Hey there, fellow kitchen warriors! Today, I’m excited to share one of my family’s favorite holiday recipes that never fails to put a smile on our faces. We all know how the holiday season can get a bit hectic, but there’s something about baking together that just brings the family closer. When my kids smell these delicious Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks coming out of the oven, it’s like a beacon calling them to the kitchen!
This recipe isn’t just about food, it’s about creating memories. I remember the first time I made these breadsticks; my little ones were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement! They loved shaping the dough into a festive tree, and we had a blast twisting those branches together. These delightful breadsticks were a huge hit—not just with the kids but with everyone during our holiday gatherings. Trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
If cooking isn’t your forte, don’t worry; this recipe is super easy! The steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients lying around. It’s perfect for a last-minute snack or a fun project to do with the kids. What’s more, they make a festive centerpiece on any holiday table!
The beauty of these breadsticks lies not just in their delicious spinach and cheese filling but also in how they look. Shaped like a Christmas tree, they add a touch of whimsy and holiday spirit to any gathering. I love watching my friends and family gather around, ready to dig in. Whether you’re serving them at Christmas dinner or as a fun appetizer for a holiday party, they’ll surely be the star of the show!
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bring a little holiday cheer into your home. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a sprinkle of love, you can whip up these festive breadsticks that your family will adore. Let’s get started on making some magical memories in the kitchen together!
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
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Ingredients
- 12 oz thawed frozen chopped spinach, drained
- 6 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives it time to heat up while you prepare those tasty breadsticks!
In a mixing bowl, blend together the drained spinach and softened cream cheese until they’re nicely mixed. Toss in the minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Stir it all until it’s creamy and well-combined. Your filling is almost as good as it gets!
Next, roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter to carve out a big triangle for the main tree, along with two smaller triangles for the branches. Place the smaller triangles on another sheet of parchment paper, flat edges touching to form another triangle, like a tree in full bloom!
Spread the spinach dip mixture generously over the shape of the branches and gently place the larger triangle on top to sandwich that cheesy goodness inside.
Now, carefully cut around the edges of your triangle, leaving a one-inch border in the center. Make cuts from the center to the edges, about every inch, to create ‘branches’ for your tree.
Time to get creative! Twist each slice upward—about halfway at the top, and a couple of turns at the longer ends. This will give your tree that charming, craggy look.
Pop your creation into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, until the breadsticks turn golden brown and smell irresistible.
As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush them with a luscious mixture of melted butter combined with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to take them over the top. Now, you’re ready to serve these up warm and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
To keep your leftover breadsticks fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-friendly bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat!
Cooking Tips
If you want to switch things up, consider adding some chopped artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach filling for an extra flavor kick. You could also use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option. Just ensure that it’s plain and unsweetened. This dish is flexible, so feel free to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
These festive breadsticks shine on their own but pair beautifully with marinara sauce or a light ranch for dipping. You could serve them alongside a refreshing green salad for a complete meal or present them as an appetizer at your holiday gatherings. Add some festive drinks like sparkling cider or a fun punch to really elevate the occasion!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of certain ingredients, don’t fret! Instead of spinach, you could use kale or even a can of artichoke hearts. Cream cheese can be swapped for ricotta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles. Make it your own while still keeping that festive flair!
Seasonal Variations
These breadsticks can be easily adapted to fit different seasons. In the fall, consider using roasted butternut squash alongside the spinach filling, and in the spring, you can incorporate fresh herbs like basil or chives for a burst of flavor. The cozy elements of this recipe make it versatile for just about any time of the year!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy and gluten. For those with lactose sensitivity, try substituting the cream cheese and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives made from nuts or soy. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pizza dough instead. Always read labels to ensure safety based on individual dietary needs!
FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, just use about 5-6 cups. Cook the spinach in a pan until wilted, let it cool, and then chop it finely. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the cream cheese.
How do I reheat the breadsticks?
The best way to reheat breadsticks is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F, place the breadsticks on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will preserve their texture. You may also use the microwave, but be aware that they could become a bit soggy.
Can I prepare the breadsticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before. Just shape the breadsticks, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven.
What dipping sauces pair well with these breadsticks?
These breadsticks go deliciously with a variety of dipping sauces. Marinara is a classic option that complements the cheesy spinach filling. A creamy ranch dressing or garlic butter sauce also makes a great choice. You can even try a spicy sriracha mayo for an adventurous twist!
How can I make the breadsticks spicier?
If you want to add a kick of heat to your breadsticks, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the filling. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce to bring some heat to your table!
Can I freeze the assembled but unbaked breadsticks?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the assembled breadsticks! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to bake them, remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then bake as instructed. They will taste just as fresh!
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough 13.8 oz
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the spinach and cream cheese until well combined. Add the garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until blended.
- Unroll pizza dough on parchment paper. Cut the dough into a large triangle for the tree and two smaller triangles for branches. Place the smaller triangles on another piece of parchment, forming a triangle.
- Spread the spinach mixture over the second triangle, then place the first triangle on top to enclose the filling between the layers.
- Cut around the edges, leaving an inch in the center untouched. Make cuts from the center to the sides every inch, twisting each slice upwards (half twist at the top, 2-3 twists at the ends).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Melt butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush over the warm breadsticks before serving.
