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Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer to jazz up your holiday table, you absolutely have to try this Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe. I promise, this isn’t your average spinach dip and breadsticks combo — it’s like magic when you sandwich that creamy, savory filling between layers of buttery dough shaped like a Christmas tree. Every bite is golden, gooey, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Fun: Shaping the breadsticks like a Christmas tree instantly amps up your holiday spirit and impresses guests.
  • Flavor-Packed Filling: The creamy spinach dip inside is seasoned perfectly to make every bite irresistible.
  • Buttery Garlic Finish: Brushing on garlic butter after baking adds that irresistible golden glow and mouthwatering aroma.
  • Easy to Make: Using refrigerated pizza dough makes this fun yet simple enough for any home cook to master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe come together beautifully, creating a rich and creamy filling encased in golden bread. I recommend thawing and squeezing the spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy breadsticks and using fresh grated cheeses when possible for the best melt.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thawed chopped spinach, a small white ceramic bowl with softened cream cheese, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of grated mozzarella cheese, a round unwrapped pizza dough crust, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted butter, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks, festive spinach dip appetizers, holiday breadstick recipes, Christmas appetizer ideas, easy holiday party snacks
  • Frozen chopped spinach: Be sure to thaw completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to keep the breadsticks from getting soggy.
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the spinach to create that rich dip texture.
  • Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; it’s essential for that classic spinach dip flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
  • Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that balances the garlic.
  • Chili powder: Just a touch adds warmth without heat—feel free to adjust according to your preference.
  • Pepper: Freshly ground for a mild kick.
  • Italian seasoning: Brings in herbal notes that brighten the dip deliciously.
  • Parmesan cheese (grated): Gives a nutty, salty hit that complements the melty mozzarella perfectly.
  • Mozzarella cheese (grated): Use fresh shredded if you can—it melts beautifully and stretches irresistibly!
  • Refrigerated pizza crust: The base for your breadsticks; convenient and easy to shape.
  • Butter: Melted and mixed with seasoning for that perfect garlic butter glaze.
  • Garlic powder or garlic salt: Combined with butter to brush over the finished breadsticks for extra flavor and shine.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can tweak the herbs or cheeses, and it will still taste amazing.

  • Cheese Swap: I sometimes swap mozzarella with provolone or add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a different cheese vibe that’s just as melty and delicious.
  • Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before baking adds a burst of freshness that I find really brightens this recipe.
  • Make It Spicy: For a little kick, mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne with the filling—I tried this last year and my family went crazy!
  • Gluten-Free Option: You can use a gluten-free pizza crust if you have dietary restrictions; just watch the baking time as crusts vary.

How to Make Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Spinach Dip Filling

Start by thoroughly mixing your thawed, well-drained spinach with softened cream cheese. I like to use a hand mixer here because it makes the dip super smooth and creamy. Then add your minced garlic, seasonings, and both the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Beat it all together until the mixture is uniform and luscious. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Create the Christmas Tree Breadsticks Shape

Unroll the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, slice it into pieces that you can arrange into two equal tree-shaped triangles—the big triangle and the combined two smaller triangles form the second tree shape of dough. This layering trick is what gives the breadsticks their gorgeous sandwich look and allows the creamy dip to shine through each twist.

Step 3: Sandwich and Twist

Spread the spinach dip evenly on the second triangle of dough. Carefully flip the first triangle dough on top, sandwiching in the flavorful filling. Then, starting near the center, slice strips from the edge toward the center, leaving about an inch intact. Twist each strip upwards—short strips get a gentle half twist, while longer strips can handle a few full twists. This technique gives the breadsticks their beautiful, tree-like branches.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your beautiful dough creation into the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. This part is crucial—don’t rush the bake! You want the bread to be deeply golden on top and fully cooked through the bottom. I learned the hard way that undercooked breadsticks can be doughy and disappointing, so watch the edges closely.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter Glaze

While the breadsticks bake, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder (or garlic salt) and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter generously over top. This finishing touch gives you that irresistible shine and deepens the flavor wonderfully. Serve them warm and watch your guests devour them in no time!

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

  • Squeeze the Spinach Well: I can’t stress this enough—if the spinach is too wet, the breadsticks get soggy and don’t hold their shape.
  • Use a Sharp Pizza Cutter: Clean, even cuts help create uniform twists that bake evenly and look beautiful on the plate.
  • Don’t Underbake: The bread might look done on top, but the bottom might still be soft—give it the full 30-35 minutes for perfect crispy crust.
  • Serve Warm: This dip breadstick combo is unbeatable fresh out of the oven with the garlic butter still glistening.

How to Serve Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

A golden-brown pastry shaped like a Christmas tree rests on a white baking sheet with white parchment paper. The pastry has three layers of twisted green herb filling that create leaf-like patterns on both sides, leaving a plain center strip. Near the top, the pastry tapers into a pointed tip, completing the tree shape. Around the tray are small green pine branches, red berries, and pine cones for decoration, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks, festive spinach dip appetizers, holiday breadstick recipes, Christmas appetizer ideas, easy holiday party snacks

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the creamy filling. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese while the breadsticks are still warm is also a personal favorite that adds an extra savory note.

Side Dishes

I typically serve these breadsticks alongside a crisp winter salad—something simple like mixed greens with pomegranate seeds and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. They also pair well with a bowl of warm tomato soup or a festive cheese board for a full holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve presented this recipe during holiday parties is by placing the twisted breadstick tree on a large platter surrounded by bright red and green veggies, like cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices, for a colorful, edible centerpiece. Adding a handful of small olives as “ornaments” scattered on the platter gets everyone chatting and nibbling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that rarely happens!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat them within 2 days for best texture and flavor. The bread may soften a bit overnight but still tastes delicious warmed up.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen a whole unbaked breadstick tree before. To do this, assemble the breadsticks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw fully in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It’s a great way to prep ahead for holiday parties!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftover breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This crisps the crust back up nicely without drying out the creamy filling. Microwaving is faster but tends to make the dough soft and less appealing.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the breadsticks a day before and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bake them fresh when guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.

  2. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

    Yes, you can! Just cook down fresh spinach and squeeze out all the moisture before mixing it into the cream cheese. It might change the texture slightly, but still delicious.

  3. What if I don’t have refrigerated pizza dough?

    Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully here, too! Just roll it out to a similar thickness and shape it as instructed. Alternatively, store-bought dough from the bakery section is a great option.

  4. How can I make these breadsticks vegan or dairy-free?

    Try using dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based mozzarella substitutes. There are also vegan pizza crust options available that would work great for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe truly holds a special place on my holiday appetizer list. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season, bringing everyone together around the table with something delicious and visually festive. I love how easy it is to make yet feels so impressive—and I bet you’ll feel the same once you twist, bake, and serve these beauties. Give it a try, and trust me, you’ll want to make it your holiday tradition too!

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Christmas Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 308 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 14 breadsticks
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These festive Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a delightful holiday appetizer featuring layers of savory spinach dip sandwiched between pizza dough, twisted into beautiful tree shapes, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties, they combine creamy cheese, flavorful seasonings, and a buttery garlic topping for an irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Spinach Dip Filling

  • 12 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 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 pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Dough and Topping

  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
  2. Prepare Spinach Dip Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed, squeezed dry spinach with softened cream cheese. Add minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  3. Shape Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into one large tree-shaped triangle and two smaller triangles as shown in the recipe instructions. Transfer the two smaller triangles to a second piece of parchment paper, aligning their straight edges to form a second tree-shaped triangle identical to the first.
  4. Assemble Layers: Spread the prepared spinach dip evenly over the second triangle of dough. Then carefully flip the first triangle of dough on top, creating a sandwich with the spinach dip in the middle.
  5. Cut and Twist: Make cuts from near the center of the tree to the edges on both the left and right sides, spacing about an inch apart, while leaving about an inch intact in the center. Grab each strip created by the cuts and twist upwards—twisting halfway around near the top where slices are short, and two to three full twists near the bottom where the strips are longer.
  6. Bake: Place the shaped breadsticks in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked thoroughly on the bottom. Avoid undercooking to ensure the dough is fully baked.
  7. Prepare Butter Topping: While baking or immediately after, melt the butter and stir in garlic salt (or garlic powder) and Italian seasoning.
  8. Brush and Serve: Once baked, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the breadsticks and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • These Christmas tree breadsticks make an ideal festive appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
  • Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid soggy dough layers.
  • Twisting the strips tightly helps create a more defined and decorative Christmas tree shape.
  • Brush with garlic butter while warm for maximum flavor absorption.
  • For extra sparkle, sprinkle with a little extra parmesan before baking if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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