This pull-apart puff pastry Christmas tree with spinach will be your festive showstopper. It is rich, savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious, so add it to your holiday menu plan STAT!
Are you hunting for fun, festive inspiration? This recipe is one of my go-to appetizers when friends come around in December. You've GOT to try it!
For another Christmas tree cutie, try my Christmas tree Oreos. You'll be shocked by how easy they are to make.
Ingredients
Fancy as it looks, this recipe uses just a couple of ingredients. Keep everything chilled while getting it all ready.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Convenient and easy to work with. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- Cream cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy base that holds the dip together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully. It's such a good cheese with the pastry.
- Grated parmesan cheese: I love the nutty taste of parmesan in this recipe.
- Garlic and onion powder: Adds a subtle savory taste.
- Puff pastry: Buttery, flaky, and versatile, puff pastry is the perfect base for shaping into a festive tree.
- Melted butter: Brushed over the pastry to encourage a golden-brown, crisp finish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Below is precisely how to make this recipe, step-by-step. It's a super simple method despite the pretty outcome.
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Mix until smooth and evenly combined
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry and shape it into a large triangle to serve as the tree's base. Transfer the triangle to the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spread the spinach dip evenly across the triangle.
- Step 5: Roll out the second puff pastry sheet, cut it into a matching triangle, and layer it over the spinach-covered base. Trim any excess to ensure both triangles align.
- Step 6: Use a sharp knife to make horizontal cuts on each side of the triangle, leaving the center intact to form the trunk. These cuts will create the branches. Gently twist each branch a few times to form a spiral shape.
- Step 5: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush the mixture over the puff pastry.
- Step 6: Bake until golden.
Hint: To get a good, even layer of egg wash, use a pastry brush to spread it over.
Substitutions
There are quite a few swaps and switches you can make with this recipe:
- Frozen chopped spinach: Use fresh spinach (sautéed and drained) or kale for a similar texture.
- Cream cheese: Swap with ricotta or mascarpone.
- Mozzarella cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
- Garlic powder: Use fresh garlic but make sure its finely minced.
- Onion powder: Substitute with finely minced onion or shallot.
- Puff pastry: Use crescent roll dough, phyllo, or pizza dough.
- Melted butter: Substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Want to make and use your own puff pastry? Try this easy version from Preppy Kitchen.
Variations
Make this recipe your own by creating a unique flavor combination. Here are a few thought starters:
- Sweet Christmas tree: Create a sweet filling by mixing mascarpone or cream cheese with a touch of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add a few chopped dried fruits like cranberries or figs. Use the same pastry method, but brush with a little honey or sugar after baking for a sweet finish.
- Spicy jalapeño flavor: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the spinach dip mixture for some heat. You can also stir in a bit of cream cheese with chipotle or chili powder for extra flavor.
- Puff pastry: Follow the same process, but consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes on top before baking to enhance the spice.
- Mushroom and brie: Replace the spinach with sautéed mushrooms and add pieces of creamy Brie cheese for a rich, earthy flavor.
Equipment
You'll need a variety of mixing bowls, a baking sheet, and a rolling pin (to make your life easier).
A sharp knife or even a pizza cutter is key to cut into the triangle. I like to use a pastry brush to egg-wash the pastry with!
Storage
Once baked and cooled, store the puff pastry Christmas tree in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Yay!
If you have leftover spinach dip, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days.
To freeze, assemble the Christmas tree (but do not bake) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled and baked puff pastry. This can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Thawing notes
For unbaked puff pastry: Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You can also thaw it at room temperature for 1-2 hours if needed sooner.
For baked puff pastry: Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Reheating notes
- Air fryer (optional): You can reheat it in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Oven: Reheat the baked puff pastry Christmas tree in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Note the puff pastry may lose some of its crispness.
Top tip
Before working with puff pastry, make sure it's properly thawed but still cold. If the pastry warms up too much while shaping or assembling, it can lose its flaky texture. If you need to, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes after shaping to help maintain its crispness when baked.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Puff Pastry
Ingredients
For the Spinach Dip:
- 1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Christmas Tree:
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach Dip:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Christmas Tree:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a large triangle, which will form the base of the tree. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the spinach dip evenly over the puff pastry triangle.
- Roll out the second puff pastry sheet and cut it into another large triangle, then place it over the spinach dip-covered triangle. Trim the edges to match the shape of the bottom triangle.
- Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact to form the tree trunk. These slits will be the branches.
- Twist each strip a few times to create a spiral effect, resembling tree branches.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the puff pastry.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Then let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve:
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Pastry brush
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
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