If you’re looking to wow your guests with a festive and utterly delicious appetizer, the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This delightful dish combines creamy spinach dip with golden, buttery crescent roll breadsticks, all artfully shaped into a charming Christmas tree. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, garlicky goodness wrapped in flaky dough that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a fun way to brighten up your snack table, this recipe will quickly become one of your holiday favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays an important role in bringing the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe to life. From creamy cheeses to savory spices, every item contributes a distinct layer of flavor and texture that makes this appetizer unforgettable.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides that irresistibly smooth base for the spinach dip filling.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess to enhance the dip’s flavor balance.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Introduces a nutty sharpness and helps bind the filling together.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Brings gooey, melty texture to the filling that everyone craves.
- Frozen chopped spinach (1 cup, thawed and drained): Adds vibrant color and a nutritious green punch without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends warm, savory depth to the dip.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the savory flavors subtly and beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates all the ingredients and balances the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spicy kick for interest.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans): The golden, flaky exterior wrapping the spinach dip into that festive tree shape.
- Egg (1 beaten): Used as an egg wash to create a glossy, appetizing crust.
- Optional – Sesame seeds or grated Parmesan for topping: Perfect for an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful finish.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your breadsticks are assembled. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this little step saves you so much hassle later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach Dip Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and well-drained spinach. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for that classic dip flavor. Mix everything until smooth and fully combined—the texture should be rich and enticing.
Step 3: Roll Out the First Crescent Dough Layer
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Pinch all the seams together to create a unified dough sheet. This solid base will hold your spinach dip filling—make sure it’s nicely even for the best results.
Step 4: Spread the Dip Filling Evenly
Carefully spread the spinach dip mixture over the dough sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This border is essential for sealing in the filling and keeping your “tree” intact during baking.
Step 5: Add the Top Dough Layer
Roll out the second can of crescent dough and gently place it over your dip-covered base. Press down softly along the edges to seal the two dough layers together, so the filling stays snug and doesn’t leak out.
Step 6: Shape into a Christmas Tree
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a large triangle shape that will form your Christmas tree. Save any dough scraps for festive decorations later if you want to get creative.
Step 7: Twist the Branches
Make horizontal cuts along the sides of the triangle, keeping a 1-inch wide strip in the center to serve as the tree trunk. Take each strip or “branch” and give it a gentle twist—this creates a beautiful braided effect that looks just like tree branches.
Step 8: Brush With Egg Wash and Add Toppings
Brush the entire breadstick tree with the beaten egg wash to achieve that perfect golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or additional grated Parmesan for an elegant and flavorful finish.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the breadsticks are puffed up with a gorgeous golden-brown color. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly and avoid any burns.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe is an easy way to add festive cheer and brighten up the presentation. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add pleasant pops of color and exciting flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pairing this appetizer with light sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple fruit platter can complement the rich spinach and cheese flavors beautifully. These sides add freshness and keep the holiday meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your breadstick tree on a wooden board or festive platter decorated with small cherry tomatoes or colorful bell pepper strips placed around to mimic ornaments. You could even add tiny stars cut from cheese to place on top for an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the breadsticks fresh without losing that irresistible crispy-crust and creamy filling texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, wrap the baked and cooled breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the breadsticks in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and cause the cheese filling to heat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and drain fresh spinach thoroughly so the filling doesn’t become too watery. Squeezing out as much moisture as possible is key to maintaining that perfect consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin. It’s a fantastic option for holiday gatherings where guests might have dietary preferences.
Can I make this ahead and bake it later?
You can assemble the breadsticks and keep them refrigerated, covered tightly, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient holiday prep option when you have a busy day ahead.
What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry sheets or homemade pizza dough can work as alternatives, though the texture and baking times may vary slightly. Crescent dough is great for its buttery flavor and ease of use.
How do I prevent the breadsticks from getting soggy?
Ensuring the spinach is well drained is crucial, and baking the breadsticks on parchment paper or a well-ventilated baking sheet helps keep the crust crisp. Applying the egg wash also seals the dough nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe—how it transforms simple ingredients into a festive delight that brings smiles and warmth to the table. It’s a fun, flavorful, and visually stunning appetizer that’s sure to become a holiday tradition. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering; your friends and family will be talking about it long after the last bite!
Print
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks. Layers of creamy spinach and cheese filling are sandwiched between buttery crescent roll dough, shaped into a charming tree, twisted into delicious breadsticks, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun family treat!
Ingredients
Spinach Dip
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Spinach Dip Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, thawed and drained spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Form Bottom Dough Layer: Roll out one can of crescent roll dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to create a single, solid sheet of dough that will act as the base layer.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared spinach dip mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to help seal the top layer.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the spinach filling, gently pressing down to seal the edges and encase the filling completely.
- Shape into Christmas Tree: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked dough into a large triangle shape that looks like a Christmas tree. Save any extra dough scraps to use as tree decorations if desired.
- Create Breadstick Branches: From the base of the triangle, make horizontal cuts along both sides, leaving the middle 1-inch section uncut to serve as the “trunk.” Twist each of these cut slices outward to form festive breadstick branches.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the entire shaped bread tree with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or grated Parmesan if you want extra flavor and decorative sparkle.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving as a fun and festive appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to avoid soggy dough.
- You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen, but cook and drain it thoroughly before use.
- Feel free to add other herbs or spices like dill or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for added taste.
- Leftover breadsticks can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerated for 2-3 days.
