Festive Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks Recipe for Holidays

Twirling festive flavors into a delightful appetizer, these Christmas tree spinach breadsticks capture holiday magic on a plate.

Green and vibrant, the spinach weaves its earthy charm through each crispy bite.

Soft dough meets nutritious greens in a culinary dance that sparkles with seasonal spirit.

Perfectly seasoned and shaped like miniature evergreens, these breadsticks bring whimsy to your gathering.

The recipe promises a crowd-pleasing starter that looks as spectacular as it tastes.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these cheerful treats that will surely become a new holiday tradition.

Prepare to wow everyone with this simple yet stunning appetizer that celebrates winter’s most delicious moments.

Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks Fun Appeal

• Craft a Festive Centerpiece: Transform a simple appetizer into a stunning Christmas tree-shaped breadstick that doubles as a show-stopping table decoration, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Sneak in Nutritious Greens: Packed with spinach and creamy cheeses, this recipe cleverly incorporates healthy ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that kids and adults will love.
• Master Easy Impressive Technique: Learn a simple twisting method that creates a beautiful braided look, making you appear like a professional baker with minimal culinary skills required.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Adaptable for multiple occasions from Christmas parties to casual game nights, these breadsticks serve as an excellent appetizer or side dish that impresses without complicated preparation.

Spinach Breadsticks Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: The foundational base that provides structure and creates the festive Christmas tree shape.

• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color and flavor to the breadstick filling.
• Cream Cheese: A smooth, creamy ingredient that helps bind the filling and adds rich texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that provides stretchy, gooey goodness to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic, Salt, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that creates a complex and delicious flavor combination for the breadstick filling.

• Butter, Garlic Powder, Additional Seasonings: A flavorful coating that adds extra richness and taste to the baked breadsticks.

Steps for Christmas Tree Breadsticks

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F, preparing it for the delicious breadstick adventure ahead.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Spinach Mixture

Blend spinach and cream cheese into a silky smooth base.

• Garlic
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Whip everything together until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy and well-combined.

Step 3: Design Dough Tree

Spread pizza dough on parchment paper.

Create a large triangular shape representing a Christmas tree.

Cut two smaller triangles and connect them to form a fuller tree outline.

Step 4: Layer Spinach Filling

Generously spread the spinach mixture across the connected dough triangles.

Place the larger triangle on top, creating a delightful filled sandwich.

Step 5: Create Branching Strips

Keep the central spine of the tree intact, leaving about an inch of uncut space.

Carefully slice strips from the center toward the edges, spacing them approximately one inch apart.

Step 6: Twist Decorative Branches

Gently twist each strip to give your breadstick tree dimension.

Shorter top strips get a half twist, while longer bottom strips receive 2-3 full twists.

Step 7: Bake Golden Masterpiece

Slide the breadstick tree into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the entire surface turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Finish with Garlic Glaze

Melt butter and mix with garlic and additional seasonings.

Brush this aromatic mixture over the hot breadsticks just before serving, adding a final layer of irresistible flavor.

Tips for Spinach Breadstick Success

• Cut strips evenly and twist them gently to maintain the Christmas tree shape without tearing the dough.
• Mix different cheeses for deeper flavor complexity and smoother texture in the spinach filling.
• Use quality parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of breadsticks from the baking sheet.
• Roast garlic beforehand to intensify its flavor and add a subtle sweetness to the breadstick's seasoning.
• Brush edges with egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, glossy finish on the breadsticks.

Christmas Tree Breadstick Variations

• Gluten-Free Green Wonder: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Herb Delight: Swap cream cheese and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Carb Green Tree: Use fathead dough made from almond flour, mozzarella, and cream cheese as a low-carbohydrate base for keto enthusiasts.
• Mediterranean Spinach Sticks: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano into the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Spinach Breadsticks for Holidays

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair these breadsticks with marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.
• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange the breadsticks on a wooden board with small bowls of various dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or herb-infused olive oil.
• Cheese Board Star: Serve alongside a selection of soft and hard cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Soup Sidekick: Complement a creamy tomato or roasted vegetable soup with these crispy, herbed breadsticks for a comforting winter meal.

Storing Spinach Breadsticks Well

• Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap cooled breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months when frozen properly.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed breadsticks in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
• Always let breadsticks cool completely before storing to avoid condensation that can make them lose their crunch.

FAQs

• How difficult is this recipe to make?

This recipe requires moderate cooking skills. You’ll need some patience for shaping the dough and creating the Christmas tree design, but the steps are straightforward and easy to follow.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach filling and cut the dough in advance. Store the prepared components separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking to maintain the best texture.

• What type of pizza dough works best for this recipe?

Pre-made store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. If you prefer, you can also use homemade pizza dough. Ensure the dough is fresh and at room temperature for easier handling.

Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas tree spinach breadsticks bring Italian-inspired holiday cheer to your table with elegant green spirals. Crisp herbal edges and cheesy charm make these appetizers perfect for seasonal celebrations you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 ounces, 391 grams)
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for mixture)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring even temperature distribution for optimal baking.
2. Combine spinach and cream cheese in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth base. Incorporate garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cheeses until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
3. Unfold pizza dough onto parchment paper. Craft a large triangular shape with two smaller triangles, carefully joining them to form a cohesive tree-like structure.
4. Generously spread the prepared spinach mixture across the joined triangular dough, ensuring even coverage.
5. Position the remaining large triangle on top, creating a filled sandwich. Maintain an uncut central spine approximately one inch wide.
6. Using a sharp knife, create parallel strips extending from the central spine to the edges, spacing them evenly at one-inch intervals.
7. Gently twist each strip, alternating twist intensity. Shorter upper strips receive a half-turn, while longer bottom strips get two to three complete rotations.
8. Transfer the assembled breadstick tree to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until achieving a uniform golden-brown coloration.
9. While baking concludes, prepare a garlic-infused butter mixture with complementary seasonings. Once baked, immediately brush the hot breadsticks with the aromatic butter blend before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead Prep the spinach mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Gluten-Free Swap regular pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cheese Variations Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta, gouda, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that complement the spinach filling.
• Healthier Twist Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining a creamy texture and adding extra protein to the recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg