If you’re looking to wow your guests this holiday season with something both festive and delicious, you’ve got to try this Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines creamy spinach dip with a golden, buttery crust all shaped into a beautiful Christmas tree that’s as fun to pull apart as it is to eat. Trust me, when I first made this for a family gathering, it disappeared before I even took a proper photo. Keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and super easy to pull off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Presentation: It looks like a perfect Christmas tree, making your appetizer table instantly festive without extra decorating.
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The blend of spinach, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Easy to Share: The twisty branches are designed for pulling apart, making it a fun group appetizer that encourages sharing.
- Quick and Simple: With just one dough tube and pantry staples, you can whip this up in under 40 minutes—perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures — creamy spinach dip tucked inside a flaky, buttery crust that crisps up nicely in the oven. When shopping, choose good quality cream cheese and fresh garlic for the best flavor punch.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and well-drained so your filling isn’t watery.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature—it mixes much easier that way.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced finely to spread their flavor evenly.
- Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb notes; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Salt and onion powder: Essential for seasoning your filling well.
- Cayenne and black pepper: Provide a little kick without overpowering.
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Use a blend or choose your favorite for melty goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice sharp flavor that complements the creaminess.
- Refrigerated pizza crust: Convenient and perfect for shaping; you can swap for puff pastry if you want a flakier texture.
- Butter: Melted with herbs to brush over the finished tree for that golden shine and extra flavor.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe is that it’s super flexible — you can easily make it your own by swapping cheeses or spices to fit your family’s tastes. I like to experiment depending on what I have in the fridge or who’s coming to visit.
- Cheese swaps: Sometimes I swap mozzarella for pepper jack when I want a little extra heat and creaminess.
- Herb variations: Fresh basil or rosemary can be chopped in if you want a fresher herb aroma.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread as a base.
- Extra veggies: Add some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the spinach mix for a veggie boost.
How to Make Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and place the rack towards the bottom—this helps the crust get that lovely crispy base without burning the top. Grab two large pieces of parchment paper: one goes on your baking sheet, and the other is where you’ll shape your dough. If your pizza dough feels uneven, a quick roll with a rolling pin evens it out perfectly for shaping.
Step 2: Mix the Spinach Cheese Filling
Using an electric mixer makes this part effortless. Beat together the spinach and softened cream cheese first – I learned the hard way that mixing the greens in while still icy leads to a watery mess. Next, add your garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, cayenne, and pepper and mix until everything is combined. Fold in the parmesan and half of your shredded cheese—this combo really packs the filling with flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree
Spread the dough on the parchment paper and use a pizza cutter to cut a big triangle—the base should be on the shortest side of your rectangle. Don’t worry if the dough stretches; gently pull or pinch it into shape. Use the leftover dough to create the tree trunk at the base. Transfer the two leftover triangle pieces to your baking sheet’s parchment paper and press together to form the tree base.
Step 4: Assemble and Twist
Spread your spinach filling evenly over the tree base, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Flip the second dough piece over the filling so it covers everything snugly—don’t hesitate to gently stretch it for a perfect fit. Using a pizza cutter, carefully slice about 1-inch wide branches on both sides, leaving the middle intact so the tree stays together. Now, twist each branch 2-3 times to create that fun, festive look. For the top short branch, just a half twist does the trick.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Pop the tree in the oven for 20-22 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the crust should be golden brown and cooked through on the bottom. While it’s baking, melt your butter and stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder. As soon as the tree comes out, brush this over the top for a glossy, flavorful finish that gets everyone’s mouths watering immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Press out every bit of water to avoid soggy filling that ruins the dough.
- Use an Electric Mixer: It makes the spinach and cream cheese blend so smooth — I learned that mixing by hand took forever and wasn’t as even.
- Don’t Cut Through the Center: Leaving the middle intact keeps your tree together while the branches twist beautifully.
- Brush Butter While Hot: For the best shine and flavor, brush the seasoned butter right after baking while it’s still warm.
How to Serve Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan or some finely chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving — it adds a bright contrast to the cheesy green dip inside. A few cherry tomatoes on the side look like little festive ornaments too!
Side Dishes
This appetizer shines on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp winter salad or some roasted nuts for texture contrast. It also goes great alongside a hearty soup if you want a bigger holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
One holiday, I set this tree on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of marinara and ranch dips — it was a huge hit and made for an interactive appetizer station. You can also sprinkle edible “snow” using finely grated parmesan or dust with smoked paprika for a festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to wrap leftover pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispness — the microwave just makes the crust soggy, which is no fun.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled tree, wrapped well in plastic and foil, for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver if you’re prepping holiday appetizers early!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Watch closely so it doesn’t overbrown or dry out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese and shredded cheeses for vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based dough. Just be sure to check the ingredients to keep it fully vegan, and adjust seasoning as needed since vegan cheeses can vary in saltiness.
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Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tree and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked tree as described above. Just allow for proper thawing before baking.
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What’s the best type of cheese to use?
I recommend a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for balanced flavor and meltiness. You can also use just one type if you prefer, or try pepper jack for a spicy twist. Parmesan always adds a nice sharpness that complements the spinach flavor.
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but be sure to cook down the fresh spinach until fully wilted and then squeeze out as much water as possible. Fresh spinach releases a lot of moisture, so thorough draining is key to prevent soggy filling.
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How do I store leftover Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer?
Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. To enjoy them again, reheat in the oven until the crust is crisp and the filling is warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe has become my go-to holiday party starter because it’s as festive as it is delicious. The first time I made it, my family kept going back for “just one more piece” until the whole tree was gone. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone around the table with smiles and full bellies. So grab your pizza crust, mix up that creamy filling, and get ready to impress your guests this holiday season!
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Christmas Spinach Cheese Tree Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This festive Christmas Tree Appetizer is a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling encased in a golden, flaky pizza dough shaped like a Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday parties, this savory appetizer combines Italian seasonings and cheeses for a crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
Spinach Filling
- 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (half of 1 cup)
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (remaining half of 1 cup)
Pizza Dough
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust
Butter Brush
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack toward the bottom to ensure even baking. Prepare two large rectangular pieces of parchment paper, placing one on a baking sheet and setting both aside.
- Prepare Spinach Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the thawed and drained spinach together with the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then beat again to combine. Incorporate the parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, mixing well until fully blended.
- Shape the Christmas Tree Dough: On the parchment paper not on the baking sheet, unroll the pizza dough. Use a rolling pin to even out thick areas. Cut a large triangle from the dough (base at the narrow side of the rectangle) with a pizza cutter to form the Christmas tree shape. Transfer the leftover two smaller triangles to the second piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet and press their long sides together to form the base (tree trunk) of the appetizer. Gently shape the dough as necessary, pulling gently to achieve the desired form.
- Assemble the Tree: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the tree base. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Carefully flip the second parchment paper with leftover dough over the filled base, covering it completely. Tug at the dough if needed to cover the filling fully.
- Create Tree Branches: Use a pizza cutter to make 1-inch thick cuts down the sides of the tree shape, cutting towards the center but not all the way through, leaving about an inch intact in the middle. Take each branch and twist it 2-3 times (or a half twist for the small top slice) to give the tree a decorative effect.
- Bake: Place the assembled tree on the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes until the bottom is fully cooked and the surface has turned golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush it with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Serve warm for a festive and delicious appetizer.
Notes
- This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and is both simple to make and visually impressive.
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to avoid a soggy crust.
- If dough stretches while shaping, gently pull it back into the desired form without tearing.
- Feel free to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for richer flavor and texture.
- Serve warm right after brushing with the butter mixture for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 322 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
