This festive Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect holiday appetizer warm, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy. Each bite-sized piece is stuffed with a creamy spinach–artichoke filling, baked until beautifully golden, and arranged into a charming Christmas tree that steals the spotlight at any gathering. Simple to assemble yet show-stopping on the table, it’s a holiday must-make.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, artichokes, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined. - Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. - Cut Into Shapes
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut festive pieces from the dough. - Fill the Dough
Spoon a small amount of the spinach–artichoke filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold and pinch the edges to fully seal. - Shape the Christmas Tree
Arrange the filled dough bundles on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree pattern. - Brush & Bake
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. - Finish & Serve
Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Variation
- Add a Spicy Kick
Mix a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the filling for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess. It adds a festive zing without overwhelming the delicate flavors. - Swap the Cheeses
Try fontina, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Each cheese melts differently, adding its own personality creamy, smoky, or spicy. - Use Pizza Dough Instead
If you prefer a lighter, airier texture, use refrigerated pizza dough. It’s easy to work with and creates a beautifully tender bite. - Herb-Infused Butter Finish
Brush baked pieces with melted butter mixed with garlic and fresh herbs for an extra aromatic finishing touch.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Dough
Too much filling can make the pieces burst open during baking. A small spoonful is plenty for perfectly sealed pockets. - Keep the Dough Chilled
Slightly chilled dough is easier to cut and shape. If it becomes too warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. - Check for Even Browning
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through to ensure the tree bakes evenly and doesn’t overbrown on one side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Festive Dip
Serve alongside warm marinara, pesto, or a roasted red pepper sauce. Each dip brings a different flavor dimension, perfect for party grazing. - Make It a Centerpiece
Place the pull-apart tree in the center of your holiday table and decorate with cherry tomatoes or olives to mimic ornaments. - Serve with a Holiday Salad
A bright, citrusy winter salad complements the rich, creamy bread and makes the spread feel balanced and complete.
Tips
- Seal Tightly for Best Results
Pinching the dough firmly ensures the filling stays inside, giving you those perfect cheesy bites. - Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup
The melted cheese can get messy parchment paper ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless. - Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving
Cooling for a few minutes helps the cheese set just enough so the pieces pull apart cleanly.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 10–12 g
- Sodium: Approx. 480–550 mg (varies by cheese and dough brand)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes assemble the filled dough pieces, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Add the egg wash right before baking. - Can I freeze the finished pull-apart bread?
Yes! Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. - Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?
You can, but be sure to squeeze out all excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling. - What can I use if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
A knife works perfectly simply cut small squares and fold them into little pockets.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is a festive, fun, and delicious holiday appetizer that brings warmth and flair to any celebration. With its creamy filling, golden dough, and charming presentation, it’s sure to become a beloved seasonal tradition. Enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite!
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Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Christmas Tree Pull Apart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect holiday appetizer warm, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy. Each bite-sized piece is stuffed with a creamy spinach–artichoke filling, baked until beautifully golden, and arranged into a charming Christmas tree that steals the spotlight at any gathering. Simple to assemble yet show-stopping on the table, it’s a holiday must-make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, artichokes, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined. - Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. - Cut Into Shapes
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut festive pieces from the dough. - Fill the Dough
Spoon a small amount of the spinach–artichoke filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold and pinch the edges to fully seal. - Shape the Christmas Tree
Arrange the filled dough bundles on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree pattern. - Brush & Bake
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. - Finish & Serve
Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Dough
Too much filling can make the pieces burst open during baking. A small spoonful is plenty for perfectly sealed pockets. - Keep the Dough Chilled
Slightly chilled dough is easier to cut and shape. If it becomes too warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. - Check for Even Browning
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through to ensure the tree bakes evenly and doesn’t overbrown on one side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipe
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~480–550 mg
- Fat: ~18–20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~9–10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7–8 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~26–30 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~10–12 g
- Cholesterol: ~55–70 mg
Keywords: Christmas tree appetizer, pull apart bread, spinach artichoke bread, holiday party food, cheesy appetizer