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
Scale
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
