flaky, buttery crust that envelopes the filling and forms the tree shape.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used for the egg wash to help achieve a shiny golden crust.
- Optional toppings – sesame seeds or extra grated Parmesan: Adds a crunchy, savory finish and festive flair.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your breadsticks from sticking and to make cleaning up a breeze. This foundational step makes baking much easier and ensures your breadsticks will have that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Spinach Dip Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, thawed and drained spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a luscious, creamy filling. This step is the heart of the recipe, as the blend delivers that irresistible savory flavor and smooth texture we all crave in a spinach dip.
Step 3: Roll Out the First Dough Layer
Take one can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto your prepared baking sheet. Press the seams together with your fingers to create one continuous sheet of dough. This forms the sturdy base that will hold all the delicious spinach dip filling without leaking.
Step 4: Spread the Spinach Dip Evenly
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over the dough, but be sure to leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges so you can seal the top dough later. This even layer ensures every bite of your breadstick will have that wonderful cheesy spinach goodness.
Step 5: Add the Second Dough Layer
Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the spinach dip-filled base. Gently press the edges together to seal in all that flavorful filling. This sandwich of dough and spinach dip is what makes the breadsticks so satisfyingly cheesy and substantial.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Into a Christmas Tree
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a large triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree. If you have leftover dough, you can save it to create fun decorations like stars or mini ornaments on your tree breadsticks.
Step 7: Create Branches by Twisting Dough Sections
Make horizontal cuts along both sides of the triangle, leaving about a 1-inch section in the center as the “trunk” of your tree. Carefully twist each slice to form the tree branches, adding a lovely 3D element that will become crispy and golden when baked. This playful shaping step is what makes the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe so festive and impressive.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash and Add Toppings
Brush the entire surface of your tree with the beaten egg. This egg wash ensures a shiny, golden-brown finish once baked. Sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds or extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added crunch, flavor, and aesthetic appeal.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Bake your beautifully shaped breadstick tree in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a puffy, golden exterior as a sign that it’s perfectly cooked through. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time makes it easier to slice and enjoy without burning your fingers!
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe shine at the table, try garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or finely chopped green onions. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a subtle brightness that complements the creamy filling beautifully. For an extra festive look, small bits of red bell pepper or cherry tomatoes can mimic Christmas tree ornaments.
Side Dishes
While these breadsticks are a star on their own, pairing them with a simple side salad or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping adds balance to the meal. Consider a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a fresh tomato and basil salad to refresh your palate between bites of the rich, cheesy breadsticks.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference, especially during the holidays. Serve your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary or pine for a natural, festive touch. You could even place small edible “ornaments” like olives or cherry tomatoes on the twisted branches before baking for a dazzling effect that will delight kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The breadsticks will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the festive flavors even after the initial celebration.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe by wrapping them tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen breadsticks are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months and make an excellent ready-to-bake holiday appetizer when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough soggy, which loses the delightful flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté it lightly first until wilted, then drain and chop finely before adding it to the mixture. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible so the filling doesn’t become watery.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings. The festive shape makes it a perfect centerpiece appetizer that everyone will enjoy sharing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the flavors rely heavily on cheese and cream, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and dairy-free shredded cheeses. Keep in mind that the taste and texture might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I use to decorate the tree for kids?
Kids will love adding small colorful toppings like cherry tomato halves, sliced olives, or tiny pieces of bell pepper to resemble Christmas ornaments. These can be placed before baking so they stick in place and add visual fun.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare everything up to the shaping step and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This is great for prepping the dish earlier in the day if you’re hosting a party in the evening.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe feels like bringing a little edible joy into your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting flavors we all love with a playful, festive presentation. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch as your friends and family gather around, delighted by both the look and the taste of this holiday treat. Happy baking and merry moments!
Print
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks, featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling layered between crescent roll dough and shaped into a fun, twisty tree design. Perfect for parties or cozy family gatherings, these breadsticks combine the comforting flavors of spinach dip with a crisp, golden crust.
Ingredients
Spinach Dip Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, thawed and drained spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-integrated spinach dip mixture. Set aside.
- Roll Bottom Dough Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet and carefully pinch the seams together to form a uniform single sheet, which will serve as the tree’s base.
- Spread Filling: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over the dough sheet, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to allow for sealing the top layer.
- Roll Top Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the spinach dip layer, pressing along the edges to seal the two dough layers together, effectively encasing the filling.
- Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the dough into a large triangle shape that will represent the Christmas tree. Save any extra dough for decorative accents if desired.
- Create Branches: Cut horizontal slices along both sides of the triangle, leaving a 1-inch wide trunk in the center. Twist each sliced strip outward to mimic the look of tree branches, adding festive detail and texture.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the entire surface of the tree dough generously with the beaten egg to help it brown beautifully. Sprinkle with optional sesame seeds or additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and ornamentation.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the breadstick tree in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent soggy dough.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean cuts for twisting the branches.
- Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
- Optional toppings like sesame seeds or Parmesan add extra flavor and festive appearance.
- This recipe is great for holiday parties and can be served with marinara or ranch dip.
