Christmas is a magical time filled with delicious food, cozy gatherings, and festive traditions. One standout treat that captures the spirit of the season is Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks. These delightful, tree-shaped breadsticks are not just visually stunning; they’re also packed with creamy spinach and cheese, making them the perfect appetizer for holiday parties or a cozy family dinner. The combination of flaky bread and savory dip is sure to impress your guests and fulfill the cravings of any spinach lover at your table.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
There are countless reasons to whip up these Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks! For starters, they offer a fun, interactive element to any gathering—guests can easily pull apart a warm, cheesy stick, making it a perfect finger food. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time mingling with your loved ones rather than stuck in the kitchen.
"These festive breadsticks were the highlight of our holiday party! Everyone loved them, and they were gone in minutes!" — A happy home cook after a successful gathering.
Additionally, the ingredients are budget-friendly and use simple, everyday items. This dish is versatile, too. You can serve it as an appetizer, pair it with soups or salads, or even enjoy it as a light meal. Plus, kids adore them, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings during the holidays.
How to make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Step-by-step overview
Making these Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks is a delightful process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll transform ordinary pizza dough into an extraordinary holiday treat. From prepping the spinach dip to shaping the dough into a festive tree, each stage of the recipe adds a joyful touch to your cooking experience.
- Gather all your ingredients and equipment.
- Prepare the spinach dip by blending everything in a bowl.
- Shape the pizza dough into a Christmas tree while layering the dip.
- Cut and twist for that iconic look before baking.
- Finish with a buttery garlic brushing for a flavorful finale.
Let’s dive deeper into what you’ll need to create this festive appetizer.
Ingredients
What you’ll need
This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that you might already have lurking in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt
Feel free to customize the cheeses or spices according to your preferences. For instance, you could swap in feta cheese for a tangy twist or use fresh spinach if you prefer!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to prepare your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the thawed spinach and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the mixture. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Unroll the pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into a large tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles.
- Move the smaller triangles to a second sheet of parchment paper, ensuring the straight edges are touching, to form a second triangle.
- Spread the spinach dip evenly across the second triangle. Carefully flip the first triangle over on top, creating layers of dough with the spinach dip in between.
- Make cuts from the center to each side of the dough, leaving about an inch intact at the center. Cut every inch or so to create slices.
- Twist each “slice” of dough upwards. For the shorter pieces at the top, twist halfway around; for the longer pieces at the bottom, make two to three full twists.
- Bake the breadsticks for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Avoid undercooking for the best texture.
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and stir in garlic salt and seasoning. Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush this mixture over the tops and serve warm.
How to serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Best ways to enjoy it
Your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are now ready to shine at the table! Here are some creative serving ideas:
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the breadsticks on a festive holiday platter, maybe adding some cherry tomatoes or bell pepper strips around for a splash of color.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair them with a side of marinara or a zesty ranch dressing for dipping, making each pull even more flavorful.
- Drink Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp white wine or warm, spiced cider to complement the cheesy goodness.
Encourage guests to grab a breadstick and enjoy this festive treat while mingling and celebrating.
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks safely:
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled breadsticks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To bring back their delightful texture, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: You can also freeze unbaked breadsticks. Just prepare them up to the baking step and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just increase the baking time slightly.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Squeeze the Spinach: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the thawed spinach; this prevents a soggy dip.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to soften fully so that it blends with the spinach more easily, creating a creamy filling.
- Don’t Skimp on the Twists: Twisting the dough is key for that eye-catching presentation, so don’t hesitate!
Variations
Creative twists
Looking for some variations to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the spinach dip for a fresh taste.
- Cheese Swaps: Try using different cheeses such as cheddar for a sharp flavor or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Veggie Additions: Throw in some finely chopped red bell peppers or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Common questions
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You can use about 2 cups of fresh spinach. Just wilt it in a pan and then squeeze out all the moisture before mixing with the cheese.
2. How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep time is about 20 minutes, and baking takes another 30-35 minutes. It’s a great option for quick holiday entertaining!
3. Are there any dietary adjustments I can make?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients comply with your dietary needs.
This festive recipe is sure to steal the show during your holiday gatherings! Enjoy baking and sharing this cheerful treat with your loved ones.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients
Spinach Dip
- 12 oz Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) Ensure it's properly thawed and moisture is squeezed out.
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened) Use room temperature for easy mixing.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Can use garlic powder if preferred.
- 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
Dough and Toppings
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons butter Melted for brushing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt For the buttery brushing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the thawed spinach and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the mixture. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Shaping
- Unroll the pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into a large tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles.
- Move the smaller triangles to a second sheet of parchment paper, ensuring the straight edges are touching, to form a second triangle.
- Spread the spinach dip evenly across the second triangle. Carefully flip the first triangle over on top, creating layers of dough with the spinach dip in between.
- Make cuts from the center to each side of the dough, leaving about an inch intact at the center. Cut every inch or so to create slices.
- Twist each 'slice' of dough upwards. For the shorter pieces at the top, twist halfway around; for the longer pieces at the bottom, make two to three full twists.
Baking
- Bake the breadsticks for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and stir in garlic salt and seasoning. Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush this mixture over the tops and serve warm.