Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and tasty way to bring some holiday cheer to your snack table. These breadsticks are soft and warm, shaped like little Christmas trees, and filled with a creamy spinach dip that’s packed with cheese and herbs. They’re a great twist on the classic spinach dip, turning it into a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
I love making these because they’re not only delicious but also look so festive. Shaping the breadsticks into trees feels like a mini holiday project, and I enjoy sneaking extra spinach dip filling between the layers to make every bite extra flavorful. It’s a great recipe to make with kids or friends—it brings a little crafting fun to the kitchen along with some serious yum.
My favorite way to serve these breadsticks is with a simple marinara sauce on the side for dipping or even some extra spinach dip to double down on the creamy goodness. They’re perfect for grabbing during a Christmas movie night or for bringing to a holiday potluck where they always disappear quickly! If you want to make your holiday snacks stand out, these breadsticks are a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent roll or pizza dough: This makes shaping the tree easy and gives a soft, buttery crust. If you prefer homemade dough, a simple pizza dough recipe works great too!
Frozen spinach: Make sure to squeeze out excess water after thawing to avoid soggy breadsticks. Fresh spinach can be used, just cook it down and drain well.
Cream cheese and sour cream: These create a creamy, tangy base for the filling. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option without losing creaminess.
Cheeses: Mozzarella melts smoothly and Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor. Feel free to add or substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack for different taste profiles.
Garlic and onion powder: These bring depth to the dip. Fresh garlic works well too, just mince finely to mix smoothly.
How Do You Shape the Breadsticks Into a Christmas Tree?
Shaping the dough to look like a Christmas tree can seem tricky but it’s easier with these steps:
- Roll the dough into a large triangle on your baking sheet.
- Spread the spinach dip evenly, leaving a small border so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Cut slits about 1 inch apart on both sides, angled towards the center to resemble tree branches.
- Twist each strip away from the center to expose the filling and create that layered tree look.
- Leave a small rectangular section uncut at the bottom to make the tree trunk.
- Brush with oil or butter and sprinkle cheese on top for golden color and extra flavor.
By following these steps slowly and carefully, your tree shape will hold together well and look festive once baked. Patience in twisting and cutting makes a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or foil – I prefer this for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Rolling pin – helps to flatten the dough into a large triangle shape effortlessly.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the cheese and spinach mixture smoothly.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean cuts for shaping the tree without tearing the dough.
- Pastry brush – for brushing butter or oil on the dough before baking, giving it a nice golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist that adds savory flavor.
- Mix in shredded pepper Jack or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier or sharper taste.
- add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped roasted red peppers to switch things up and add a pop of color and flavor.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for a bit of extra spice or herby aroma on top before baking.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough and Filling:
- 1 can (17.3 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy festive appetizer you can whip up in around 30 minutes total. Allow a few minutes after baking to cool slightly before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Mixing:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
2. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the thawed and squeezed-dry chopped spinach until the mixture is evenly blended. This will be your delicious spinach dip filling.
3. Shape the Dough:
Roll out your dough on the prepared baking sheet into a large triangle resembling a Christmas tree, about 14-16 inches wide at the base and tapering to a point at the top.
4. Spread and Cut:
Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the dough, leaving a small ½-inch border around the edges. Starting from the wide base, cut slits about 1 inch apart along both sides of the dough, angling them inward to mimic tree branches.
5. Twist and Finish:
Starting from the bottom, twist each strip away from the center to expose the filling and create the tree-branch look. Leave a small rectangular piece uncut at the bottom center for the tree trunk. Brush the entire breadstick tree with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce or extra spinach dip for dipping.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh spinach, cook it down in a pan until wilted, then drain and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding to the filling. This helps prevent soggy breadsticks.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling, assemble the tree, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep them crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
You can use pizza dough or even puff pastry if you prefer a flakier texture. Just adjust the baking time slightly and watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
