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Christmas tree-shaped puff pastry with twisted branches filled with spinach and cheese, served on a white platter.
Tiffany

Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree

This Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree features flaky golden puff pastry filled with creamy spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and Parmesan. Shaped into a festive pull-apart Christmas tree, it's an easy holiday appetizer that's perfect for parties and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed according to package directions
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the spinach filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, thoroughly drained spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Unfold the first sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it gently into a rectangle approximately 10 x 13 inches.
  4. Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Cut it into a large Christmas tree shape with a triangular top and a short rectangular trunk. Reserve the pastry scraps for small decorative shapes.
  5. Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the pastry tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet to the same size. Place it over the filling and cut it to match the Christmas tree shape. Gently press the edges together.
  7. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make horizontal cuts along both sides of the tree, leaving an uncut strip approximately 1 1/2 inches wide down the center for the trunk. Each branch should be about 3/4 inch wide.
  8. Carefully twist each branch two or three times, depending on its length, to create the pull-apart Christmas tree design.
  9. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash lightly over the pastry.
  10. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, deeply golden, and cooked through.
  11. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the Italian seasoning. Brush lightly over the warm pastry.
  12. Let the Christmas tree rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Recipe Tips
  • Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, but keep it cold until ready to use.
  • Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach.
  • Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, spreadable filling.
  • Leave the center of the tree uncut so the branches remain connected.
  • Twist the pastry branches gently to avoid tearing.
  • Bake until the pastry is golden and fully cooked.
Make Ahead: Prepare the spinach filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until thoroughly heated and the pastry becomes crisp again.
Serving Suggestion: Serve warm as a festive pull-apart appetizer for Christmas parties.