Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on classic breadsticks, shaped like little Christmas trees and packed with a creamy spinach dip center. The soft, warm breadsticks are filled with cheesy, garlicky spinach goodness that makes every bite feel special and holiday-ready. They’re perfect for adding a bit of cheer to any table and are as tasty as they are cute.
I love making these breadsticks when friends and family come over during the holidays because they’re a great finger food that everyone can easily grab. Plus, the spinach dip filling keeps things interesting—it’s not just plain bread but a little surprise inside each twist. I usually serve them alongside some fresh veggies or a simple marinara sauce for dipping, and they always disappear fast!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how festive it looks on the platter all arranged like a mini Christmas forest. It’s a fun way to get everyone into the holiday spirit, even before the main meal starts. If you want to make things extra cozy, pair them with some hot cocoa or a warm soup, and you’ve got a snack that feels like a warm holiday hug.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using store-bought dough saves time and gives a nice chewy texture. If unavailable, biscuit dough or puff pastry can work, but flavor and texture will differ.
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is best for convenience and even moisture. Be sure to squeeze out extra water to avoid soggy breadsticks. Fresh spinach can be used but cook and drain it well first.
Cream cheese & sour cream: These creamy ingredients create the dip’s smooth texture. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. Softened cream cheese is easier to mix thoroughly.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts well and stretches nicely. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Feel free to try provolone or sharp cheddar for a different taste.
Garlic & seasonings: Fresh garlic gives the filling a punch, but garlic powder can be substituted. Italian seasoning keeps the flavor classic; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like.
How Do You Create the Perfect Twisted Breadstick Shape?
Shaping the dough into a Christmas tree look can be tricky but fun!
- Roll dough evenly into a rectangle for uniform thickness.
- Spread filling without overloading to avoid leaks when twisting.
- Cut dough into a triangle by trimming the top edges—imagine a Christmas tree shape.
- Cut strips about 1 inch wide on each side from the base toward the tip without cutting all the way through.
- Twist each strip gently 2-3 times to reveal the filling; this helps create the “branch” effect.
- Slightly bend strips outward to mimic tree branches, giving the breadstick a festive look.
- Brush with egg wash before baking for a golden brown finish.
Take your time with twists; slow movements reduce filling spillage and keep the shape intact. This technique delivers a festive breadstick that’s both pretty and tasty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Rolling pin – this helps you smoothly roll out the dough to an even thickness.
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife – perfect for cutting straight, clean strips and shaping the dough into a tree.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the dip ingredients and mixing the filling.
- Brush or pastry brush – to apply the egg wash evenly on the breadsticks before baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese blend: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan for sharp cheddar or pepper jack to change up the flavor.
- Additional veggies: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked artichoke hearts into the filling.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for some heat.
- Meat lovers: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon or chopped cooked ham for extra protein.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough & Filling:
- 1 package (about 13.8 oz) prepared pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. It’s quick enough to make on the day of your celebration but offers a homemade feel. Plus, a few minutes to cool before serving is all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Spinach Dip Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and drained spinach. Stir well until everything is smooth and mixed evenly.
2. Roll Out Dough and Spread Filling:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12×15 inch rectangle. Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Shape Your Christmas Tree:
Place a sheet of parchment over the filling and gently press with a rolling pin to help the filling stick in place. Remove the parchment and cut the dough into a triangle shape—like a Christmas tree silhouette. Starting at the base, cut 1-inch strips on each side, twist each strip 2-3 times to reveal the filling, and fold outward slightly to form branches.
4. Bake and Serve:
Brush the entire breadstick tree with the beaten egg to get a nice golden color when baked. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted, then drain well to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents soggy breadsticks.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the breadstick tree up to the shaping step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold dough.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to refresh.
Can I Freeze the Breadstick Tree?
Yes! Freeze the fully baked and cooled breadstick wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.