Dinner

Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Recipe

ByRita Bennet December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft bread dough filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture makes sharing easy and fun. Impress your guests with both taste and presentation!

A golden brown, baked pastry shaped like a Christmas tree with multiple twisted layers filled with green spinach and white cheese, the layers are separated by the twists showing the creamy filling inside. The pastry is sprinkled lightly with a golden, crispy topping, and sits on a round wooden board decorated with small green pine branches. A small white bowl filled with a creamy white and green herb dip is placed near the top left of the board. The background features a soft, white marbled texture with warm, blurry string lights glowing gently, giving a cozy festive feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (for egg wash)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the filling.
Step 3: Divide the thawed dough into 32 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center, and pinch the dough closed to form a ball.
Step 4: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Step 5: Beat the egg and brush it all over the arranged dough balls to create a golden crust.
Step 6: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Remove the pull-apart bread from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 8: Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.
Use frozen or fresh spinach depending on what you have available; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen.

Swap the Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Try adding a few sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover pull-apart bread covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

How to Serve

A baked pastry shaped like a Christmas tree with about three visible layers, each layer showing a golden-brown crust on the outside and a green, spinach and cheese filling inside; the layers are twisted to reveal the filling in a leaf-like pattern, with the top layer showing a lightly browned, slightly crispy texture sprinkled with grated cheese; it is placed on a round wooden board, surrounded by small green herb sprigs, and has a small white bowl of creamy green herb dip on the side; the background is a white marbled texture with soft, blurred warm lights. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh bread dough works just as well. Just make sure it’s slightly chilled to make handling easier when filling and shaping the balls.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes it convenient for party prep.