A Festive Share-and-Tear Treat for Holiday Tables
When the holidays roll in and family gatherings start filling up the calendar, it’s often the simple dishes that bring the most joy. In neighborhoods across the Valley, families are dusting off their favorite traditions — from well-worn cookie tins to classic appetizers that always seem to disappear first from the table. This Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadstick “pull-apart” is one of those guaranteed crowd-pleasers: warm, cheesy, and irresistibly shareable.
What makes it especially charming is how something as ordinary as refrigerated pizza dough can transform into a centerpiece that feels festive and homemade. It’s the kind of dish that gets people talking before they’ve even taken a bite, and one that invites everyone — kids, grandparents, and everyone in between — to tear off a branch and enjoy a cozy holiday moment together. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a community gathering, this is an easy win for the season.
⭐ Serves: 10–12 as an appetizer
⭐ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⭐ Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
⭐ Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tree & Filling
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (about 13.8 oz)
For the Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix spinach and softened cream cheese until combined.
- Add garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir well.
- Unroll pizza crust on parchment; roll to a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut from the top center to each bottom corner, creating a large triangle.
- Use the leftover corner pieces to form a second triangle of equal size.
- Spread spinach mixture over this second triangle.
- Place the first triangle on top, forming a filling-sandwiched “tree.”
- Cut 1-inch horizontal slices on both sides, leaving the center intact for the trunk.
- Twist each slice to form branches — 1 twist near the top, 2–3 twists on the lower branches.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush warm breadsticks with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Serve warm and let guests pull off branches.
Nutrition Notes (Approximate per serving)
Calories: ~180–220
Protein: 6–8 g
Calcium: Moderate
Sodium: Moderate to high (consider using garlic powder instead of garlic salt)
Senior-Friendly Tips
• Easier chewing: Bake on the lower rack so the bottom cooks through without becoming too crisp.
• Lower sodium option: Skip garlic salt; reduce Parmesan slightly.
• Caregiver shortcut: Assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate; bake fresh before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with warm marinara, ranch dip, tomato soup, or a simple salad. Also great as part of a holiday appetizer spread.
Editor’s Note
This festive breadstick tree is wonderful for multigenerational gatherings — easy for caregivers to prepare, soft enough for seniors who prefer gentler textures, and impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any holiday table. It also travels well, making it a reliable choice for potlucks and community events.
