Christmas tree spinach dip breadsticks Recipe

The holiday season is all about celebrating with family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! If you’re looking for a unique and festive appetizer to serve at your next holiday gathering, Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are the perfect solution. Combining the creamy goodness of spinach dip with the warm, savory crunch of freshly baked breadsticks, this recipe will be a hit at any Christmas or New Year’s party.

This recipe not only tastes fantastic, but it’s also visually stunning, shaped like a Christmas tree and decorated with vibrant toppings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or an extravagant holiday feast, these spinach dip breadsticks will bring festive cheer to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks

1. Festive and Fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree, this appetizer adds a touch of holiday magic to any gathering.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy spinach dip is a fan favorite, and when paired with freshly baked breadsticks, it’s sure to satisfy every guest.
3. Customizable: You can tweak the flavors and add your favorite toppings to make this dish your own.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the breadsticks and dip in advance, and simply bake them before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s begin with the step-by-step guide to making these delicious Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks!

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Dip Filling

1. Thaw and Drain the Spinach: Start by thawing your frozen spinach in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once it’s thawed, place it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure that your spinach dip doesn’t become too watery.
2. Mix the Dip: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Season the Dip: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Add Spinach: Fold the prepared spinach into the dip mixture. If you’d like to add a bit of tang, squeeze in lemon juice. Stir everything until the spinach is evenly distributed in the creamy mixture. Set aside and refrigerate until needed. This dip can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Step 2: Make the Breadstick Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Dough: Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This allows the dough to become light and airy.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
3. Shape the Breadsticks: Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 6 inches long. Arrange the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. You can make the tree trunk by placing two or three breadsticks vertically at the bottom of the sheet, while the remaining dough ropes form the branches.
4. Add the Spinach Dip: Gently spread the spinach dip on top of the breadstick “branches,” making sure to leave the tree trunk uncovered.

Step 4: Bake the Breadsticks

1. Brush with Olive Oil: Before baking, brush the dough with a bit of olive oil to ensure a golden-brown finish. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dough for added flavor.
2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden.

Step 5: Decorate the Christmas Tree

Once the breadsticks are baked, it’s time to make your Christmas tree look festive!

1. Add Ornaments: Use sliced red bell peppers to create a garland around the tree. For ornaments, you can place black olives or cherry tomatoes in a scattered pattern.
2. Add Tree “Branches”: Arrange small sprigs of fresh rosemary around the edges of the breadstick tree to simulate tree branches. The rosemary adds a lovely fragrance and makes the tree look even more realistic.
3. Serve: Let the tree cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. Slice the breadsticks and serve with extra spinach dip on the side for dipping.

Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks

• Customize the Dip: Feel free to swap out the spinach for artichokes, or add some cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Flaky Dough: For a flakier dough, consider using half all-purpose flour and half bread flour.
• Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to load up the dip with extra mozzarella, cheddar, or even some blue cheese for a tangy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough instead of traditional breadstick dough.
• Keep the Breadsticks Warm: If you’re making this dish ahead of time, keep the breadsticks warm in the oven at a low temperature or cover them with a kitchen towel.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for Parties: These breadsticks are ideal for holiday parties, gatherings, and potlucks. They are easy to eat with your hands and are perfect for dipping.
• Pair with a Soup: Serve the breadsticks with a warm bowl of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup for a comforting holiday meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can be sprinkled on top of the spinach dip for extra color and flavor.

Conclusion

This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks recipe is a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply looking for a show-stopping appetizer, this creative and tasty dish is sure to be the highlight of the evening. The combination of savory breadsticks and creamy spinach dip is simply irresistible!

So why not bring some holiday cheer to your table with this easy-to-make, visually stunning appetizer? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these festive breadsticks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the spinach dip in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach dip a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the breadsticks and bake them on the day of your event.

2. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, make sure to sauté it and remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.

3. Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked breadsticks after shaping them into a tree. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve!

4. How do I store leftover breadsticks?
Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

5. Can I make these breadsticks vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. If you’d like to make it vegan, simply swap the cream cheese and other dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives.

Yield: 12

Christmas tree spinach dip breadsticks Recipe

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The holiday season is all about celebrating with family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! If you're looking for a unique and festive appetizer to serve at your next holiday gathering, Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks are the perfect solution. Combining the creamy goodness of spinach dip with the warm, savory crunch of freshly baked breadsticks, this recipe will be a hit at any Christmas or New Year's party.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Breadsticks:
• 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the Spinach Dip:
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach Dip:
   Mix the Dip: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
   
2. Assemble the Christmas Tree Breadsticks:
   Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x8 inches. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 inch wide.
   Shape the Tree: Arrange the dough strips on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a row of 5 strips at the bottom (the widest part of the tree), followed by 4 strips, then 3, and finally 1 strip at the top to form the tree shape. You can slightly overlap the strips if needed to keep the shape.
   Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the dough strips with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
   Bake the Breadsticks: Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy.
   
3. Add the Spinach Dip:
   Fill the Tree: Once the breadsticks are baked, use a spoon to add the spinach dip in the center of the tree shape, forming the “trunk” and “branches.” You can fill the entire center or leave the edges for serving.
   Garnish: If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the dip before serving.
   
4. Serve:
   Serve Warm: Serve the Christmas tree spinach dip breadsticks warm with extra breadsticks on the side for dipping.

Notes

You can make the spinach dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble the breadsticks.

For a fun touch, you can decorate the top of the tree with small cherry tomatoes or sliced olives to resemble ornaments.

If you prefer a creamier dip, add more sour cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.