Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and tasty holiday treat that combines soft, warm breadsticks with a creamy spinach dip baked right inside. Shaped like little Christmas trees, these breadsticks are both festive and full of flavor, making them perfect for sharing during any holiday party or cozy family gathering.
I love making these because they’re such a hit with everyone who tries them. There’s something about the creamy spinach and cheesy filling that just makes people keep reaching for more. Plus, shaping them like Christmas trees adds a playful touch that always brings a smile to my face. I find that using fresh spinach and a mix of cheeses gives the dip great taste and texture.
My favorite way to serve these is warm, right out of the oven, with a bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They’re great as an appetizer or a snack while catching up with friends and family. If you want to make it extra special, adding some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of parmesan on top gives them a nice little kick. They really bring holiday cheer to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry gives these breadsticks a flaky, golden crust. You can swap it with pizza dough for a thicker, chewier texture. Just roll it out thinner to create a similar look.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice pop of green and freshness. Frozen spinach works well too—just thaw and squeeze out the excess water to avoid a soggy filling.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These keep the filling rich and creamy. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or try a plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free.
Cheese: Parmesan gives a nice punch, and mozzarella melts perfectly for gooey goodness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone to change up the flavor.
Garlic & Seasonings: Fresh garlic gives great flavor, but garlic powder is a handy substitute. Don’t skip the salt and pepper—it helps balance the creaminess and cheese.
How Do You Shape and Bake the Christmas Tree Breadsticks Perfectly?
The shaping step is the trickiest but also the most fun part. Here’s how to get a neat tree shape:
- Cut diagonal slits carefully down each side of the pastry, leaving the center intact as the “trunk.”
- Fold one strip from the left side over the center, then fold one from the right, alternating sides to make a braid pattern that looks like tree branches.
- Pinch the top closed to form the tree tip so the filling stays inside.
- Transfer gently to your baking sheet—using a spatula helps keep the shape intact.
- Brush with oil or butter for a golden crust and sprinkle extra cheese on top for a melty finish.
- Bake at 375°F until puffed and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and a flaky crust.
Taking your time with the folding ensures the breadsticks hold their shape and the filling stays inside during baking. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat – I like this because it keeps the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – helps spread the puff pastry thin and evenly so your breadsticks bake uniformly.
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter – makes clean cuts for shaping the Christmas tree slits and braided folds.
- Spatula or large spoon – easy to spread the dip mixture evenly over the pastry without tearing it.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing butter or oil on top for that golden finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps your ingredients precise for consistent results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, feta, or provolone to change up the cheesy flavor and meltiness.
- Vegetables: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to boost flavor and texture.
- Spices: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian herbs on top before baking for extra zest.
- Meat: Incorporate cooked crumbled bacon or tiny bits of cooked sausage into the dip for a savory, hearty twist.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Breadsticks:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry (or pizza dough)
For The Spinach Dip Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
For Brushing and Serving:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and shape, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend time mixing the creamy spinach filling, shaping the breadsticks like Christmas trees, and then baking until golden and bubbly. A quick cool-down after baking makes it easy to serve warm and fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your breadsticks from sticking and make cleanup simple.
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional onion powder. Stir everything together well so the mixture is creamy and even.
3. Shape the Breadsticks:
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle. Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about 1 inch clear around all edges.
Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slits on both sides of the pastry, creating the appearance of tree branches. Leave the middle part uncut—it will be the tree’s trunk.
Starting from the bottom, fold each side strip over to the opposite side, alternating left and right sides. This braids the pastry into a Christmas tree shape. Pinch the top end together to form the tree tip.
Carefully transfer your shaped breadstick tree to your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake and Serve:
Brush the entire tree with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top for a melty, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese bubbles.
Let the breadsticks cool a few minutes before slicing and serving. Offer a bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping your warm, cheesy Christmas tree breadsticks.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before mixing it into the filling. This helps prevent soggy breadsticks.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the assembled breadstick tree and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the pastry crispy.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses or Add Flavor Variations?
Definitely! Try adding cheddar, feta, or provolone for different flavors. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes, cooked bacon, or herbs like Italian seasoning to customize the dip.