Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on a classic snack. Imagine soft, warm breadsticks shaped like little Christmas trees, loaded with creamy spinach dip baked right inside. With a sprinkle of cheese melting on top and a touch of garlic flavor, these breadsticks are perfect for sharing during the holidays or any cozy get-together.
I love making these because they feel like a party on a plate, and they’re so easy to pull out while everyone is chatting and relaxing. The spinach dip inside is creamy without being too rich, and the breadsticks are just the right amount of fluffiness—soft but sturdy enough to hold all that tasty dip. Plus, shaping them into trees makes it extra special and fun for both kids and adults.
My favorite way to serve these is with a little bowl of extra dip on the side or alongside some fresh veggies. They’re great on a holiday snack table or as an appetizer before dinner. Whenever I make these, they disappear fast because they’re simply so good! If you want to add a little extra holiday cheer, a dash of red pepper flakes or some colorful bell pepper pieces on top looks like ornaments on the trees, making the presentation just as exciting as the taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time and gives a soft, chewy texture. If you prefer, store-bought breadstick dough or homemade dough works well too.
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is great for convenience. Just make sure to drain it very well to avoid soggy breadsticks. Fresh spinach can work too; cook it down until soft and drain thoroughly.
Cream Cheese & Cheeses: Cream cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella melts beautifully for gooey texture. Parmesan adds sharpness. For dairy-free options, try vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These bring essential flavor without overpowering. If you don’t have these, fresh minced garlic and onion can be used but adjust quantities to taste.
How Do You Shape and Twist the Breadsticks to Look Like a Christmas Tree?
This shaping technique makes the breadsticks festive and fun. Here’s how to get it right:
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the spinach dip evenly.
- Roll up the dough into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place seam-side down on your baking sheet, so it won’t unroll during baking.
- Cut angled slits on both sides about 1 inch apart, stopping short in the middle to keep it intact—this forms the tree trunk.
- Carefully twist each slit away from the center, which shows the filling and creates branches.
- Brush with olive oil or butter to get a golden crust in the oven.
Take it slow when twisting to keep everything tidy. This step makes the presentation special and invites everyone to pull apart their own “branches”.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and breadsticks from sticking.
- Rolling pin – helps you shape the dough evenly into a large rectangle or square.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – makes clean cuts to form the Christmas tree shape without smooshing the dough.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the spinach filling and mixing cheese with seasonings.
- Baste brush or pastry brush – perfect for brushing melted butter or olive oil on top to give a shiny, golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the spinach for artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile that pairs well with cheese.
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the filling for extra texture and savory taste.
- Mix in some shredded cooked chicken or turkey to create a more filling, protein-rich version.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, on top before baking for a fresh, herby twist.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough:
- 1 package (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
Spinach Dip Filling:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to cool before serving. So, plan roughly 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and festive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the breadsticks don’t stick.
2. Mix the Spinach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the drained spinach, softened cream cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. Spread the spinach mixture evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
4. Form the Christmas Tree Shape:
Starting at a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside. Place the roll seam-side down on your baking sheet.
Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut slits about 1 inch apart on both sides of the roll. Stop the cuts about 1 to 2 inches from the center, leaving the middle intact for the tree trunk.
Carefully twist each slit away from the center to uncover the filling and create the look of tree branches.
5. Bake and Serve:
Brush the whole roll with olive oil or melted butter to get a lovely golden crust. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the breadsticks look golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Let it cool a bit, then transfer to a platter. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your festive and tasty Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then drain any excess liquid well before mixing it into the filling. This helps prevent soggy breadsticks.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the breadstick tree, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep them crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza or breadstick dough in place of regular dough. Just be mindful that baking times may vary slightly depending on the dough used.
