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Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This festive Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer is a delightful and visually stunning holiday treat. Made with flaky puff pastry layered with a rich mixture of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and bake, it offers a cheesy, savory bite shaped into a charming Christmas tree, sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

Spinach and Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or as directed on the puff pastry package). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking the appetizer.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach with softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Assemble the Tree: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean work surface. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and gently press down to seal the layers together.
  4. Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into a Christmas tree shape – typically a triangle with a small rectangle as the trunk. Then create horizontal cuts along the triangle, about 1 inch apart, stopping before the center spine, so the strips can be twisted to form branches.
  5. Twist Branches: Carefully twist each strip away from the center spine to create the branches of the tree. This twisting will give a layered, textured look once baked.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it gently over the entire surface of the pastry tree to ensure a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the assembled Christmas tree on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the tree from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This appetizer is best enjoyed warm.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the spinach well to prevent a soggy pastry.
  • If you prefer, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen, but cook and drain it thoroughly before mixing.
  • The pastry can be decorated with small bits of bell pepper or cherry tomatoes to mimic ornaments.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling if you like a little heat.
  • Use chilled puff pastry and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble for best results.

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Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/spinach-and-cheese-christmas-tree-appetizer-recipe/