Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on classic spinach dip, baked right into soft, golden breadsticks shaped like a Christmas tree! You get the creamy, cheesy goodness of spinach dip combined with a warm, comforting breadstick that’s perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in.
I love making these because they’re as cute as they are tasty. The breadsticks are easy to pull apart, and the spinach dip filling keeps every bite deliciously moist. I usually sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top before baking to get that perfect melt and sprinkle on some holiday-themed herbs or red pepper flakes for a little color and spice.
These breadsticks work great as an appetizer or snack, especially when paired with a nice, simple marinara or ranch dip on the side. I find they bring everyone together around the table, making the holiday mood even more joyful. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, so they always disappear quickly whenever I bring them out!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps this recipe quick and simple. If you prefer, you can use homemade dough or even biscuit dough for a different texture. Just make sure it’s easy to roll and stretch.
Spinach: Frozen spinach is a convenient choice. Just be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid soggy breadsticks. Fresh spinach can work too, but cook and drain it well first.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the filling creamy. Neufchatel cheese is a good lower-fat swap for cream cheese. For sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt if you want a tangier flavor or a lighter option.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that melty, gooey stretch. Parmesan adds nice sharpness. Feel free to try provolone or cheddar for a different twist.
How Do You Twist the Dough Without Tearing It?
The twisting step creates the pretty “branches” and lets the filling peek out. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Make sure your dough isn’t too thin—about ¼ inch thickness is good to avoid ripping.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut clean strips from the edge toward the center, leaving the middle intact.
- Hold each strip gently but firmly and twist a couple of times, then adjust if you notice any strain on the dough.
- If dough starts to tear, press the edges gently to seal before twisting again. Letting the dough rest a few minutes before shaping can help too.
Taking your time with this step gives you those beautiful, festive layers and keeps the breadsticks soft and full of filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – I prefer this because it keeps the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – makes it simple to shape the dough into a large triangle for your tree shape.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helps cut even, clean strips for twisting and shaping.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the spinach dip filling smoothly.
- Pastry brush or small spoon – to brush the olive oil on top for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spinach for cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper Jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley on top before baking for added freshness.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough and Base:
- 1 package (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
Spinach Dip Filling:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Topping and Finishing:
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for sprinkling on top)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving, so overall you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper to keep the breadsticks from sticking.
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, drained spinach, 3/4 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
3. Shape the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rough triangle shape, wide at the bottom and pointed at the top, like a Christmas tree.
4. Spread the Filling:
Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly over your dough triangle, leaving a small clear margin around the edges to prevent filling from oozing out when baking.
5. Cut and Twist the “Branches”:
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut strips about 1 inch wide from the edges inward toward the center. Stop cutting before you reach the middle so the base stays together. Carefully twist each strip a few times—this reveals the cheesy filling and creates the branch-like effect.
6. Final Touches and Bake:
Gently pull the twisted strips apart to shape the tree, optionally rounding the top point slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the top and brush all exposed dough edges and twists with olive oil for a beautiful golden finish.
7. Bake and Serve:
Bake in your preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the breadsticks are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Pair with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a delicious dipping treat.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then drain well and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This helps prevent soggy breadsticks.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the breadsticks up to the twisting step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Pizza Dough?
You can substitute store-bought biscuit dough or puff pastry for a different texture. Puff pastry will give a flakier result, while biscuit dough is softer—but either works well for this festive treat.
