Whenever Christmas comes around, I get excited to make food I know everyone will love. One of my go-to appetizers is this Christmas tree-shaped spinach dip breadstick recipe because it makes the table instantly festive. It’s made with flaky pizza crust, a creamy spinach and cheese filling, and a brush of butter on top for that perfect holiday glow.
If you’re searching for an easy appetizer to impress your guests, this one never fails. These breadsticks are always a hit at my parties and usually disappear within minutes of hitting the table!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Every Christmas celebration needs an appetizer that’s not just pretty and on-theme but genuinely delicious. This recipe does it all. It’s easy to make at home with simple grocery store ingredients, and both kids and adults love it.
It also looks way more impressive than the effort it takes, which is a big win during busy holiday prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, pop it in the oven before guests arrive, and have a warm, golden appetizer ready in minutes. It pairs perfectly with marinara or ranch for dipping, and you can even customize it with your favorite cheeses or extra seasonings.
Serving it is easy, too. Guests can just pull apart the twisted “branches” of the tree, no knives or extra plates needed. And honestly, you don’t have to wait for Christmas to enjoy it! It’s just as perfect for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or any time you want a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks festive without the fuss.
Everything You’ll Need for These Christmas Tree Breadsticks
Here’s what you’ll need to build your own edible Christmas tree from scratch:
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- Refrigerated pizza crust
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Here’s how to make this festive Christmas appetizer in under an hour:
1. Mix the spinach, cream cheese, garlic, seasonings, and cheeses in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy silicone spatula to make blending easier, especially if the cream cheese isn’t completely softened.
2. Roll out the pizza crust on a piece of parchment paper to keep it from sticking and make cleanup easier. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into large triangles.
3. Arrange two triangles together to form a Christmas tree shape, pressing the edges lightly to seal. Add a small square of dough at the bottom for the tree trunk.
4. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the bottom triangle, then sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
5. Place the remaining triangles on top and gently press the edges to enclose the filling.
6. Use a pizza cutter or paring knife to make even slits along both sides of the tree, leaving about an inch in the center uncut to form the “spine.” Twist each strip a few times to create branches.
7. Carefully transfer the tree (with the parchment paper) onto a large baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Brush with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. Optional: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley for a festive finish.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks FAQs
Can I make the Christmas tree breadsticks ahead of time?
You can mix the spinach filling a day in advance, but it’s best to shape and bake the breadsticks right before serving. The refrigerated pizza dough tends to lose shape if left too long, and you’ll want those twists to bake up beautifully golden and crisp.
Can I bake it ahead and reheat later?
Yes! Just bake as usual, let it cool completely, then wrap it in foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving. It won’t be as crispy as freshly baked, but still as delicious.
Can I use puff pastry or crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Definitely. Puff pastry gives it a lighter, flakier texture, while crescent roll dough makes it softer and buttery. Just keep an eye on the oven. Both brown faster, so shorten the baking time slightly.
Can I swap the spinach dip for something else?
Go for it! Store-bought spinach dip works great for a shortcut, or you can try fun twists like pesto, artichoke dip, or buffalo chicken filling. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too runny so the breadsticks stay crisp and hold their shape.
What if my tree puffs up too much while baking?
That usually happens when the slits are cut too deep or the “spine” of the tree is too thin. Leave about an inch in the middle untouched so it stays connected when twisting. You can also chill the shaped tree for a few minutes before baking to help it hold its form.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for a quick crisp-up. (Though honestly, these rarely last long enough for leftovers!)
Final Thoughts
Spinach breadsticks are always a hit at my get-togethers, but shaping them into a Christmas tree makes everyone light up a little more. There’s something about the golden crust, creamy filling, and that festive tree shape that instantly puts everyone in a holiday mood. It’s easily one of my go-to holiday appetizers when I want something that feels special without taking all day to make. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your holiday gatherings as it does to mine!
Want to see exactly how it’s done? Check out the full video recipe below and watch how easy it comes together.
Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- Refrigerated pizza crust
Instructions
- Mix the spinach, cream cheese, garlic, seasonings, and cheeses together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Roll out the pizza crust on a parchment sheet and cut it into triangles.
- Arrange two crust triangles together to form a Christmas tree shape. Add a small square at the bottom to serve as the stem.
- Spread the spinach mixture on top and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- Cover with the remaining pastry triangles.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create slits on the sides of the tree, then gently twist each strip to form branches.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
