Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks – A Festive Pull-Apart Appetizer

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Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are more than just a festive appetizer—they’re a tradition in my house, born from one unforgettable Christmas Eve. That year, I wanted something fun and cozy to serve, so I shaped a creamy spinach dip into a golden, twisted breadstick tree. What started as a kitchen experiment became the most talked-about dish of the night.

I’ll never forget my daughter’s face when she saw it come out of the oven—golden, buttery, and bubbling with cheese. She gasped and said, “It’s too pretty to eat!” before eagerly twisting off a branch. We gathered around, pulling warm bites and dipping them into marinara until nothing was left but the tree trunk. That moment made these breadsticks more than a recipe—they became a memory we now recreate every December.

The buttery crust, gooey cheese, garlicky spinach, and playful shape make it irresistible. It’s festive enough for a holiday centerpiece, but easy enough to make without stress. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients—just refrigerated dough, a creamy filling, and a little creativity.

This recipe instantly reminded me of two favorites I’ve shared before: the comforting Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Olive Oil that’s always a hit at parties, and the buttery, flaky Cranberry Brie and Thyme Puff Pastry Twists that strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet.

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Why These Breadsticks Steal the Show

What makes this appetizer truly special is how it combines holiday charm with everyday ingredients. It’s the perfect mix of presentation and taste. You’re using seasoned spinach dip and sandwiching it between two layers of pizza dough. Then you cut it like a tree, twist the branches, bake until golden, and brush with garlicky butter.

It comes out of the oven bubbling and golden, with crispy tips on every branch. Guests can pull off a piece, just like tearing into fresh garlic knots—but way more fun and festive. Serve it on a large wooden board with a little bowl of marinara or ranch, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is decorative.

Ingredients & Preparation

Breaking Down the Ingredients

What makes these Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks so comforting is their simplicity. You’re not dealing with fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just familiar flavors that come together beautifully.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

If you’ve ever made something like Tomato Basil Garlic Bread, you’ll know how essential cheese, herbs, and a little seasoning are in building those deep, craveable flavors. The same idea applies here.

The filling comes together fast: spinach, cream cheese, garlic, seasonings, parmesan, and mozzarella. The result? A creamy, savory mixture that melts perfectly inside the dough.

Tools & Smart Substitutions

Don’t worry—you won’t need any specialty tools. A basic rolling pin, a pizza cutter or sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and two baking trays lined with parchment will do the trick. If you’ve got kitchen shears, they’re also handy for snipping dough cleanly.

Now, about substitutions—feel free to tweak based on what’s in your fridge. Fresh spinach can replace frozen if cooked and drained well. Not a fan of mozzarella? Shredded gouda or fontina work wonderfully. Some readers have even used crescent roll dough for a flakier finish, similar to the buttery layers in this Garlic and Spinach White Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust.

And if you’re not confident shaping the second triangle of dough from scraps? No stress. Just use a second tube of pizza dough—it’s a small shortcut that makes shaping faster and cleaner.

Once your dough is rolled and filling is ready, it’s time for the fun part: building your tree.

 Cooking Instructions & Tips

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks

Making this festive tree may look complex, but once you break it down, it’s incredibly doable—and honestly, kind of fun.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly flour your surface.

Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine thawed spinach and softened cream cheese. Add garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until it’s smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Shape the Tree
Unroll the pizza dough onto parchment. Use a pizza cutter to cut a large triangle for the tree, then two smaller ones to form a second triangle. Place the two smaller ones together to mirror the first.

Spread the spinach dip onto the base triangle. Gently place the second triangle over it to create a dough “sandwich.”

Step 4: Slice & Twist
Leave an inch of space down the center. Cut horizontal strips from the center out to the edges, like branches. Twist each strip away from the center. The higher the branch, the shorter the twist. Bottom ones can twist twice.

Step 5: Bake & Brush
Transfer the tree to the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until deep golden and fully cooked on the bottom. No one likes underbaked dough—be patient.

While it bakes, melt butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Once baked, brush the hot breadsticks generously.

Tips & Tricks to Get It Just Right

• Score before slicing: Lightly trace where you’ll cut your branches before committing with the knife. This helps avoid uneven cuts.

• Thin is better: Roll your dough out to about 10×13 inches. Too thick, and it won’t bake through evenly.

• Shortcut alert: If shaping the second triangle from scraps stresses you out, skip it. Just use a second dough tube, like I sometimes do when making Spinach Artichoke Crescent Roll Bake.

• Want a flakier result? Try using crescent roll dough instead of pizza crust, similar to what I do in my Greek Spinach Pie Recipe.

Serving, Storing & Pairing

What to Serve with It

Once your Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks come out of the oven, all golden and glistening with butter, you’ll want to serve them right away. They’re best hot—when the mozzarella is still melty and the edges are crisp.

Set your tree on a large cutting board or serving platter. I love placing a ramekin of warm marinara or herbed ranch dressing near the base, so people can dip as they twist off a branch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top right before serving gives it just the right finish.

If you’re building a holiday spread, these breadsticks pair perfectly with a warm soup, light salad, or even alongside a meaty main dish. They make a gorgeous addition to a brunch buffet or appetizer table. For instance, they sit beautifully next to comforting bites like Tomato Basil Garlic Bread or the lighter, flavor-packed Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Olive Oil—which, by the way, is a great alternative if you run out of dough but still have leftover dip.

If you’re hosting a wine-and-appetizers night, serve these with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or something crisp and bubbly to cut through the richness. Kids? They love it with apple cider or hot cocoa (trust me on this one).

How to Store and Reheat

Have leftovers? That’s a rare thing in my house—but just in case:

• Storage: Wrap the cooled breadstick tree in foil and store in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: If you want to make ahead, freeze the unbaked, shaped tree (minus the butter). Wrap it tightly with plastic and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

• Reheating: Pop leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave—it softens the dough and ruins that perfect crispy finish.

Bonus tip: Leftover dip (if you have any!) also makes a great spread on toast or filling in a quick panini. I’ve even used it to upgrade scrambled eggs the next morning.

If you’re looking to repurpose holiday leftovers into something fresh and flavorful, recipes like my Cranberry Brie and Thyme Puff Pastry Twists or the hearty Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Spinach, Feta and Cranberries are excellent ideas to bookmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the tree (without baking), wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake right before serving for best results.

What type of dough works best?
Refrigerated pizza crust is easiest, but crescent roll dough gives a flakier texture. Homemade dough also works—just roll it thin.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just sauté it first and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a soggy filling.

Is there a dairy-free option?
You can swap cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but it still works.

What dipping sauces go well with it?
Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy tomato chutney make fun pairings.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a recipe that brings people together before dinner even begins. These Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks aren’t just delicious—they’re interactive, festive, and fun to make with loved ones. They’ve become a treasured part of our holiday season, and I hope they bring just as much joy to your table.

If you’re curious, this recipe was originally inspired by this delightful version from It’s Always Autumn—I gave it my own seasonal twist, and it’s been a hit every year since.

Looking for more holiday appetizers? You might also enjoy my Spinach Artichoke Crescent Roll Bake or keep things lighter with the crisp, herby Greek Spinach Pie Recipe. Both are perfect additions to your party spread.

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