Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on a classic party snack. Imagine soft, warm breadsticks shaped like little Christmas trees, loaded with creamy spinach dip and melted cheese. They’re colorful, tasty, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer with every bite.
I love making these because they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. Shaping the dough into Christmas trees feels like a little holiday craft project, and the spinach dip filling is always a crowd-pleaser. I usually make the dip ahead, so when I’m ready to bake, the breadsticks come together quickly and fill the kitchen with the smell of cheesy goodness.
These breadsticks are perfect for holiday gatherings, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack to enjoy while chatting by the Christmas tree. I like to pair them with a bowl of extra spinach dip for dunking—it just makes the festive mood even cozier. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some greens while still feeling like a special treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time and gives a soft, chewy base. You can substitute with homemade dough or pre-made puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Spinach: Frozen spinach works well as it’s convenient and already chopped. Make sure to squeeze out excess water to avoid soggy breadsticks. Fresh spinach can be used but sauté first to remove moisture.
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess and richness. You can swap it for a dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds sharp flavor. You could use other cheeses like cheddar or fontina, depending on your taste.
Garlic and herbs: Fresh garlic and dill or Italian seasoning bring classic savory notes. Feel free to adjust herbs for a personalized touch—basil or thyme work well too.
How Do You Make The Twisting Technique Easy and Neat?
Twisting the dough strips correctly makes your Christmas tree shape clear and pretty. Here’s how I do it:
- After cutting strips, gently pick the first strip near the base.
- Twist it away from the center filling a couple of times, about 2-3 twists, so the layers open and cheese peeks out.
- Alternate twisting the left and right strips in opposite directions to keep the “branches” balanced.
- Don’t rush—twisting too tight can tear the dough, too loose and it won’t hold shape.
- Using a sharp knife helps make clean cuts, which allows neat twists.
This technique shows off the filling and gives the breadsticks their tree-like look. Take your time to get a nice twist on each strip—it makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – I use this because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Rolling pin – helps to evenly flatten the dough into a large rectangle.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean, straight cuts for the twists.
- Pastry brush – for brushing the egg wash to get a golden finish.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the spinach dip filling.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for different greens; they add a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the filling for a smoky, savory kick.
- Use different cheeses like feta, cheddar, or pepper Jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Mix in chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and color.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Breadsticks and Filling:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Extra Parmesan or Italian seasoning for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you can enjoy your delicious Christmas tree breadsticks in just about 40 minutes including a little time to let them cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried dill or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Set aside.
3. Shape the Dough and Add Filling:
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch clear at the top edge. Fold the top inch over the filling and gently press to seal it.
4. Create and Twist the “Branches”:
Starting from the bottom, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart going up toward the sealed edge, but don’t cut all the way through—leave about 1.5 inches uncut at the top to hold the shape. These strips are the “branches.” Carefully twist each strip away from the center filling to show off the layers and spinach dip. Alternate twisting left and right strips for a pretty effect.
5. Finish and Bake:
Lightly beat the egg and brush it over the twisted dough to give a shiny golden finish. If you like, sprinkle extra Parmesan or Italian seasoning on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the breadsticks turn golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove your Christmas tree breadsticks from the oven and let them cool a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, with extra spinach dip on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy the festive, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to remove excess moisture, then drain well before mixing into the dip. This helps prevent soggy breadsticks.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the breadstick tree and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to regain crispness.
Can I Substitute the Pizza Dough?
Sure! Pre-made puff pastry or homemade dough works too. Just keep in mind puff pastry will create a flakier texture rather than chewy breadsticks.