If you are searching for the perfect festive appetizer to wow your guests this season, look no further than the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe. This charming dish combines soft, cheesy spinach dip sandwiched between layers of golden, twisted breadsticks shaped like a beautiful Christmas tree. It is not only visually stunning but is filled with comforting flavors and an irresistible blend of herbs and cheeses that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a holiday party or cozy family gathering, these breadsticks are guaranteed to be the star of the spread and bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe, the ingredients are delightfully simple yet carefully chosen for their roles in flavor, texture, and color. Each one boosts the dish’s festive appeal and taste, making your preparation both straightforward and rewarding.
- 12 oz Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Provides a fresh, earthy base and keeps the dip moist without sogginess.
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess for that dreamy spinach dip texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a gentle kick that livens up the dip pleasantly.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild heat that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties together the dish’s Italian vibes.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness to the filling.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy goodness inside.
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz): The base that crisps up perfectly and holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For brushing on top, adding shiny golden color and rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Boosts the finishing flavor on the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt: Gives a final touch of garlicky aroma and taste to the breadsticks.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is warm and ready once your breadsticks are assembled. This temperature allows the crust to bake to a golden crisp while melting the spinach dip filling to perfection inside.
Step 2: Mix the Spinach Dip Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly drained chopped spinach with the softened cream cheese. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Beat everything together until the mixture is creamy and well blended with no lumps. This filling will be the luscious centerpiece of your dish.
Step 3: Shape the Dough into Christmas Trees
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to carefully slice the dough as illustrated in the recipe, creating one larger triangle and two smaller triangles. Then move the smaller triangles so their straight edges touch, forming a second triangular piece just like the first. This clever layering creates the Christmas tree shape that makes this recipe so charming.
Step 4: Assemble the Spinach Dip Sandwich
Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over the second dough triangle, covering it thoroughly but not to the edges. Then carefully flip the first triangle over and place it directly on top of the spinach-coated dough, sandwiching the dip between two layers. This step is key for the delightful twist and pull of each breadstick.
Step 5: Cut the Tree Slices
Starting near the center but leaving about an inch intact, cut from the middle outwards on both left and right sides every inch or so. These cuts will form the individual “branches” of your Christmas tree breadsticks and determine how beautifully they twist during baking.
Step 6: Twist Each Breadstick
Grab each sliced strip and twist it upwards. Begin at the top where the strip is shorter, twisting only halfway around. For the longer strips at the bottom, feel free to twist two or three full times. This twisting action creates the lovely layered effect with spinach dip peeking through.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your breadstick tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The crust should turn a deep golden brown on top and be cooked through beneath. Avoid undercooking to maintain a wonderful crispy exterior and fully melted filling inside.
Step 8: Butter and Season the Finished Breadsticks
While the breadsticks bake, melt butter in a small bowl and stir in the garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Once the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush this seasoned butter generously over the top for shine, flavor, and that irresistible warm aroma that will have everyone rushing to the table.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe with fresh garnishes adds both color and a bright flavor contrast. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or finely diced red bell peppers to mimic holiday decorations on the tree. A light dusting of extra parmesan can also enhance the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This appetizing breadstick tree pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh vegetables or a tangy marinara sauce for dipping. Consider serving alongside a crunchy garden salad or a bowl of roasted nuts to balance the creamy richness of the spinach dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, set your breadsticks on a large wooden cutting board or a festive platter surrounded by colorful napkins or small ornaments. You can also add tiny cherry tomatoes on toothpicks as edible “ornaments” around the tree for a whimsical holiday presentation that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate them for up to three days. Reheat gently to restore crispness and melty cheese before serving again.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked assembled breadstick tree by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden and cooked through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the breadsticks in a preheated 350-degree oven uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the crust revives its crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave to keep that lovely crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, make sure to cook it down until wilted and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent soggy breadsticks.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure the cheeses you use do not contain animal rennet if strict vegetarianism is a concern.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese and cheeses with plant-based versions, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Be sure to choose good-quality dairy-free options for the best result.
How spicy is the recipe?
The recipe includes mild chili powder and pepper, giving just a gentle warmth without being overpowering. You can adjust or omit spices to suit your family’s taste preferences.
What can I serve with the leftover spinach dip?
Leftover spinach dip is delicious with crisp vegetables, crackers, or even toasted baguette slices. You can also dollop it on baked potatoes or mix it into pasta for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
I simply cannot recommend this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe enough for your holiday celebrations. It is fun to make, festive to display, and absolutely delicious from start to finish. Whether you want to impress friends or create a cozy moment with family, these golden, twisted breadsticks are sure to become your new holiday favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you thought possible!
Print
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 14 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks combine creamy spinach dip with layers of cheesy pizza dough, twisted into a beautiful tree shape. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, they’re baked to golden perfection and brushed with seasoned butter for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Spinach Dip
- 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
Dough and Topping
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the breadsticks.
- Prepare the spinach dip: In a mixing bowl, beat together the thawed and drained spinach with softened cream cheese. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Shape the dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to cut it into one large triangle shaped like a Christmas tree and two smaller triangles.
- Create a second dough triangle: Move the two smaller triangles to a second piece of parchment paper, placing their straight edges together to form another triangle identical in shape to the first.
- Layer with spinach dip: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over the second triangle of dough. Then carefully flip the first triangle over the top, creating layered dough with the spinach dip sandwiched in between.
- Cut slices for twisting: Make cuts from near the center outward on both left and right sides, leaving about an inch intact in the center to form ‘slices’ along the edges.
- Twist the breadsticks: Grab each slice and twist it upwards. For shorter slices at the top, twist halfway around; for longer slices at the bottom, twist two or three full turns. This creates a decorative twisted breadstick look resembling a Christmas tree.
- Bake the breadsticks: Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is a golden brown and the bottom is fully cooked. Avoid undercooking to ensure crispy texture.
- Brush with seasoned butter: While the breadsticks are baking or immediately after removing from the oven, melt the butter and stir in garlic powder (or garlic salt) and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the breadsticks before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent soggy breadsticks.
- Use a sharp pizza cutter for clean, even cuts in the dough.
- You can substitute fresh spinach, but make sure it’s cooked and thoroughly drained.
- Brush with the seasoned butter while the breadsticks are warm for best absorption and flavor.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
