Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers: A Festive & Easy Appetizer

Does the thought of making a show-stopping holiday appetizer make you break out in a cold sweat? Yeah, I’ve been there. But what if I told you the most charming, conversation-starting dish on your table this year could be one of the easiest? These Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers are my new go-to for a reason. They combine the creamy, beloved flavor of everyone’s favorite dip with a festive presentation that’s just plain fun. No fussy pastry work, no complicated techniques—just delicious, shareable bites that look like you fussed for hours.

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to love this recipe because it checks every box on a busy host’s wish list. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it the perfect project to tackle with a little helper by your side. The make-ahead potential is huge; you can have your tree prepped and ready on the baking sheet hours before guests arrive. And the presentation? Truly unforgettable. That moment when you carry this gorgeous, cheesy evergreen to the table is a total win. But the best part is the taste. It’s that familiar, so, so comforting flavor of hot spinach artichoke dip, but in a super fun, dippable, and portable format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: The rich, creamy base of our dip.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a wonderful tang and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings everything together and contributes to that golden-brown top.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For that classic, glorious cheese pull.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped: The star of the show, offering a tender, briny bite.
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry: Crucial for the flavor and color without adding wateriness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a dip without a little garlicky punch?
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: An easy way to build a savory foundation.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and color.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.
• 1 (11-ounce) tube of refrigerated soft breadstick dough (8 count): Our simple and brilliant tree “branches.”
• 1-2 cherry tomatoes or 1 roasted red pepper piece: For the perfect little tree topper.
• Optional for serving: Extra marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your canvas for our Christmas tree masterpiece!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Fold in 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese (saving the last 1/4 cup for later), the Parmesan cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed-dry spinach, minced garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
4. Now, unroll the can of breadstick dough. You’ll see it’s pre-scored into 8 strips. Carefully separate them. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the strips to form a Christmas tree shape. Start by placing one strip vertically—this is your tree trunk. Then, arrange the remaining 7 strips in pairs, angling them outward from the trunk to create the tree’s branches. The longest pairs should be at the bottom, with each subsequent pair getting slightly shorter as you move up the trunk.
5. Time to build our tree! Spoon the spinach artichoke mixture onto the breadstick dough, spreading it evenly over all the “branches” and the “trunk,” leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the breadstick dough is a deep golden brown and cooked through, and the cheesy dip is bubbly and hot. The most heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen.
7. Carefully remove the tree from the oven. Immediately add your tree topper—a cherry tomato or a piece of roasted red pepper—pressing it gently into the top of the trunk. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring it to a serving platter with a large spatula.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a wonderfully flexible friend. For a veggie-packed twist, try substituting the spinach with an equal amount of finely chopped cooked kale. If you’re not an artichoke fan, chopped cooked broccoli florets or even sun-dried tomatoes can step in. Don’t have breadstick dough? A tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough will work in a pinch; just press the seams together to form solid branches. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dip mixture. And if you’re looking for a richer flavor, swap the mozzarella for a Italian cheese blend or even some smoked gouda.

Cooking Tips For Perfect Skewers

• The single most important step: squeeze that spinach until it’s absolutely, completely dry. Any excess moisture will make your dip runny.
• Really let your cream cheese soften at room temp. This is the secret to a lump-free, silky smooth dip base.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper! It makes cleanup a dream and ensures your beautiful tree slides right off the pan without losing any cheesy goodness.
• If your breadsticks brown a little too quickly, just lay a small piece of foil loosely over the top for the remainder of the baking time.
• Let the tree rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the dip to set just enough so it’s dippable, not runny, when you serve it.
• Get creative with your “ornaments”! Little dabs of extra pesto, small pieces of roasted pepper, or even a few extra Parmesan shavings can be pressed into the dip before baking for a decorated look.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree is the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday spread. I love serving it right on the baking sheet or a large wooden board to lean into that rustic, festive feel. Place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce or a vibrantly green pesto for dipping right next to it. It pairs perfectly with a platter of fresh, crisp veggies like cucumber slices and carrot sticks for those wanting a lighter option. It’s also fantastic alongside other finger foods like baked meatballs, a cheese board, or some simple roasted asparagus spears. For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine or even a festive sparkling cider for the kids makes the whole spread feel extra special.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend for restoring that crispy bread. Pop individual sections in at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crisp. The oven works great too—place the tree on a parchment-lined sheet and warm at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it will make the breadsticks very soft and chewy. You can also assemble the entire tree on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold-from-the-fridge tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I make this Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree ahead of time?
  A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture up to 2 days in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the tree on the baking sheet just before you’re ready to bake for the best results with the breadstick dough.
• Q: My dip mixture seems a little runny. What did I do wrong?
  A: The most common culprit is not squeezing enough water out of the thawed spinach. Really get in there with your hands or a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until it’s as dry as you can get it. This will fix the issue every time.
• Q: Can I use homemade dough for this Christmas Tree Bread?
  A: Of course! If you have a favorite pizza dough or breadstick recipe, you can certainly use it. Just roll it out into strips similar to the size of the refrigerated dough and proceed with the recipe.
• Q: Is there a way to make individual appetizers instead of one big tree?
  A: For Individual Appetizers, you can use the same dip mixture and create mini trees on smaller skewers or simply bake the dip in a dish and serve it with breadstick pieces or crackers for dipping on the side.