Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Chef Josie
Make your holiday table shine with this Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe, a warm, pull-apart bread filled with creamy spinach and gooey cheese. Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious; a perfect centerpiece for your holiday spread.
This cheesy breadstick-style appetizer combines soft crescent dough, garlicky spinach dip, and melted mozzarella, baked into a golden, festive masterpiece. It’s one of the most loved Christmas finger foods because it’s simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly festive. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or a cozy Christmas brunch, this savory tree is guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
A festive spinach and cheese pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree. Made with crescent dough, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
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2 cans crescent roll dough
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1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
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1 cup mozzarella
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½ cup cream cheese
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¼ cup Parmesan
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp pepper
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1 egg for brushing
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix spinach, cheeses, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Spread filling over dough triangle; top with second sheet.
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Cut and twist branches into tree shape.
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Brush with egg and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
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Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Drain spinach well to avoid sogginess.
Use puff pastry for a flakier version.
Assemble ahead and bake fresh for parties.
Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Party Food
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 260 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe
- Festive and fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree; perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Quick and simple: Made with store-bought crescent roll dough for convenience.
- Cheesy goodness: Loaded with spinach, garlic, and melty mozzarella.
- Crowd favorite: A pull-apart bread everyone will love.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the tree, refrigerate, and bake before guests arrive.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional garnish: rosemary sprigs, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the tree:
- Unroll one crescent sheet on parchment paper. Shape it into a large triangle (tree shape).
- Spread spinach mixture evenly over the triangle.
- Place second sheet of dough on top and trim to match.
- Create branches: Cut slits along both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip gently to form branches.
- Brush and bake: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly and garnish with rosemary sprigs to resemble tree branches. Serve warm.
Notes and Top Tips
- Drain spinach well; squeeze out all excess moisture for a crisp bake.
- For extra cheesiness, add shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slits along the dough.
- Make ahead: Assemble the tree, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve your Spinach Christmas Tree Appetizer on a large platter with a small bowl of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping. It makes a stunning addition to any Christmas buffet or holiday party appetizer spread.
Variations:
- Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree: Double the cheese and top with a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Spinach Dip Crescent Roll Christmas Tree: Use crescent roll triangles instead of sheets.
- Garlic Herb Tree: Add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the butter before brushing.
- Sweet Version: Skip the spinach and fill with Nutella or cream cheese and jam for dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes until crispy again.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked tree flat; bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh for serving.
Why You’ll Make It Again
This Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe combines festive looks with unbeatable flavor. It’s warm, cheesy, and perfectly shareable; everything you want in holiday party appetizers or Christmas brunch dishes. The flaky dough, creamy spinach filling, and cheesy pull-apart texture make it an instant crowd favorite that looks far more impressive than the effort required.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to comment and check out more Christmas party food ideas and holiday appetizers easy on the blog!
FAQs
1. Can I make this appetizer the day before?
Yes, assemble the tree, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving for the best results.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry gives a flakier texture and works beautifully with spinach filling.
3. How do I keep the dough from sticking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and work quickly with chilled dough.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
It already is! Just ensure your cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
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