| |

Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive and fun appetizer to wow your guests this holiday season, you have to try this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe. It’s cheesy, garlicky, and hands-down one of the cutest and most delicious snacks you’ll serve all winter long. Trust me, once you see these breadsticks shaped like Christmas trees loaded with that creamy spinach dip inside, you’ll be hooked—and your family will go crazy for them at every party!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape is playful and perfect for holiday parties, making your appetizer table instantly more fun.
  • Creamy Flavor Explosion: Packed with spinach dip that’s rich with cream cheese and melty cheeses, every bite is comforting and satisfying.
  • Easy to Make: Using refrigerated pizza dough speeds things up without sacrificing homemade charm or taste.
  • Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for kids or adults, these breadsticks disappear fast at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy spinach dip filling wrapped inside buttery, golden breadsticks. I like to give you little tips on each so you can pick the best options at the store and get the most out of them.

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, festive spinach dip breadsticks, holiday appetizer ideas, cheesy holiday breadsticks, Christmas party snacks
  • Frozen chopped spinach: Be sure to thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as you can—this keeps your dip creamy and prevents sogginess.
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends easily; leaving it out to soften ahead of time makes mixing a breeze.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs more punch than garlic powder, but the latter is great for the butter brush at the end.
  • Salt and spices (onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning): These build deep flavor layers in your dip, balancing the richness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite that complements mozzarella’s creamy melt.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for that perfect gooey, stringy texture inside.
  • Refrigerated pizza crust: This is the shortcut that saves time while still getting you that classic chewy-yet-crisp texture.
  • Butter: Melted and seasoned for brushing on top—this adds beautiful golden color and extra flavor.
📝
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 love that this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe is pretty versatile. You can easily switch up the fillings or make it fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs without losing that festive vibe.

  • Make it vegan: I’ve swapped the cream cheese and mozzarella for vegan alternatives and it still tasted incredible—just keep an eye on moisture levels.
  • Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños in the dip gave my version a fun heat that my spice-loving friends appreciated.
  • Extra cheesy: You can never go wrong adding shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper, bolder taste.
  • Herb variations: Fresh basil or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking amps up the aroma and flavor beautifully.

How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Dip Filling

Start by thawing your frozen spinach and squeezing out as much water as possible—this is key to avoid soggy breadsticks. Then, in a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the spinach until smooth. Add in minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella. Beat everything together until you have a creamy, cheesy dip that smells heavenly. I sometimes use a hand mixer for this step—it saves time and ensures everything is well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Christmas Trees

Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut it into shapes: one large triangle and then two smaller triangles. You’ll position the two smaller triangles side by side so their straight edges touch, forming a second triangle of dough. This clever trick lets you sandwich the delicious spinach dip between two layers that both have the perfect Christmas tree shape.

Step 3: Assemble the Breadsticks

Spread the spinach dip evenly over the second triangle of dough you formed from the two smaller triangles. Then, carefully flip the large triangle over the top, sandwiching the cheesy spinach dip between the two dough layers. Next comes the fun part: cutting the breadsticks. Slice from near the center outwards on both sides, leaving about an inch intact in the middle—this keeps the tree shape stable. The slices become your breadstick “branches.”

Step 4: Twist and Bake

Grab each slice and twist it upwards—shorter slices near the top only need a half twist, while the longer ones near the bottom can be twisted two or three times for a beautiful spiral effect. Arrange your twisted breadsticks on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through. Don’t rush the baking—undercooked breadsticks just aren’t as satisfying.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter

While the breadsticks bake, melt butter and stir in Italian seasoning plus garlic powder or garlic salt. As soon as the breadsticks are out of the oven (but still warm!), generously brush them with the seasoned butter. This adds so much flavor and gives the breadsticks a lovely sheen that looks as good as it tastes.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

  • Squeeze the Spinach Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that any leftover water from thawed spinach can make your breadsticks soggy—don’t skip this step!
  • Don’t Over-Twist the Breadsticks: Twisting too much can cause the dough to tear or fill to leak out, so gentle turns work best for neat trees.
  • Brush Butter While Warm: Applying the garlic butter right away ensures it soaks in beautifully and makes every bite more flavorful.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier—plus it holds your tree shape nicely during transfer.

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, festive spinach dip breadsticks, holiday appetizer ideas, cheesy holiday breadsticks, Christmas party snacks

Garnishes

I like to garnish my Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan or a few flakes of crushed red pepper if we want a little heat. For a more festive look, freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika adds some color and brightness—making them look party-ready right out of the oven.

Side Dishes

Serve these breadsticks alongside your favorite holiday soups like tomato basil or butternut squash bisque for a cozy combo. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. At a party, they’re perfect finger food on their own or next to a charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve displayed these breadsticks standing upright in a wide, shallow bowl filled with pine needles or rosemary sprigs to mimic a real Christmas tree forest. Another fun idea is to scatter tiny cherry tomatoes or pitted olives on top like ornaments before baking for a whimsical touch that kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know they taste best when reheated, as the crust can lose some of its crispness over time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they reheat quite well that way. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a hot oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is in the oven rather than the microwave, which can make the breadsticks a bit chewy. Oven reheating keeps the crust crisp and the cheese gooey—just cover loosely with foil if you want to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe?

    You absolutely can! If using fresh spinach, sauté it gently until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before folding it into the dip. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents sogginess.

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

    No worries! You can make your own simple pizza dough or use store-bought pizza dough that needs to be rolled out. Just make sure it’s pliable enough to be cut and twisted without tearing.

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

    Squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach and avoid over-spreading the dip too close to the dough edges. Proper layering and gentle twists also keep everything nicely sealed inside.

  4. Can I prepare the breadsticks ahead of time before baking?

    Yes! Assemble the breadsticks, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

  5. Are these breadsticks freezer-friendly?

    Definitely. Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked breadsticks wrapped well, and bake straight from thawed or partially thawed for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe has become my go-to for holiday parties—it’s festive, delicious, and honestly just a really fun way to get everyone excited about spinach dip (including kids who usually avoid greens!). I hope you give it a try and enjoy the process of twisting your own cheesy trees as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed hit that brings smiles around the table and tastes even better than it looks. Happy holidays and happy baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 585 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 14 breadsticks
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks combine cheesy spinach dip sandwiched between layers of pizza dough, shaped into fun Christmas tree shapes, twisted for texture, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with garlic butter, they make a perfect holiday appetizer that’s both delicious and visually impressive.


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

  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz)

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the breadsticks.
  2. Prepare Spinach Dip Mixture: In a bowl, beat together the thawed and squeezed dry spinach with softened cream cheese until combined and creamy. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Beat all the ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy spinach dip mixture.
  3. Shape Pizza Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into one large Christmas tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles. Transfer the two smaller triangles to a second parchment sheet, placing their straight edges together to form a second large tree-shaped triangle of dough.
  4. Assemble Layers: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly across the second dough triangle. Then carefully flip the first triangle of dough over the spinach layer, creating a sandwich with the spinach dip between two layers of dough.
  5. Cut and Twist Dough: Beginning near the center, make cuts every inch or so from the center outward on both the left and right sides, leaving about an inch of dough intact in the center. These cuts create individual slices. Take each slice and twist it upward; the shorter top slices get about a half twist, while the longer bottom slices can be twisted two or three full times for texture.
  6. Bake Breadsticks: Place the prepared dough shape on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown on top and fully cooked through on the bottom. Avoid undercooking to ensure the dough is done.
  7. Melt Butter and Add Seasoning: While the breadsticks bake, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder (or garlic salt) and Italian seasoning.
  8. Brush and Serve: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • These Christmas tree breadsticks make a fun and festive appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
  • The spinach dip filling adds creamy, savory flavor to the breadsticks.
  • Be sure to squeeze the thawed spinach dry to prevent sogginess in the dough.
  • Twisting the dough slices gives an attractive layered appearance and crispy edges.
  • Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and garlic butter topping at its best.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star