Festive Spinach Breadstick Tree

This festive Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks recipe has become my holiday party signature dish. The twisted breadsticks filled with creamy spinach dip create a stunning centerpiece that guests can't resist pulling apart and enjoying. The combination of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling makes this the perfect seasonal appetizer.

I first made this recipe three years ago when hosting Christmas Eve dinner and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared. My brother in law who claims to dislike spinach had three servings and now requests it every holiday season.

Ingredients

• Frozen chopped spinach provides the perfect base and saves you prep time
• Cream cheese creates that irresistible creamy texture
• Minced fresh garlic adds essential aromatic flavor
• Salt enhances all the other ingredients use kosher for best results
• Onion powder provides depth without the texture of raw onions
• Chili powder adds a subtle warmth without making it spicy
• Black pepper freshly ground offers the best flavor
• Italian seasoning infuses Mediterranean herbaceous notes
• Parmesan cheese adds sharp nutty flavor use freshly grated
• Mozzarella cheese creates that perfect cheese pull choose whole milk variety
• Refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe approachable for any skill level
• Butter creates that golden irresistible finish
• Garlic powder for the topping intensifies the flavor in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Turn your oven on to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat. Position a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking throughout the process. This temperature is perfect for achieving golden breadsticks while ensuring the filling heats through.

Prepare Spinach Filling

Combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach with softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning and both cheeses. Beat everything together until the mixture becomes uniformly creamy with no lumps. The texture should be spreadable but not runny.

Shape The Dough Base

Roll out the pizza dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into one large triangle and two smaller triangles. Place the small triangles on a new sheet of parchment paper and position them to match the size and shape of the larger triangle. This creates your top and bottom layers.

Assemble The Tree

Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the joined triangles, leaving about a quarter inch border around the edges. Carefully place the other large triangle on top, creating a sandwich with the filling in between. Press gently around the edges to seal slightly.

Create The Branches

Leave the center strip about an inch wide to form the trunk of your tree. Cut strips from the center out to the edges, spacing them approximately one inch apart. Make sure cuts are clean and complete from trunk to edge without tearing the dough.

Twist The Breadsticks

Take each strip and twist it to create the characteristic breadstick look. The shorter strips at the top will only need a half twist, while the longer strips toward the bottom will look best with two to three full twists. Ensure twists are tight enough to hold shape but not so tight they tear.

Bake To Perfection

Transfer the parchment paper with your tree onto a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking occasionally. The breadsticks should be golden brown throughout, including the center where the dough is thickest.

Finish With Seasoned Butter

While the tree is still hot from the oven, melt butter and mix with garlic powder and additional Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the entire tree, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies. This adds shine, flavor and wonderful aroma.

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The first time I served this at our family gathering, my grandmother who rarely comments on food couldn't stop talking about it. She insisted on watching me make it the following year and now at 92, she supervises the twisting process with eagle eyes to make sure I do it properly.

Make Ahead Options

This Christmas tree can be fully assembled up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Simply cover loosely with plastic wrap once assembled but before baking. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed. The butter topping should always be added after baking for maximum flavor impact.

Serving Suggestions

This festive appetizer works best served on a large wooden board or platter. Consider placing a small bowl of marinara sauce at the base of the tree for dipping. For a complete holiday appetizer spread, surround your tree with cherry tomatoes, olives, and cubes of cheese to create a festive "ornament" effect around the tree. The breadsticks are substantial enough to be served as a light meal alongside a winter salad.

Helpful Substitutions

If cream cheese isn't available, ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream creates a similar texture. For those avoiding dairy, plant based cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives work surprisingly well. The pizza dough can be replaced with crescent roll dough or even homemade bread dough if you prefer to make everything from scratch. Fresh spinach can substitute for frozen just cook down 1 pound of fresh spinach, cool completely, and squeeze dry.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I shape the Christmas tree correctly?

Cut the pizza dough into one large triangle and two smaller ones. Join the small triangles on a separate sheet to match the big one. After spreading the filling on the joined triangles, top with the large triangle. Cut strips from middle to edges (leaving the center intact), then twist each strip - shorter strips at the top get half twists, longer bottom strips get 2-3 full twists.

→ Can I make the spinach filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading on the dough for easier handling.

→ How do I know when the breadsticks are fully cooked?

The breadsticks should be golden brown all over after 30-35 minutes of baking at 350°F. This golden color indicates they're fully cooked through. Underbaked dough will appear pale and may be doughy inside.

→ What can I serve with these spinach breadsticks?

These breadsticks are delicious on their own but pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic butter dip. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside other finger foods like meatballs, cheese platters, or vegetable crudités.

→ Can I make this without cheese for dairy restrictions?

Yes, you can substitute the dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mozzarella and parmesan substitutes. The texture may be slightly different, but the presentation and general flavor profile will remain similar.

→ How do I properly thaw and drain the spinach?

Thaw the frozen spinach completely either overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Properly drained spinach prevents the filling from becoming watery.