If you’re hunting for a festive, delicious, and downright charming appetizer this holiday season, the Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe will surely steal the show. This beautiful puff pastry treat is not only a feast for the eyes but also a savory blend of spinach, tangy feta, and gooey mozzarella that melts just right. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, it offers a playful twist on classic flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe. Trust me, this recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need to make this Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the flaky puff pastry creating that stunning tree shape, or the cheesy filling that packs every bite with Mediterranean goodness.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The golden, flaky base that transforms the dish into a festive centerpiece.
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, earthy flavor while keeping the filling moist.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty punch that perfectly balances the mild spinach.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy texture inside the bread.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Delivers a gentle aromatic boost without overpowering.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust you won’t be able to resist.
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note, making the flavors more complex.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides just the right hint of spice in the filling.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the filling luscious and ties the ingredients together.
- Marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping (optional): Perfect finishing touch to complement the bread’s rich flavors.
How to Make Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked, squeezed-dry spinach with crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and black pepper. This blend is where the magic happens—each ingredient perfectly contributes to the creamy, flavorful filling.
Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into a large triangle that will form the base of your Christmas tree. Set this triangle on your prepared baking sheet. The triangle shape is key because it gives you that classic pine tree silhouette that’s so festive and inviting.
Step 3: Assemble the Tree Layers
Spread the savory spinach and feta filling evenly across the triangle, leaving about a half-inch border all around to seal everything in. Then, take a second triangle cut from leftover pastry scraps and gently place it over the filling so the edges line up perfectly. This creates the “sandwich” effect that keeps the filling snug inside as it bakes.
Step 4: Create the Branches
Carefully use a sharp knife to slice horizontal strips on both sides of the triangle, making “branches” by cutting from the edge toward the center but stopping short so the middle remains intact. Gently twist each strip away from the center to reveal the cheesy spinach filling inside. This step brings the Christmas tree to life and makes for gorgeous presentation.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the entire puff pastry tree with the beaten egg wash to encourage a glossy, golden finish once baked. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is puffed up and beautifully golden. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered at the oven, eagerly awaiting the first warm slice.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of festivity, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the baked bread. These simple garnishes not only add pops of color but also infuse freshness and a little zing that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This spinach feta bread pairs wonderfully with light sides like crisp garden salads or a bowl of your favorite soup. Creamy tomato bisque or chilled tzatziki dip especially complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors and add layers to your holiday table.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring this Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe to the next level by serving it on a large wooden board surrounded by cherry tomatoes, olives, and slices of cucumber for a full festive platter. You could also place festive picks on each branch twist for easy grab-and-go bites at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked assembled bread by wrapping it well and keeping it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat the bread in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the frozen spinach is completely thawed and squeezed dry to avoid soggy pastry. This will keep the filling flavorful and the bread perfectly crispy.
Is it possible to make this bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the feta and mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheeses and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or olive oil brush to achieve a similar golden finish.
What can I use as a dip if I don’t like marinara?
Tzatziki is a fantastic alternative, but you can also try hummus, a creamy ranch, or even a garlic aioli. These dips complement the flavors beautifully and add extra indulgence.
How far ahead can I prepare this bread before baking?
Assembling the bread a few hours before baking is fine as long as you keep it covered in the refrigerator. For best puff and texture, bake it within 24 hours of assembly.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley to put your own spin on this festive favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines simplicity, fun, and irresistible flavor. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to impress friends with something unique and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your personal touches—this will become a treasured tradition on your festive table, just like it is in mine!
Print
Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe is a festive, visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring layers of flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of cooked spinach, feta, mozzarella, and aromatic spices, it’s both savory and satisfying. The pastry is shaped and twisted to resemble a Christmas tree, making it an eye-catching centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with marinara or tzatziki dips.
Ingredients
For the Spinach Feta Filling
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional for Serving
- Marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned filling.
- Shape the pastry base: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a large triangle shape, which will serve as the Christmas tree base. Transfer this triangle onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the filling: Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the triangle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to seal later.
- Top with second pastry layer: Cut a second triangle from leftover puff pastry scraps to match the size of the base. Place this triangle carefully over the filling, aligning edges with the base triangle.
- Create branches: Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact to mimic the trunk of a Christmas tree. Twist each strip gently away from the center, revealing the filling and creating a branch effect.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the entire surface of the tree with beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and a beautiful golden brown color.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the festive bread warm with marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach; just ensure it’s fully thawed and well-drained to avoid soggy pastry.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- This bread works wonderfully as a festive appetizer or an eye-catching holiday centerpiece.
