Description
These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy spinach dip layered between two sheets of buttery pizza dough, then twisted into tree-like branches and baked to golden perfection, they are both visually impressive and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spinach Dip
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breadsticks
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll sheets
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare spinach dip: In a bowl, combine thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Roll out first dough sheet: Roll out one sheet of pizza dough into a large triangle shape directly on the prepared baking sheet. Trim any excess dough if necessary and set the scraps aside for later use.
- Spread spinach dip: Evenly spread the prepared spinach dip over the surface of the first triangle-shaped dough, ensuring full coverage but leaving small edges free to seal.
- Roll out second dough sheet: Roll out the second sheet of pizza dough into a matching triangle shape and carefully place it on top of the spinach-covered triangle, gently pressing the edges to seal the layers together.
- Cut dough branches: Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact to act as the tree trunk. These slits will form the breadstick ‘branches.’
- Twist branches: Twist each cut strip away from the center to create spiral branches that resemble a Christmas tree shape.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the entire assembled tree with beaten egg wash for a glossy golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the breadsticks are puffed and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Once out of the oven, brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan to enhance flavor. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred; just cook, chop, and drain thoroughly before using.
- Make sure to drain the spinach very well to avoid soggy breadsticks.
- The dough can be either pizza dough or crescent roll sheets depending on availability.
- These breadsticks are best served warm and fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings as a shareable appetizer.
