Learn how to make spinach dip with this easy-to-follow recipe. We’re making a crispy puff pastry appetizer shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with spinach artichoke filling and lots of cheese. You choose whether to make 1 large tree or use the extra dough to make a set of spinach roll-ups!
This beautiful spinach dip Christmas tree may look complex and slightly complicated but I assure you, it’s not! It is just as easy as this Strawberry Puff Pastry Dessert shaped as a Snowflake or this Candy Cane Cherry Cheese Danish.
It’s such a unique way to present a classic spinach dip recipe and everyone will love the festive twist!
It’s made with 2 layers of puff pastry dough cut into a Christmas tree shape, filled with spinach and artichoke dip, then baked until the pastry is light, buttery, flaky, and golden. Then, each one of the branches can be pulled off and used as its own stuffed bread stick.
This spinach dip Christmas tree is delicious, easy to make, and so much fun to eat!
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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
- Dry your spinach well: You want every bite crispy and flaky, so squeeze out any extra moisture before mixing it into the cheesy filling.
- Keep the puff pastry chilled: Cold pastry makes for beautifully golden, flaky layers—don’t let it sit out too long before assembling.
- Mix up the cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to try cheddar, Gruyère, or a combo for extra flavor.
- Assemble ahead of time: You can put the tree together a few hours before your party and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Decorate for fun: Little cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or olives make cute “ornaments” around the base of your tree—perfect for festive presentation!
- Serve warm: This appetizer is best when it’s fresh out of the oven, so everyone can enjoy the cheesy, gooey goodness.
Recipe Ingredients
- Puff pastry: You’ll just need 1 package. It comes with 2 sheets, but you only need 1 large one for the tree. You’ll find this in the freezer section of your grocery store. Bring them out to thaw about 40 minutes before you’re ready to use them.
- Spinach: Use frozen spinach for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it, drain it, and squeeze out as much water as you can.
- Cream cheese: I always recommend using cream cheese from a block rather than the spreadable kind. It isn’t as runny because it doesn’t contain as much water.
- Artichoke hearts: These can come marinated in water or oil. Use whichever you prefer.
- Garlic: Finely chopped garlic always adds so much flavor to this dip. Don’t skip it!
- Jalapeno: I like a little kick in my spinach dip, so a chopped jalapeno is a must for me. If it’s not your thing, you can totally skip it.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are what make this creamy dip nice and cheesy!
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
- Egg wash: A combination of egg and water brushed overtop the pastry will give it that golden brown, sheen. A polished look for a beautiful presentation!
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
Steps for the Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
Step 1: To a large mixing bowl, add the chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, and jalapeno. Then, add the drained and squeezed spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Season to taste with Parmesan cheese and mix everything together using a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Take one sheet of the thawed puff pastry sheet and lay it down onto a greased parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the dough into a big triangle shape. You’ll notice you have two smaller triangles that are now detached pieces of dough. You will use them for the top layer.
Step 3: Spread an even layer of half of the dip mixture across the surface of the large triangle. Take the other two smaller triangles and place them on top. They should come together to form the top triangle. Pinch the seams together down the middle so they are once again attached.
Step 4: Use a pizza cutter to cut strips along the sides of the Christmas tree (like branches!). Twist each strip two times so that they stay twisted as they bake.
Step 5: Brush the pastry dough with egg wash and then bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 20-22 minutes until golden and flaky. Enjoy!
How to Make Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
If you’ve thawed both sheets and you want to go the extra mile, these roll-ups are a great addition to the spinach dip Christmas tree platter. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Add the second puff pastry sheet to a clean greased parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the other half of the dip mixture over the dough.
Step 2: Roll it up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut ½ inch rolls across the length of the roll.
Step 3: Arrange the pastry rolls on a baking sheet. Brush them with egg wash and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley if desired, and enjoy!
For a different topping, you can brush the pastry with melted herb and garlic butter and an extra sprinkling of Parmesan.
Recipe FAQs
What if I don’t have puff pastry, what else can I use?
You can substitute the puff pastry for pizza dough. It won’t have the same flaky layers, but it will be soft and fluffy, so it works too!
Can I use a different filling?
By all means! Make a festive puff pastry tree filled with whatever your favorite thick and creamy dip is! Another one you could try is a buffalo chicken dip.
Can I make a spinach dip Christmas tree ahead of time?
Although I wouldn’t assemble it too far in advance for fear of it getting soggy, you can definitely mix the dip ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
More Easy Holiday Recipes
- Instant Pot Christmas Pot Roast
- Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
- Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Creamed Mushrooms
- Cinnamon Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting – Gooey Pull-Apart Dessert
- Juicy Garlic Shrimp – shaped as a Christmas Wreath
- Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
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📖 Recipe
How to Make Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 1 pkg puff pastry thawed for about 40 minutes
- 10 oz frozen spinach thawed & drained
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 5-7 artichoke hearts chopped
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 400F, line baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with oil (I used olive or avocado oil).After, finely chop 5 artichoke hearts, 1 garlic clove and 1 jalapeno. Then add them into a mixing bowl.
- Into the same bowl add 10 oz. frozen spinach (thawed & drained very well, it makes about ½ cup, packed), 4 oz. cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper, to taste. Mix well with a spoon.
- Next, place puff pastry down onto a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper. Cut dough into a big triangle (use other two triangle for the top). Then evenly spread half of spinach dip mixture, using other two triangles - place them on top of the spinach dip, pinching the middle to combine two puff pastry sheets into one big triangle.
- Using pizza cutter, cut strips on the sides of the Christmas tree, then twist them two times.
- After, using a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush egg wash over pastry, then bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden color (if it browns too fast, place a foil paper over the top, it will continue the baking process without burning the top).
To Make Spinach Dip Roll Up
- To Make Spinach Dip Roll Up, place second puff pastry sheet on a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper.
- Evenly spread spinach dip mixture over the dough. Then roll it up and cut into ½ inch rolls.
- Arrange spinach dip roll ups on a baking sheet, brush egg wash over the top and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden color. Garnish with finely chopped greens like parsley, over the top (this step is 100% optional). Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Squeeze that spinach: Make sure your spinach is nice and dry—nobody wants a soggy tree!
- Keep your pastry cold: Puff pastry works best when it’s chilled until assembly, so it stays flaky and golden.
- Cheese swaps welcome: Feeling adventurous? Try cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of your favorites.
- Make-ahead magic: You can assemble the tree a few hours in advance and pop it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Get festive: Add little cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers around the base for a fun “ornament” look—kids (and adults) will love it!
Nutrition
Quote of the Day!
Happy Cooking!
Bridgette
After i take it out of the over can I brush butter over the puff pastry or would that be overkill on top of the egg wash? Thanks
Munchkin Time
Great question, Bridgette! If you like butter I don't see why not.
Lisa
Can you get this ready the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day?
Munchkin Time
Hi Lisa. I haven't made it a day before, not sure if it will turn out. Maybe you can make the spinach dip ahead then assemble and bake next day... that's what I would do. Hope this helps!
Laura
So does the entire recipe serve 6, or just 1 tree or one spinach roll up?
Munchkin Time
Great question Laura! It serves around 6 people if used as an appetizer. Hope this helps.
Beulah
These taste as good as they look! Easy to make. I made two rolls of roll ups. I'd say put the rolls in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. I made 1 inch slices and brushed egg wash on top and up sides so the puff pastry would brown nicely all round.
Munchkin Time
Thank you Beulah! Thank you for sharing these awesome tips.
Jennifer Long
This was delicious and super easy to make! I only made the tree and saved the extra filling to snack on.