If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer this holiday season, you’re going to absolutely adore this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe. Imagine soft, cheesy breadsticks infused with creamy spinach dip, shaped like a beautifully twisted Christmas tree. It’s the kind of thing that turns any gathering into an instant party. I remember the first time I made this — my family went crazy, and I knew this was a holiday tradition in the making!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape is eye-catching and perfect for holiday parties.
- Rich Flavor Combination: Creamy spinach dip sandwiched between layers of soft, cheesy breadsticks.
- Easy to Make: Uses refrigerated pizza dough, so it’s quick and fuss-free to put together.
- Family Favorite: Everyone I’ve served it to loves the garlic buttery finish on top!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together perfectly to create that classic creamy spinach dip flavor wrapped in warm, golden breadsticks. I like to use frozen chopped spinach since it’s convenient and consistent, but fresh can work with proper prep.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water so your dip isn’t soggy.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends better for that smooth, creamy texture.
- Garlic: Minced garlic really amps up the flavor; fresh is best if you can.
- Salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning: These seasonings give the dip a wonderful aromatic kick—don’t skip them!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds the perfect salty, nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives gooey cheesiness that melts beautifully.
- Refrigerated pizza crust: Using this saves time and delivers a perfectly tender dough.
- Butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder/garlic salt (for topping): This buttery mixture brushed on top gives that glossy, flavorful finish you’ll want to eat right away.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and I love changing it up depending on what I have on hand or who I’m serving. Feel free to customize it—you can’t go wrong with a bit of creativity here!
- Make it spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the spinach dip mixture for a subtle, pleasant heat that pairs perfectly with the cheesy bread.
- Change cheeses: Substituting mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack adds a whole new flavor profile—my family liked the cheddar version for a smokier taste.
- Switch doughs: For gluten-free options, you might try a gluten-free pizza crust, but be gentle when twisting the strips.
- Add extras: Chopped artichokes or cooked bacon bits stirred into the dip make this extra special when I’m feeling indulgent.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Spinach Dip Filling
First things first, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and thoroughly squeezed spinach until creamy. Add your minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. I like to beat this until it’s nice and smooth—this ensures the dip is well combined and spreads easily later on. Tip: Don’t rush squeezing the spinach dry; the drier it is, the better the dip texture.
Step 2: Shape Your Dough into Christmas Trees
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into one large triangle (this will be your top tree layer) and two smaller triangles. Once cut, position the two small triangles side by side on another parchment sheet so their straight edges touch—this forms a second large triangle just like the first.
Step 3: Assemble and Layer the Breadsticks
Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over the second triangle of dough. Then carefully flip the first triangle over on top, creating a sandwich of dough, spinach dip, dough. This layering is exactly what makes these breadsticks so famously soft and flavorful throughout.
Step 4: Twist and Shape the Breadsticks
Now comes the fun part! Slice from near the center of the triangle out toward the edges on both sides every inch or so. Leave about an inch in the center intact—this will hold your twists together. Grab each strip and twist it upwards. Smaller strips near the top only get a half twist, while longer ones at the bottom can be twisted two or three times. This creates that beautiful spiral effect that looks just like a Christmas tree ready to be devoured.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your Christmas tree breadsticks into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a rich golden brown color on top and make sure the bottom is cooked through (you don’t want any doughy spots!). Resist the urge to cut into them right away—letting them cool just a bit helps keep their shape and makes slicing easier.
Step 6: Add the Garlic Butter Topping
While the breadsticks are still warm, melt butter and mix in Italian seasoning and garlic powder or garlic salt. Brush this buttery goodness all over the breadsticks for a shiny finish and a burst of flavor. I swear, this step is what takes the whole recipe from delicious to downright addictive!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Don’t Skip Squeezing the Spinach: If your spinach has too much moisture, the dough will get soggy—so really press out every drop of water.
- Use Parchment Paper: It makes transferring the dough easier and prevents sticking—trust me, it saves so much frustration.
- Twist Firmly but Gently: Over-twisting can tear the dough, so hold the strips firmly but avoid wrenching them too hard.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Underbaking leaves the dough doughy and disappointing—wait that full 30-35 minutes for perfect texture.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a pinch of extra grated Parmesan and a little chopped fresh parsley right after brushing with garlic butter. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the cheesy richness so well. Sometimes, I even finely dice a few sun-dried tomatoes to dot over the top before baking—they look like little Christmas ornaments!
Side Dishes
This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a bowl of roasted tomato soup for dipping, especially on chilly evenings. For parties, I often set out a variety of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch to keep guests happily nibbling all night.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like to place these breadsticks on a large green platter dusted lightly with edible glitter or chopped herbs to resemble a forest floor. Adding small cherry tomatoes or olives as “ornaments” on the twists makes it extra festive, and trust me, they make a wonderful centerpiece that draws compliments before anyone takes a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover breadsticks are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually wrap them in foil and keep them on the counter, which keeps them soft without drying out. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing.
Freezing
Once fully baked and cooled, you can freeze the breadsticks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When I freeze them, I prefer to slice into portions before freezing—that way, I can take out just what I need without thawing the whole batch.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the portion and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make them chewy or soggy instead of crisp and golden.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, be sure to cook it down first to release its moisture and then squeeze it very well to remove excess water. The texture and flavor will be just as good, but removing moisture is key to prevent soggy breadsticks.
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Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare and assemble the dough and dip up to a day ahead, then cover it well and refrigerate. On the day you want to serve, let it come to room temperature a bit and then bake as usual. This saves time on busy party days.
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What if I don’t have refrigerated pizza crust?
You can use homemade pizza dough if you like, just roll it out to a similar thickness. Keep in mind homemade dough might require slightly adjusted baking time and can be trickier to handle when twisting.
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How do I prevent the breadsticks from getting soggy?
Ensuring your spinach is well drained and squeezing out excess moisture is the best way. Also, don’t overload the dip layer to keep the dough’s texture intact. Baking thoroughly until golden brown is another key step.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday appetizers because it’s festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to entertaining or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this recipe impresses without stress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be the one everyone asks to bring this beautiful, flavorful breadstick “tree” every year. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the magic this recipe brings to your table!
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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks combine creamy spinach and cheese filling sandwiched between layers of pizza dough, twisted into a beautiful tree shape, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack during the holidays.
Ingredients
Breadsticks
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust, 13.8 oz
Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
- Prepare Spinach Dip Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the thawed and squeezed spinach with softened cream cheese until creamy. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Shape Pizza Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into one larger tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles. Move the two smaller triangles together onto a second parchment paper sheet, aligning their straight edges so they form a second triangle identical in shape to the first.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly across the second triangle of dough. Then, carefully flip the larger triangle over on top of the spread dip, creating a sandwich with the spinach dip layer in the middle.
- Cut and Twist Slices: Make vertical cuts from the edges toward the center about every inch on both sides, leaving about an inch uncut in the center. These cuts will form the ‘branches’ of the tree. Pick up each slice and twist it upwards; shorter slices at the top require only a half twist, while longer slices near the bottom can be twisted two to three times to create a beautiful layered effect.
- Bake the Breadsticks: Place the assembled tree on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadsticks turn golden brown on top and are fully cooked through at the bottom. Ensure not to undercook to maintain the perfect texture.
- Prepare Butter Topping: While the breadsticks bake, melt the butter and stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder or garlic salt to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Brush and Serve: Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush the flavorful butter mixture over the top. Serve warm for the best taste and festive presentation.
Notes
- For detailed shaping instructions and visual guidance, watch the video included in the original recipe post.
- Ensure the spinach is well squeezed to avoid excess moisture in the filling that could make the dough soggy.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling to your taste preferences, especially if you prefer more or less spice.
- Use fresh or high-quality shredded cheeses for optimal melt and flavor.
- Serve with extra marinara or a dipping sauce of your choice for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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