Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree

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Christmas Cheer with a Twist: Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Tree

This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday gatherings! Imagine a luscious, cheesy dip surrounded by flaky puff pastry, shaped like a festive tree—it’s not just food; it’s a centerpiece. Every bite bursts with flavors of spinach, artichokes, and gooey cheese, creating a delightful experience perfect for family dinners, holiday parties, or cozy evenings with friends. Plus, it comes together quickly, making this festive treat as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

"I made this for our Christmas party, and it was an absolute hit! Everyone kept coming back for more. The combination of spinach, artichoke, and cheese in a pull-apart format is simply genius!" – Sarah T., delighted holiday host

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your holiday table, look no further. This pull-apart spinach artichoke dip Christmas tree is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and adaptability. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s cheesy, creamy, and doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it ideal for both kids and adults.
• Quick to Prepare: Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, you can whip this up in under an hour, impressing guests without demanding a whole day in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style encourages sharing, making it a fun interactive dish at your get-togethers, whether they’re big or small.

Preparing Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of creating this festive delight! Here’s a step-by-step overview to guide you through the process:

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Keep all your ingredients at hand to make the process smooth.
2. Mix the Dip: Combine the key ingredients to create a flavorful spinach and artichoke mixture.
3. Layer and Shape: Spread the mixture on the puff pastry, creating a Christmas tree shape.
4. Cut and Twist: Showcase your creativity with the twist method to give it a beautiful tree appearance.
5. Bake: Enjoy the enticing aroma as it bakes, transforming into a golden masterpiece.

What You’ll Need

To craft the perfect Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree, gather:

• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
• ½ cup artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 2 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 sheets puff pastry dough (thawed)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Feel free to swap out the cheeses for your favorites or use fresh spinach if you have some on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking details!

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it generously with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend well until you have a creamy mixture.

3. Add the Cheeses: Gently fold in both the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses into the spinach mixture.

4. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the spinach dip mixture atop it in the shape of a large triangle.

5. Layer More Pastry: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the dip. Carefully cut around the edges of the dip using a pizza cutter or knife. Discard any excess pastry.

6. Cut the Trunk and Slits: At the base of your dough "tree," cut away the bottom strips to create the trunk. Then, cut 1-inch slits on both sides of the tree shape, leaving about 1 inch intact in the center.

7. Twist the Slits: Starting from the bottom, gently twist each slit 1-2 times away from you to create that wonderful pull-apart effect.

8. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish.

9. Bake: Bake for 26-28 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffs up delightfully.

10. Finalize with Butter and Herbs: Once out of the oven, mix the melted butter, garlic salt, and parsley, and brush this mixture all over the top of your Christmas tree.

11. Serve Immediately: Slice and enjoy fresh from the oven!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree can shine both as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger holiday spread. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

• With Dips: Serve alongside marinara or a spicy red pepper dip for everyone to enjoy.
• Accompanied by Drinks: Pair with your favorite holiday beverages, such as festive cocktails or warm apple cider.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Complement it with a selection of cured meats, assorted cheeses, and fresh fruits.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them properly to maintain taste and texture:

• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the wrapped raw unbaked pastry for up to 2 months. Just thaw before baking.
• Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. A quick broil can help you maintain the crispy exterior.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To ensure your Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid Soggy Pastry: Squeeze as much water from the spinach as possible to prevent sogginess in the pastry.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use cream cheese that’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Garnish: Consider garnishing with additional parsley or festive herbs for a pop of color before serving.

Creative Twists

Why not mix things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Add Protein: For a heartier option, mix in some cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits.
• Spicy Spin: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for an extra kick.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or dill to enhance the flavor profile.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and baking takes 26-28 minutes. You’ll have a gorgeous appetizer ready in under an hour!

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the spinach first to remove excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

For a lighter option, consider using phyllo dough for a crispier texture or crescent roll dough if you want something even easier.

This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree will steal the show at your next holiday event, combining festive fun with flavors everyone loves. Enjoy the compliments and the cozy gatherings!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull Apart Christmas Tree

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This festive pull-apart tree blends cheesy spinach and artichoke flavors with flaky puff pastry, creating a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 48 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Dip

• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
• ½ cup artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 2 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

For the Pastry

• 2 sheets puff pastry dough (thawed)
• 1 large egg (beaten) For egg wash
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) For topping
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt For topping
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped) For topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it generously with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend well until you have a creamy mixture.
3. Gently fold in both the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses into the spinach mixture.
4. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the spinach dip mixture atop it in the shape of a large triangle.
5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the dip. Carefully cut around the edges of the dip using a pizza cutter or knife. Discard any excess pastry.
6. At the base of your dough 'tree,' cut away the bottom strips to create the trunk. Then, cut 1-inch slits on both sides of the tree shape, leaving about 1 inch intact in the center.
7. Starting from the bottom, gently twist each slit 1-2 times away from you to create that wonderful pull-apart effect.
8. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish.

Baking

1. Bake for 26-28 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffs up delightfully.
2. Once out of the oven, mix the melted butter, garlic salt, and parsley, and brush this mixture all over the top of your Christmas tree.
3. Slice and enjoy fresh from the oven!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

This dish can shine both as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger holiday spread. Best served with marinara or spicy red pepper dip.

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