Introduction

This Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of creamy spinach filling wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry create a show-stopping centerpiece that’s easy to share and enjoy.

A golden brown pastry shaped like a Christmas tree sits on a wooden board, with several twisted sections along the sides revealing green spinach and creamy filling inside, giving a layered look of crispy flaky dough and soft inner filling; the pastry has a slightly uneven but crispy texture on top, sprinkled with some seasoning. Around the edges are green rosemary sprigs placed on the board, and a green textured cloth is partly visible in the background, all on a white marbled surface with a white round plate partly visible at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into a large triangle. Transfer this triangle onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and cut another large triangle to match the first. Place this second triangle on top of the filling and trim the edges so both layers are the same size.
Step 6: Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts on both sides of the triangle’s center, leaving an uncut strip down the middle to form the trunk. Twist each cut strip gently to resemble branches.
Step 7: Mix the melted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, then brush this mixture all over the puff pastry for a flavorful golden finish.
Step 8: Bake the tree in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve warm, pull off a branch, and enjoy this festive, shareable treat!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the spinach mixture.
Try swapping mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina cheese for a richer taste.
If you want a vegetarian version, ensure the puff pastry does not contain animal fats.
Use a sharp knife and steady hand when twisting the branches to avoid tearing the pastry.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispness of the puff pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with two folded sheets of pale yellow dough on the upper left side, each wrapped with white parchment paper peeking out from the ends. Below on the left, a white plate holds a large block of creamy white cheese with a soft texture. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with dark green cooked spinach, chopped into pieces. Above it are two small white bowls, one filled with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese and the other with shredded light yellow cheese. Nearby, two small white dishes contain fine pale brown powders, likely seasonings. A small white bowl holds two light yellow pats of butter. In the top right corner, two white containers for salt and pepper sit side by side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just blanch it briefly, drain well, and squeeze out excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy filling.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

It can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated before baking. For best puffiness, bake just before serving.