How do I know when my Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is done?

The pastry should be puffed, golden brown, and feel firm to the touch. The cheese inside will be melted and bubbly.

Can I make the spinach cheese pinwheels filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking.

What if I don't have puff pastry?

While puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, you could try using crescent roll dough, though the results will be less crisp and more bread-like.

Can I freeze the baked holiday appetizer tree?

Yes, you can freeze the baked tree. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree family favorite

Description

This Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is an easy and festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a savory mixture of spinach and cheese, then shaped into a beautiful Christmas tree.

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets (17.3 oz total) puff pastry, thawed
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed dry spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the spinach mixture, aligning the edges.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree. Start by cutting a triangular shape for the tree, then cut a small rectangle at the bottom for the trunk. You can use the leftover pastry scraps to cut out small star shapes for the top of the tree or small ornaments.
Cut horizontal slits into the sides of the tree shape, about 1 inch apart, leaving the center intact (this will be the ‘trunk’ of the tree).
Carefully twist each strip of puff pastry a few times to create the ‘branches’ of the tree.
Brush the entire puff pastry tree with the beaten egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Ensure your spinach is very well-drained to prevent a soggy pastry.
You can prepare the spinach mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of tree
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 420
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 2
Protein: 10
Cholesterol: 45