Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prep Your Dough
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out one sheet (or half) of pizza dough into a large rectangle (approx. 10×15 inches).
Step 2: Make the Spinach Dip
- In a mixing bowl combine:
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- mozzarella
- parmesan
- spinach
- garlic
- onion powder
- salt & pepper
- Mix until creamy.
- Spread evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer
- Roll out the second sheet (or half) of dough to the same size.
- Lay it gently over the spinach dip to cover completely.
- Press edges lightly to seal.
Step 4: Shape Into a Christmas Tree
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter:
- Cut a large triangle tree shape, removing excess dough from sides.
- (You can bake leftover scraps as mini breadsticks!)
- Inside the triangle, cut horizontal strips on both sides for the branches —
- leave a 1-inch strip in the center uncut for the tree trunk.
- Twist each branch gently 1–2 times.
Step 5: Brush With Garlic Butter
- Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning & salt.
- Brush generously over the entire tree.
- Sprinkle with extra parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake 18–22 minutes until:
- golden
- bubbly
- edges slightly crisp
- center warm and melty
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Add rosemary sprigs as tree “branches” and cherry tomatoes as “ornaments.”
- Serve warm with:
- marinara
- ranch
- extra spinach dip
- garlic butter
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: 2–3 daysFreeze: Best unbaked — freeze shaped tree, then bake from frozen +5 minutes Reheat: 350°F for 8–10 minutes Avoid microwave for best texture
🥄 Variations
Artichoke Spinach Tree: Add chopped artichokes to the filling. Cheesy Jalapeño Tree: Add diced jalapeños + cheddar. Pesto Christmas Tree: Spread pesto under the cheese. Pizza Dip Tree: Use pizza sauce + mozzarella + pepperoni inside. Garlic Herb Cream Tree: Add roasted garlic & herbs to the filling. Bacon Spinach Tree: Mix in crispy bacon bits. Feta & Spinach Greek Tree: Use feta + olives + spinach. Buffalo Chicken Tree: Mix shredded chicken + buffalo sauce + cheese. Ricotta Spinach Tree: Make filling with ricotta for extra creaminess. Mini Trees: Cut small triangles for individual servings.❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough?Yes — it bakes softer but works beautifully. Why did my filling leak?
Filling layer was too thick or dough wasn’t sealed — no worries, it still tastes great. Can I prep it ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hrs before baking. Can I freeze it?
Freeze unbaked tree for best results. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free pizza dough. Do I have to twist the branches?
Twisting looks festive but is optional. Can I add protein?
Yes — cooked sausage or shredded chicken. What brand of dough works best?
Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, or any fresh pizza dough. Why is the bottom soggy?
Use parchment, and avoid overloading filling. Can kids help make this?
Absolutely — shaping the tree is fun for everyone.
