Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Quick Prep Recipes may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
I started making this puff pastry Christmas tree a few years ago when I wanted a savory showstopper for the holiday table that didn’t require hours in the kitchen, and it has been one of the most talked-about appetizers at every gathering since. The flaky layers, melty cheese, and that irresistible cheese pull make it feel festive and fun, and the fact that it comes together with minimal ingredients makes it one of my favorite easy Christmas appetizers to pull out every season.
Our holiday spread always includes plenty of festive sweets like 3-ingredient fudge, saltine toffee, and reindeer chocolate bark, but this cheesy Christmas tree puff pastry is the savory centerpiece that ties it all together. It’s great for a crowd, easy to slice and share, and the cheese pull alone is enough to get everyone gathered around the table.
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! 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.
Ingredient Notes
- 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.
- Puff pastry: I use store-bought frozen puff pastry to keep things quick and easy, but you can also use homemade if preferred.
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.
- Mix the spinach dip.
- Preheat the oven and prep your pan.
- Layer the dip between two puff pastry triangles.
- Cut and twist the sides into branches.
- Brush with garlic butter and bake until golden and puffed.
- Cool for 5 minutes and serve.
Expert Tips
- Cold sheets are easier to cut, twist, and bake into perfect, flaky layers.
- Over-twisting can break the branches. Aim for 2 to 3 turns per branch for maximum puff and definition.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or chopped herbs between pastry layers for extra flavor.
- Assemble the tree ahead 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, charcuterie, or a treat like maple Brussels sprouts with bacon to create a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer spread. We love serving this alongside a Christmas tree cheese platter.
More Easy Holiday Appetizers To Try
- Pineapple cheese ball
- Caprese skewers
- Cranberry brie bites
- Mini sweet potato appetizer
- Smoked salmon dip
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.
