Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
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Be holiday-ready in an instant with this puff pastry Christmas tree. It has everything you want in a crowd-favorite appetizer: flaky, cheesy, and mind-blowingly tasty. Make this the centerpiece of your Christmas spread and you’re guaranteed to get holiday hero status!
While we can’t get enough of festive sweets like fudge, saltine toffee, and reindeer chocolate bark, it’s nice to also make room for savory treats. A puff pastry Christmas tree is hands down our favorite! It’s easy to make and looks gorgeous on any holiday table. Plus, it’s great for a crowd, and the cheese pull adds to the merriment of it all.
How to Make a Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Pull-apart bread is one of our favorite snacks, and this holiday version is also a winner! It’s a bread and dip in one, and takes just 50 minutes to make from start to finish, including baking time. With easy prep and easy ingredients, you get a festive appetizer that looks like it came right out of a Pinterest board.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
For the spinach dip:
- Spinach: I use frozen for convenience, but you can use fresh if preferred.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Use freshly-shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: We will use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper for this recipe.
For the Christmas tree:
- Puff pastry: I use store-bought frozen puff pastry to keep things quick and easy, but you can also use homemade if preferred.
- Butter
- Garlic powder
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making a puff pastry Christmas tree is easier than you think. Once you have the spinach dip down, it’s a matter of creating a Christmas tree shape out of the puff pastry. Fill it with the dip, and it’s ready to bake. Follow the instructions below for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Make the spinach dip
In a medium bowl, stir together all the spinach dip ingredients until fully combined.
Step 2: Prepare the pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into a large triangle. Place it on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Assemble the tree
Spread the spinach dip evenly over the triangle. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet, cut it into another triangle, and lay it on top. Trim edges to match.
Step 4: Create branches
Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact for the trunk. Twist each strip a few times to form the branches.
Step 5: Brush with butter
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the pastry.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Keep the puff pastry cold: Cold sheets are easier to cut, twist, and bake into perfect, flaky layers.
- Twist gently: Over-twisting can break the branches. Aim for 2 to 3 turns per branch for maximum puff and definition.
- Try flavor variations: Add cooked and crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or chopped herbs between pastry layers for extra flavor.
- Prep ahead. Assemble the tree and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake; just bake straight from chilled for best results.
How to Store This Recipe
If anything remains after serving, store leftover baked pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day; they’re best enjoyed fresh and flaky. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat in a 350 F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back crispiness.
You can also freeze unbaked assembled trees for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Puff pastry Christmas tree is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as an appetizer before Christmas dinner. Serve warm for the best texture and gooey cheese pull. Arrange on a festive platter as a centerpiece for an instant Christmas table highlight. For a fun touch, sprinkle herbs or finely grated Parmesan over the top just before serving.
Add a side of fresh veggies, olives, or charcuterie to create a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer spread. We love serving this alongside a Christmas tree cheese platter.
More Easy Holiday Appetizers To Try
Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
Ingredients
For the Spinach Dip:
- 1 package frozen spinach chopped, thawed and drained
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Christmas Tree:
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together all the spinach dip ingredients until fully combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into a large triangle. Place it on the baking sheet.
- Spread the spinach dip evenly over the triangle. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet, cut it into another triangle, and lay it on top. Trim edges to match.
- Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact for the trunk. Twist each strip a few times to form the branches.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the pastry.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold so it’s easier to cut, twist, and bake into light, flaky layers.
- Twist each branch gently, aiming for 2 to 3 turns so they keep their shape without breaking.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or chopped herbs between the layers for extra flavor.
- Assemble the tree ahead of time and refrigerate it until baking; bake straight from chilled for the best results.
