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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive appetizer that’s both fun to make and even more fun to eat, you’re going to adore this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a party favorite — cheesy, garlicky, and shaped like a Christmas tree! Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines creamy spinach dip nestled between layers of golden, twisted breadsticks. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through it so you come out with a show-stopping appetizer every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree, this appetizer brings holiday cheer to your table before anyone even takes a bite.
  • Deliciously Cheesy: The creamy spinach dip with mozzarella and parmesan makes these breadsticks irresistibly flavorful.
  • Easy to Prepare: Using refrigerated pizza crust and quick mixing means you can whip this up even when time is tight.
  • Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep it ahead and just bake when guests arrive, making entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but packs a punch in flavor. I love using frozen chopped spinach because it’s easy to manage and saves so much prep time, and pairing cream cheese with Parmesan and mozzarella creates a luscious base for the dip.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thawed chopped spinach, a small white ceramic bowl with softened cream cheese, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of grated mozzarella cheese, a round unwrapped pizza dough crust, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted butter, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks, holiday appetizer recipes, festive party snacks, cheesy spinach breadsticks, Christmas appetizer ideas
  • Frozen chopped spinach: Make sure it’s completely thawed and squeezed dry to avoid soggy breadsticks.
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends so well, adding creamy richness to the spinach dip.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic really wakes up the flavor — don’t skip it!
  • Salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper: These spices add depth and subtle heat; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
  • Italian seasoning: This herb mix complements the spinach and cheeses perfectly.
  • Parmesan cheese: Aged Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that you can’t get from regular cheese.
  • Mozzarella cheese: The melty part of your dip — it pulls beautifully when baked.
  • Refrigerated pizza crust: Your shortcut to perfect breadstick dough; look for a sturdy crust that holds up well when twisted.
  • Butter: Melted to brush over for that irresistible golden finish.
  • Garlic powder or garlic salt: To mix into the butter for brushing — extra garlic flavor for the win!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and trust me, it’s pretty forgiving. Feel free to personalize it — that’s part of the fun!

  • Add heat: I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes into the spinach dip for a spicy kick — my family loves the extra bite!
  • Cheese swaps: Swap mozzarella for gouda or cheddar to change up the flavor profile without losing creaminess.
  • Make it vegetarian-friendly: This recipe already fits vegetarian needs but you can add chopped olives or roasted red peppers inside for extra veggie goodness.
  • Gluten-free dough: If you prefer gluten-free, I’ve used gluten-free pizza dough successfully — just watch the baking time so it stays soft.

How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Spinach Dip

Start by combining the softened cream cheese with your thawed, thoroughly squeezed-dry spinach in a large bowl. Then add garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella. I find beating everything with a mixer or vigorous whisking really helps get it super creamy and evenly mixed — this can make all the difference in texture, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Shape Your Dough into Christmas Trees

Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust onto parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, cut it into one large triangle shaped like a classic Christmas tree and two smaller triangles. Move the two smaller triangles next to each other on another sheet of parchment paper, aligning their straight edges to form a second triangle that matches the size and shape of the first.

Step 3: Layer the Dip Between the Dough Triangles

Spread the creamy spinach dip evenly across the second triangle of dough. Then carefully flip the first dough triangle over and place it gently on top to sandwich the dip in between the two dough layers. When I first tried this, I was worried about the dip oozing out, but the key is to spread it close to the edges but not right at the border — it seals nicely during baking.

Step 4: Make the Twist Cuts

Now comes the fun part! Starting near the center of your dough “tree,” make cuts out toward the edges on both sides, leaving about an inch intact in the middle so your tree holds together. It should look like a pine tree with branches when you’re done cutting. Then twist each “branch” upwards — at the top, where the strips are short, a half twist works perfectly; at the wider bottom sections, two or three twists add a nice flourish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Be patient here — the breadsticks should be deeply golden on top and cooked through on the bottom. Underbaking can leave the center dough doughy, so if your oven runs cool, you might want to add a few extra minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter

While it’s still warm, melt butter and mix in the garlic salt and Italian seasoning, then brush generously over the breadsticks. This final step adds that dreamy glossy finish and a hit of garlic that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

  • Dry Your Spinach Well: I learned the hard way that excess water from spinach makes the dip runny and the dough soggy—use a fine towel or cheesecloth to squeeze it dry.
  • Don’t Overfill the Dip Layer: A thinner layer of dip helps the breadsticks cook through evenly without making clean separation tricky.
  • Twist Gently but Firmly: Twisting the branches too hard can tear the dough, so find that sweet spot to keep the shape intact but still show off the layers.
  • Bake on Parchment: Placing the tree on parchment paper helps prevent sticking–plus, it makes clean-up so much easier!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

A golden-brown pastry shaped like a Christmas tree rests on a white baking sheet with white parchment paper. The pastry has three layers of twisted green herb filling that create leaf-like patterns on both sides, leaving a plain center strip. Near the top, the pastry tapers into a pointed tip, completing the tree shape. Around the tray are small green pine branches, red berries, and pine cones for decoration, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks, holiday appetizer recipes, festive party snacks, cheesy spinach breadsticks, Christmas appetizer ideas

Garnishes

I love to garnish my breadsticks with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or finely chopped fresh parsley — it brings a pop of color and a fresh note to cut through the richness. Sometimes I even scatter a few halved cherry tomatoes around for that festive red and green holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair perfectly with a crisp green salad, some homemade marinara for dipping, or even a simple bowl of soup. At holiday parties, I like serving them alongside a cheese platter and roasted nuts for a full spread that’s easy and crowd-pleasing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday entertaining, I’ve laid mine on a large wooden board lined with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles. Another time, I baked mini versions so everyone got their own little tree — super cute and perfect for portion control!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. When stored this way, the breadsticks stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them to stay cozy warm before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen the prepared but unbaked Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe wrapped in parchment and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed — it’s fantastic for holiday meal prepping!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through and crispy again on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the dough chewy instead of delightfully crisp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?

    You absolutely can! Just make sure to cook and squeeze out as much moisture from the fresh spinach as possible before mixing it in. The drier the spinach, the less soggy your breadsticks will be.

  2. What if I don’t have refrigerated pizza crust?

    If you don’t have refrigerated crust, you can make your own dough or use thawed frozen pizza dough. Just keep in mind homemade dough may alter the timing slightly, so watch for a golden brown finish.

  3. How do I prevent the dip from leaking out during baking?

    Spreading the dip close to but not right at the edges and ensuring the dough layers overlap well helps seal the filling. Also, twisting the breadsticks gently keeps the filling inside.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    To make it vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheeses, plus plant-based butter for brushing. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it impresses guests without a ton of stress. I love how it combines festive fun with cozy, comforting flavors. If you’re looking for something that’s both delicious and a conversation starter, this recipe is your winner. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how festive and tasty your holidays can be with these breadsticks on the table!

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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 126 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 14 breadstick twists
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks combine creamy, flavorful spinach dip sandwiched between layers of soft pizza dough, twisted into beautiful tree shapes, baked until golden, and topped with garlic butter. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, they bring a fun, delicious twist to your seasonal spread.


Ingredients

Spinach Dip Filling

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
  2. Prepare Spinach Dip Filling: In a bowl, beat together the thawed and drained chopped spinach with softened cream cheese. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  3. Shape the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into one large tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles. Arrange the two smaller triangles with their straight edges touching on a separate parchment sheet to form a second triangle of dough matching the larger one.
  4. Assemble the Dip Tree: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over the second triangle of dough. Carefully flip the larger triangle of dough over onto the filled one, creating layers of dough with spinach dip sandwiched between them.
  5. Cut the Tree Slices: Make cuts from near the center of the triangle out to the edges on both sides, leaving about one inch of dough intact in the center to keep the tree with its shape. Cuts should be spaced about an inch apart, creating strips along the sides.
  6. Twist the Strips: Grab each dough strip and twist it upwards. Twist the shorter strips at the top halfway around, and the longer bottom strips two or three full twists to create a textured, festive look.
  7. Bake the Breadsticks: Place the twisted tree on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown on top and cooked through at the bottom. Avoid undercooking for best texture.
  8. Brush with Garlic Butter: Melt the butter and stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder or garlic salt. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the warm breadsticks to finish.
  9. Serve Warm: Serve the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks warm as a delicious holiday appetizer.

Notes

  • These Christmas tree breadsticks make a festive and delicious party appetizer during the holidays.
  • The filling is creamy and flavorful, packed with cheesy spinach goodness.
  • Ensure the breadsticks are baked thoroughly for a perfect golden crunch.
  • You can prepare the spinach dip filling ahead of time to save on prep during party time.
  • Substitute garlic powder or garlic salt as preferred for the butter topping.
  • To add more flavor, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top before baking if desired.
  • Be gentle when flipping the dough triangles to prevent tearing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick twist
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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