Name: Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup spinach, chopped (Fresh or frozen, thawed and drained); 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (Canned or frozen, drained); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 package puff pastry sheets (Thawed); 1 egg egg, beaten (For egg wash)

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree*! This festive delight is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Imagine your friends and family gathering around a beautifully shaped Christmas tree made entirely of creamy spinach artichoke dip – it’s a sight that’s sure to light up the room! This recipe is so easy to whip up, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing, making it the ideal appetizer for holiday parties and celebrations. Trust me, when you bring this dish out, everyone’s going to want a piece of that delicious, cheesy goodness. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get this spinach artichoke Christmas tree on the table!

Ingredients List

Gather these ingredients to create your festive spinach artichoke Christmas tree. Make sure to follow the preparation notes for each item to ensure your dip turns out perfect!

1 cup spinach, chopped: You can use fresh spinach or frozen spinach that’s been thawed and drained well to remove excess moisture.
1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped: Opt for canned or frozen artichoke hearts, making sure they’re drained before use.
1 cup cream cheese, softened: This helps create a creamy base for your dip; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dip; no need for any special prep here!
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Shred it yourself for the best melt, or use pre-shredded if you’re short on time.
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated is ideal, but store-bought works in a pinch.
1 package puff pastry sheets: Make sure they’re thawed before rolling out. This is what gives your tree its flaky and delicious base.
1 egg, beaten: This will be used for the egg wash to give your pastry that lovely golden color when baked.

How to Prepare the Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your spinach artichoke Christmas tree bakes evenly and comes out golden brown and delicious. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture

Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. I like to use a sturdy spoon or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. You want all those flavors to meld together beautifully, so don’t rush this step. Just keep stirring until it’s well combined, and then set it aside for a moment while we work on the pastry.

Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry

Grab your thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. You want to get it nice and smooth, about 1/4 inch thick. Next, it’s time to cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree! I usually start by cutting a triangle for the tree body and then adding smaller triangles for the branches. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little rustic charm adds to the holiday spirit! Just be sure to handle the pastry gently, as it can be a bit delicate.

Step 4: Assemble the Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree

Now for the fun assembly part! Place your pastry tree shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this makes cleanup a breeze!). Spread the creamy spinach artichoke mixture generously over the pastry, making sure to leave a little space at the edges for the egg wash. Speaking of which, take your beaten egg and brush it along the edges of the pastry. This will give your tree that beautiful golden color when it bakes. You might even want to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for good measure!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Finally, pop your assembled spinach artichoke Christmas tree into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s done when the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spinach artichoke Christmas tree is not just another holiday dish; it’s a delightful centerpiece that brings joy to any gathering! Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Festive Presentation: Its adorable tree shape adds a touch of whimsy to your holiday table, making it a conversation starter.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Deliciously Creamy: The combination of spinach, artichokes, and cheeses creates a rich, creamy dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dip is sure to impress. Trust me, it won’t last long on the table!

So, gather your loved ones and get ready to enjoy this festive treat together!

Tips for Success

To make your spinach artichoke Christmas tree even more delightful, here are some pro tips that I swear by:

Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding some minced garlic or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. You can also swap the mozzarella for gouda or cheddar for a different twist!
Keep the Pastry Crisp: To ensure your puff pastry stays flaky and doesn’t get soggy, be sure to drain the spinach and artichokes well. Too much moisture can ruin that perfect crispiness!
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
Egg Wash Tips: For an even more golden finish, add a pinch of salt and a dash of water to the beaten egg before brushing it on the pastry.

These little tricks will elevate your dish and make it even more memorable at your holiday gatherings!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying our spinach artichoke Christmas tree, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving, so you can keep track while still savoring this festive treat:

Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 400mg
Potassium: 200mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Calcium: 250mg
Iron: 1mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and proportions used. Enjoy this delicious appetizer without guilt, knowing it’s not only festive but also packed with flavor!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the spinach artichoke Christmas tree? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that might pop up as you prepare this festive delight:

Can I make this spinach artichoke Christmas tree ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it super convenient for holiday gatherings!
What can I serve with this dip? This creamy spinach artichoke dip is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with an array of dippers like fresh veggies, crackers, or even toasted baguette slices. Everyone will love it!
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier? Sure! You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to lighten it up a bit. Additionally, adding more spinach can increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze the spinach artichoke dip? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dip before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as directed when you’re ready to enjoy it!

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident as you whip up this delightful holiday appetizer. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your stunning spinach artichoke Christmas tree, the options are endless! This delightful dip pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance both flavor and presentation. Here are a few ideas to elevate your holiday spread:

Fresh Vegetables: Serve with a colorful assortment of crunchy veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip.
Crackers and Bread: Offer a selection of your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices for those who love a little crunch. They make perfect dippers!
Cheese Platter: Create a festive cheese board alongside your Christmas tree. Pair it with cheeses like brie, gouda, or cheddar to complement the flavors of the dip.
Fruit Pairings: Add some sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of the spinach artichoke dip.

With these delicious additions, your guests will be in for a festive treat that makes the holiday gathering even more special! For more festive ideas, check out our Pinterest page.