Easy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

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This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is the ultimate holiday showstopper! Made with spinach dip and buttery puff pastry sheets, this pull-apart tree bakes golden brown and is perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or family dinners.

If you’re looking for the ultimate puff pastry Christmas tree appetizer, this spinach dip-filled version is going to be a holiday showstopper! Made with simple ingredients and just two sheets of puff pastry, this festive pull-apart tree is buttery, golden brown, and perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or family gatherings.

This recipe is an easy way to transform store-bought puff pastry into a fun, festive centerpiece. The layers of puff pastry get filled with creamy spinach dip, twisted into tree branches, and baked until puffed and golden. When you set this on the table, it disappears in minutes—it’s the perfect holiday appetizer for the busy holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Pastry Recipe

• Festive holiday appetizer – The shape of a Christmas tree makes this the perfect centerpiece for your party spread.
• Buttery puff pastry layers – Store-bought puff pastry makes this easy and foolproof, with no need to make your own homemade puff pastry.
• Creamy filling – The spinach dip is made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the best cheesy flavor.
• Quick prep – Just 20 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes to bake.
• Beginner-friendly – You only need a sharp knife or pizza cutter, a rolling pin, and a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Make a Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Here’s your list of ingredients for this puff pastry Christmas tree recipe. Remember that you can scroll to the full recipe card with all of the measurements a little bit further, too:

• Thawed puff pastry sheets (from your local grocery store, usually found in the frozen section)
• Frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Melted butter
• Optional: egg wash (for a shinier finish)

How to Make This Christmas Tree Pastry Recipe

Here’s exactly how to make this easy puff pastry Christmas tree:

1. Prepare the spinach dip

In a medium mixing bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

2. Roll out the pastry

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the first puff pastry sheet with a rolling pin into a large triangle shape (the shape of a Christmas tree). Place it on your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Add the filling

Spread the spinach dip evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along the edges.

4. Add the second sheet of puff pastry

Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into a matching triangle. Place it on top of the spinach dip layer, pressing lightly. Trim away excess pastry to form a neat Christmas tree shape.

5. Cut and twist the branches

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut horizontal lines along both sides of the triangle, leaving the tree trunk in the center intact. Twist each strip a couple of times to create spiraled tree branches.

6. Brush and bake

Mix melted butter with garlic powder (or use an egg wash) in a small bowl. Brush over the top of the tree with a pastry brush. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Cool and serve

Allow the tree to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to pull apart without burning fingers.

Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This recipe is so easy already, but these tips will help ensure you have the best puff pastry tree:

• Use store-bought puff pastry – It’s the easiest way to get light, flaky pastry without the effort of homemade puff pastry.
• Cut straight lines – Use a pizza wheel or sharp knife for even branches.
• Make it ahead – You can assemble the tree a few hours in advance and refrigerate it covered with plastic wrap, then bake right before serving.
• Serve warm – This is best fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated the next day.

Variations & Sweet Versions of this Easy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

One of the best parts of this recipe is that you can change the filling. Here are some fun ideas:

• Savory options: Try basil pesto, pizza sauce with mozzarella, or a thin layer of garlic butter.
• Sweet puff pastry tree: Fill with Nutella, raspberry jam, or even cinnamon sugar for a puff pastry dessert. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a holiday sweet treat.
• Pull-apart appetizer: Fill with pizza toppings or different cheeses for a fun pull-apart Christmas tree.

More Holiday Appetizers & Christmas Recipes

🎄 Christmas Tree Cheese Platter – A fun, no-cook appetizer that looks just as festive.
💚 Grinch Christmas Pretzels Recipe – Quick no-bake treats for kids and parties.
🍿 White Chocolate Christmas Popcorn (Christmas Crunch) – Salty-sweet and ready in minutes.
🦃 How to Make a Juicy Turkey with a Simple Brine – Holiday main dish that’s always a hit.
🍏 Homemade Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream – Cozy dessert that works for fall and winter.

FAQs About Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Can I make this with homemade puff pastry?
Yes, but it’s much easier to use store-bought puff pastry for consistent results.

What’s the best way to cut the tree?
A pizza cutter is quick and clean, but a sharp knife works too. Be sure to leave the center intact for the tree trunk.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I make this sweet instead of savory?
Definitely! Try a puff pastry Christmas tree dessert with Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or jam for a festive sweet recipe.

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